Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Prepare the surface
• Part 3 of 3: Touch up and paint the surface
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Plastic is a tricky surface to paint. Unlike wood, plastic is not porous and the paint has little to adhere to. With the right preparation, however, you can paint plastic very well. Keep in mind that the paint can eventually peel off, depending on the type of paint and the plastic you are working with. This can especially happen if you use the plastic intensively or often.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Prepare the surface

1. Choose a plastic object to paint. With the right preparation, you can paint almost any plastic object. Objects such as furniture, figures, toys, bins and decorations are all very suitable.

   Not every plastic surface is suitable for painting. For example, you cannot paint plastic or laminate floors, bathtubs, shower cubicles, and countertops.

   
   
2. Cover any areas you don't want to paint with masking tape. This is a good idea even if you are painting the object with a brush. The painter's tape creates a neat, clean line between the painted and unpainted areas.
3. Prepare your workplace. Choose a well-lit place. Cover your workspace with newspaper or a cheap plastic tablecloth. If you use spray paint, it is best to get started in a well-ventilated area. It is best to work outside.
   • Cover the spots on the plastic that you don't want to paint with painter's tape.
4. Select paint that is suitable for painting plastic. Spray paint is especially suitable for painting plastic, but you can also use acrylic paint, enamel paint or modeling paint. It is even better to use paint that is specially designed for dyeing plastic. Examine the packaging and look for words like "plastic" and "multifunctional".
5. Let the paint dry completely after applying the last coat. You have now finished painting and the object is ready to use. If you want to add details or apply paint, continue with the section below.

Part 3 of 3: Touch up and paint the surface

1. Let the paint and varnish dry completely. If the surface feels dry, it does not mean that the paint and varnish are completely dry. View the paint and varnish packaging to see how long the paint and varnish should dry and cure.
   • Many types of enamel paint have to cure for several days. During that time, the paint can be tacky and can peel and peel off quickly.

Tips

• If you are only painting part of the plastic, it may be a good idea not to sand the plastic. Otherwise, the difference in texture will be clearly visible.
• If you're just painting details like flowers on plastic, choose paint with a finish that matches the plastic, such as gloss or matte paint.
• Some paints are more durable than others. For best results, look for paints specifically designed for plastic surfaces.
• If you are painting an object with multiple sides, such as a box, treat one side at a time.
• If there are drops or puddles of spray paint, you are applying too thick a layer of paint. Keep the aerosol at a greater distance from the object and spray with sweeping motions.

Warnings

• No matter how well you prepare the surface, paint will not adhere to some plastics. There is not much you can do about this.
• Always work in a well-ventilated area so that you do not inhale the toxic fumes from the paint, varnish and turpentine.
• Objects that you use constantly can cause the paint to peel off over time.

Necessities

• Plastic object
• Painter's tape
• Canvases
• Fine sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Mild dish soap and water
• Rubbing alcohol
• Newsprint
• Spray paint, acrylic paint or enamel paint
• Paint brushes (if using acrylic or enamel paint)
• Painter's tape (optional)
• Primer (optional)
• Paint (optional)