Painting plastic what kind of paint

I am looking to do the exact same thing. Any updates? Sadly, my work went down the drain…. Hello, I have bought myself a couple PVC Mannequin heads for my hats and I would like to paint them but not sure what paints are suitable and would I need to prime them first. Someone suggested Rustoleum Plastic primer spray and then use acrylic paint but am worried incase I ruin them. What would you suggest? A plastic primer is perfect and after that acrylic paints will work great ;.

Aloha, i like to create gifts with beads, vintage jewelry , decopauge, all types of embellishments on everything. I like to protect and shine the beads and jewelry.

I have used clear top coat nail polish for the look I want. Any ideas. Also sometimes the sprays turn whitish. I just want a nice clear glossy look. You may be better off speaking with an expert at a hobby shop.

Was looking to paint a Big blue trashcan at the Ronald McDonald House, I want to add some art to it so it would be more inviting for our Pop Tab collections.

This can stays indoors but I would hate for the paint to chop off easily. What paint do you suggest I use for this? Hi Kattie : You can use any multi-surface acrylic paint. Just be sure the surface is clean and dry before you begin. Hi Amanda, I need to paint on clear plastic jars and plastic terra cotta like containers. What paint do you recommend for full coverage on the these especially not to be able see through the clear jars.

My daughter is doing a mural with plastic bottle caps. Which kind of paint do you recommend we use? Thank you. A multi-surface paint is your best bet, use multiple thin coats.

What type of paint should I use? Hi Polly. In the article please look for the section called Product Tips. Will painted plastic withstand the motion of feet from someone sitting in a computer chair with a painted plastic base?

I am not sure if it would. It may for a while with a few coats of sealer, but it may need to be touched up over time. What kind of sealer would you recommend?

I would be brushing the paint on. But I was thinking a spray for the sealer. Hi Erin. So, Gay I was thinking about your dilemma — are you wanting to paint one of those ugly plastic carpet protectors that the desk chairs roll on? Hope this helps! The plastic chair mat will flex and have too much pressure on the surface to use contact paper or paint, even with sealer, especially if it is on carpet.

Be sure to clean well and dry before painting. The most curing will happen soon, but paint can become harder and tougher over time. The idea is that the baby likes the look of this set-up you can see why!

The idea is NOT that the baby ever gets hold of it — you remove it before that happens. Also, you only have this available to the baby if an adult is nearby. Any tips for painting on this kind of plastic pacifiers?

Sandpaper versus liquid sander, spray paint versus brush, brush type, sealant? In this particular situation the paint does not need to last for a truly long time.

So just use the handle end of a paint brush, dip it in the paint and add polka dots to the plastic. Use a couple coats of sealer over it. Thank you! If you can be more specific about your surface I can answer the question.

Usually no, just follow the prep instructions in the article. Thanks for you generosity of information. I found your site while researching the possibility of repainting a plastic bubble fountain. But alas, it needs repainting because the cats licked the paint off. In my experience a spray paint is your best bet, at least for the first coat. After the initial coat you could decorate with a multi surface acrylic.

Helping my friend redo a plastic carousel horse and we need to repaint it. It will be very hard to do with a spray can, what do you suggest for us to use. Any multi surface acrylic should be linked in this article should work. Just make sure you prep the surface and use good paint brushes. Hi Amanda! I had some problems getting my acrylic craft paint adhering to the plastic container I was painting.

Then I mod podged it only to realize if you touch it before it dries, it comes right off! There are several mentioned and linked in the post. Good luck with your project!

Fabric paint is not formulated in the same way that multi-surface or plastic paint is. The safer bet is to get the appropriate paint for that surface.

Hi Amanda!! For fathers day I bought a plastic platter spray painted it white and then decorated with acrylic paint then sealed it with acrylic sealer I was just wondering will this be food safe or not?? Hi Tamara. Most paint companies are making non-toxic paint these days, however the process of being approved for food safety is expensive so most of them do not go through the process.

Therefore they cannot be deemed food safe even if they may be. Safest bet is to get a clear Melamine or acrylic platter to place over the top of it. Have you ever heard of painting on eyeglasses? I have a few spares and wanted to spruce them up. I thought they would be great to leave in my craft room. What kind of paint is appropriate? Hi, Renee! It depends on the material the frames are made of. Most sunglasses have plastic frames. If you want to completely paint the frames, tape off the lens or removes them completely, then use a spray paint made specifically for plastic.

You will want to make sure you allow them to dry thoroughly before wearing, I suggest a solid 48 hours. Good luck! I bought some plastic water bottles at the dollar tree and I want to paint the lids matte black. Is it safe to drink from painted lids? I was hoping to use spray paint. Which kind is safe to use? Hi, Alyssa! Hi Merlyn, yes you can. Wash the wine bottles well and give them a good rinse in rubbing alcohol.

Make sure they are completely dry before painting. Paint thin coats and allow them to dry for at least 30 minutes in between each coat. The helmet is plastic I was thinking about using a spray paint to do the basic then do my art work with my acylic paint, then can I go over it with a clear gloss sealer? This would be a good idea even if you will be painting the item with a brush. The masking tape will help give you a clean, defined line between the painted and unpainted areas.

Apply a coat of primer. This will help even out the surface of the plastic and give the paint something to stick to. The spray-on kind would be the easiest to use, but you can get the brush-on kind as well.

Let the primer dry completely before proceeding. If you are using a spray-able primer, be sure to cover your work surface and work in a well-ventilated area. Part 2. Set up your workspace.

Choose an area with good lighting. Cover your work surface with newspaper or a cheap, plastic, tablecloth. If you will be working with spray paint, it would be best if you work in a well-ventilated area; outside would be best. Choose a paint that is suitable for plastic.

It would be even better if the paint is meant for plastic. Check the label, and look for words such as: "Plastic" or "Multi-Surface. Prepare the paint, if needed. Some types of paint come ready to use, while others require a little bit of preparation. Before you begin painting, check the label on your can or bottle of paint for any specific instructions.

Shake spray paint cans for a few minutes. This will ready the paint to spray, mixing it and giving you a smoother application. Thin acrylic paint with enough water to give it the consistency of creamer. This will give you a smoother application and help reduce brushstrokes.

In most cases, you will need to use a paint thinner formulated for enamel paints; it's typically sold alongside the other enamel paints. Apply a light, even coat of paint. Don't worry if the first coat of paint doesn't cover the entire surface; you will be applying several coats of paint. This is important, whether you are spraying or brushing the paint on. Hold spray cans 12 to 18 inches 30 to 46 centimeters away from the surface.

Apply the paint in a sweeping motion. Apply acrylic paints using a taklon, kanekalon, or sable brush. They are typically sold alongside the other model paints. Apply more light coats of paint. Allow each coat of paint to dry before applying the next one. Alternate the directions you paint in for each layer: side-to-side for the first layer, top-to-bottom for the second layer, etc. How many layers you apply depends on the coverage you need.

In most cases, you'll only need 2 to 3 coats. Let the paint to dry completely after your final coat. At this point, your project is complete and ready to use. If you'd like to add some details or a top coat, read on to the next part. If you applied masking tape earlier, you should remove it now. Peel it away carefully so that you don't accidentally chip the paint. Part 3. Fill in any chips or bare patches with a brush. Prep: Get rid of any mildew by scrubbing the area with a water and bleach solution.

Keep the area wet for about 20 minutes, then rinse. Next, clean the object thoroughly with detergent and warm water. Rinse and let dry. To help the paint stick better, scuff-sand the surface with grit sandpaper. Wipe off the sanding dust with a damp cloth and let dry. Prime: If you're painting interior plastics, apply a high-adhesion latex stain-blocking primer. For outdoor plastics, spray-prime with specialized primers formulated specifically for adhesion to plastics.

Paint: Evenly apply interior plastics with a top-quality acrylic paint and outdoor plastics with a spray paint designed for plastics. Wash the object thoroughly with a mild detergent solution and let it dry. Then lightly scuff with grit sandpaper. Wipe off the dust. Using a spray primer and top coat formulated for plastics, prime the surface, let it dry, then paint it. Spray multiple light coats, letting them dry completely before applying each succeeding coat.

Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. The 7 Best Paints for Plastic of The right type of paint will adhere without chipping. She covers home products for The Spruce. Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. It can coat large areas quickly or instruments and toys. Best Budget:. It covers plastic items from car parts to plastic outdoor chairs evenly and quickly.

Best for Toys:. The angled tip can create a precise line when working with small toys. Best for Chairs:. It will add a layer of protection from the elements. Best for Outdoor:. The formula is designed to be long-lasting and durable. Best for Shutters:. There's a wide variety of colors to choose from to match most exteriors. Best for Auto Parts:.