Standard exterior
Acrylic paint - Acrylic paint is a popular choice for painting plastic. It adheres well to smooth surfaces like plastic and dries fast. Make sure to use acrylic paint formulated for plastic and prime first.
If 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.
Spray paint works especially well for plastic, but you can use acrylic or enamel/model paint as well. 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."
Acrylic paint - Acrylic paint is a popular choice for painting plastic. It adheres well to smooth surfaces like plastic and dries fast. Make sure to use acrylic paint formulated for plastic and prime first.
“The best way to apply spray paint to a plastic surface is to always clean first and then lightly sand the piece if there are loose debris. Then, use Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint for the best adhesion!”
Acrylic paint, known for its adaptability, can work on plastic surfaces with the right preparation and application techniques. It adheres better than oil or watercolour paints, and once dried, it creates a durable and vibrant layer of colour.
ColorBond LVP spray paint for plastic can be used on both hard and soft plastics. ColorBond is a molecular bonding paint that penetrates deep and is used to correct and restore vinyl, and plastic. ColorBond won't flake, crack or peel and is durable while still allowing the original texture to show through.
Do you need to prime plastic before painting? It depends. If you're using a spray paint for plastic then you can skip the priming step. But if you're using regular old spray paint (which isn't recommended, but we get that sometimes it's just what you have), then definitely use a plastic primer spray first.
With our Matt Varnish acrylic lacquer, you also have the option of painting your plastic without a primer. Especially on surfaces that are hardly exposed to stress, such as doors or window frames, you can usually do without a sealant.
Acrylic paint is a water-based paint that is popular for use on plastic surfaces. It is easy to clean up, dries quickly, and is available in a wide range of colors. Acrylic paint is also resistant to fading and chalking, making it a great choice for outdoor projects.
The most common cause of paint peeling (or delamination) is due to inadequate surface preparation. In the case of plastics, you also need to consider the surface tension of the plastic and the surface tension of the primer coating (1st layer). The second most common reason for peeling is solvent entrapment.
Lightly sanding the plastic surface creates a slightly rough texture that helps paint adhere better. Use fine-grit sandpaper (180 to 220 grit) and sand in a circular motion, being careful not to scratch the surface. Wipe away dust with a clean, damp cloth and allow the item to dry.
Rust-Oleum® Paint For Plastic renews and revitalizes automotive grade indoor and outdoor plastics. For use on: Automotive plastics, polypropylene, polystyrene, resin, PVC, fiberglass, and vinyl plastics such as chairs, tables, and planters.
We recommend acrylic paint. Once you have all your solvent free and acetone free products and materials ready, first degrease your sheet. Then sand it down with a fine sandpaper grit. Now you can apply your primer, and when it has dried, you can start painting!
Imagine applying paint to a glossy or slick surface without sanding it first. The paint would struggle to adhere, resulting in an uneven and patchy appearance.
An all-purpose primer which specifies it is suitable for plastic should work fine, however it is always advised that you refer to the manufacturer instructions before starting your project. Here are some of the primers we stock at The Paint Shed which are suitable for plastic surfaces: Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 primer.
Paint adheres far better to rougher, matte surface plastics than to glossy plastics. Since most plastic is glossy, sanding is an essential step. Lightly sand all surfaces with 180- to 220-grit sandpaper. Fine sandpaper such as this will prevent you from marring the surface.
If the peeling is due to poor adhesion or surface preparation issues, it is generally possible to paint over it. However, if the peeling is caused by moisture, mold, or other structural issues, addressing the root cause is essential before applying new paint.
When it comes to paint for plastic, our experts always recommend Zinsser Allcoat Exterior as the best, especially for the average DIY'er.
To make paint stick permanently to plastic, clean and sand the surface, apply a plastic-specific primer, use suitable paint, and seal with a clear coat.