The most often recommended spray paint for plastic that is hard is acrylic or lacquer paint that requires plastic bonding primer.
For Plastic: Acrylic Spray Paint: Specifically designed for plastic, it adheres well and provides a durable finish. Look for labels that say ``for plastic'' or ``flexible.'' Plastic Primer: Using a plastic primer before applying acrylic spray paint can enhance adhesion and durability.
Rust-Oleum Universal and 2X Ultra Cover spray paints are both designed for use on plastic. So, similar to choosing spray paint for wood, much of your decision will come down to time and your desired outcome.
Because plastic, PVC and similar surfaces tend to be harder for some other brush-on and spray paint options to stick to, premium spray paint products are a must. Determine the type of finish you'd like your project to have.
Rust-Oleum Direct to Plastic aerosol renews and revitalises indoor as well as outdoor plastic surfaces. Ideal for furniture, plant pots and also storage boxes. It is a high quality paint designed to renew and restore plastic surfaces.
Like any other high-gloss surface, paint does not bond well with it. You need to sand the surface, likely to about 300–400 grit so that the paint has a nice surface to hold on to. You can further protect it by clear coating. Beyond this, plastic is flexible and paint does not like to flex, no matter what paint it is.
Rust-Oleum® Specialty Paint for Plastic is designed to renew the appearance of indoor and outdoor plastics. No primer is required. These sprays are ideal for use on polypropylene, polystyrene, resin, PVC, fiberglass, and vinyl plastics such as chairs, tables, and planters.
Additionally, plastic surfaces are exposed to various environmental factors, such as sunlight, heat, and moisture, which can cause the paint to peel or flake off over time. To prevent this from happening, you need to choose the right type of spray paint and prepare the plastic surface properly.
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.
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.
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.
Spraymate® Plastic Primer is a specially formulated primer used on surfaces made of plastic. Plastic Primer has etching properties enabling strong adhesion between plastic and the top layer of paint. Plastic primer has high coverage reducing the need for excessive layers of the top coats.
Plastic: It's nonporous and smooth but spray paint has difficulty properly adhering to the surface. On average, spray paint takes about 30 minutes to dry on a plastic surface and an additional 24 hours to fully cure.
Since plastic surfaces are smooth, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to add a slight roughness. Sanding down the plastic in a circle or straight line using the 120 to 220 grit will benefit in leveling the surface for the better application of sealant and acrylic paint.
Plastic Surfaces
Rubbing alcohol and even non-acetone nail polish remover will remove spray paint. For stubborn spots, create a paste using baking soda and water, and gently scrub in circular motions with a soft clean cloth, paper towel, or sponge. Rinse the surface with water and repeat the process as needed.
Spray on adhesion promoter for plastic
Another option is spray primers for plastics, such as SP/1895, a product suitable to repair patches and/or small surfaces. It is also easy to apply and allows good adhesion to different types of substrates.
Krylon Fusion All-In-One® is a premium product that bonds with 5X Stronger Adhesion* to difficult surfaces such as plastics and ready-to-assemble furniture without sanding or priming.
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.
If the paint isn't sticking to the plastic, the problem is usually that the surface is too glossy. Thoroughly sand the plastic to a matte finish for best results. Keep the spray light to avoid drips. An initial tack coat of about one-third to one-half coverage will help later coats stick better.
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.
The best product to seal paint on plastic is a clear acrylic spray sealer or a polyurethane sealer designed for use on plastic. These products provide a durable finish that can withstand moisture and prevent flaking. Make sure to follow the application instructions for the best results.
Many plastic items have a glossy coating over the top. Before spraying, this will need to be slightly removed to enable both the primer and paint to stick to the surface. Using a fine-grit sanding block and gentle pressure, start to sand down the plastic to remove the gloss and create a texture to stick to.
Rust-Oleum® Painter's Touch® 2X Ultra Cover Satin Sprays contain technology that provides twice the coverage on wood, metal, most plastic, wicker and more when compared to other matching colors of Rust-Oleum general purpose paints: Painter's Touch, SPRAY N GO, Quick Color and Touch 'n tone.
Many artists declare that FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylic paint or DecoArt Americana Acrylic Multi Surface paint are the best for plastic, although there are numerous other choices available. Multi-Surface paint has a smooth and 'creamy' consistency that is easy to use.
Rust-Oleum CUSTOM is a lacquer paint designed for enthusiasts who want to transform the look of their vehicles with premium, on-trend colors and finishes. It's easy to apply over any number of surfaces including metal, chrome, and plastic.