Difference between revisions of "Paint on Plastic"

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Giving an old piece of plastic furniture or a figurine a new twist with a bit of paint is a great way to add style to your home, while saving money. Although the process does require a bit of work, painting plastic can easily be done with the right supplies and a little time.  
 
Giving an old piece of plastic furniture or a figurine a new twist with a bit of paint is a great way to add style to your home, while saving money. Although the process does require a bit of work, painting plastic can easily be done with the right supplies and a little time.  
[[Category:Painting and Other Finishes]]
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[[Category: Painting and Other Finishes]]
  
 
== Steps ==
 
== Steps ==
 
===Preparing to Paint===
 
===Preparing to Paint===
#Determine if your object can be painted. Although the majority of plastic and laminate items can be painted, there are a few that cannot. Items such as furniture, figurines, toys, containers, and décor items are generally all able to be painted. If you’re working in a home, you can paint plastic walls (in a bathroom or kitchen), cabinets, and backsplashes. You cannot paint plastic/laminate floors, bathtubs/shower stalls, or counters.<ref>http://www.valsparpaint.com/en/how-to/interior/special-challenges/plastic-and-laminate.html</ref>
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#Determine if your object can be painted. Although the majority of plastic and laminate items can be painted, there are a few that cannot. Items such as furniture, figurines, toys, containers, and décor items are generally all able to be painted. If you’re working in a home, you can paint plastic walls (in a bathroom or kitchen), cabinets, and backsplashes. You cannot paint plastic/laminate floors, bathtubs/shower stalls, or counters.<ref name="rf17362">http://www.valsparpaint.com/en/how-to/interior/special-challenges/plastic-and-laminate.html</ref>
 
#*Keep in mind that if you paint something that gets a lot of use - such as a piece of furniture - it may require more coats of paint/more time in order to prepare it for years of use.
 
#*Keep in mind that if you paint something that gets a lot of use - such as a piece of furniture - it may require more coats of paint/more time in order to prepare it for years of use.
 
#*You can paint over items that are brand new or many years old, so long as they can be sanded down.
 
#*You can paint over items that are brand new or many years old, so long as they can be sanded down.
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#Clean off your object. Just like anything else, if your plastic item is dirty or dusty, the paint won’t be able to stick to it. Further, dust/grime/mold can become trapped under the paint, giving it an unappealing bumpy appearance. Use warm soapy water with your sponge/brush to clean your item thoroughly. If there is any mold or mildew present on your object, you will need to use cool bleach water to kill it off.
 
#Clean off your object. Just like anything else, if your plastic item is dirty or dusty, the paint won’t be able to stick to it. Further, dust/grime/mold can become trapped under the paint, giving it an unappealing bumpy appearance. Use warm soapy water with your sponge/brush to clean your item thoroughly. If there is any mold or mildew present on your object, you will need to use cool bleach water to kill it off.
 
#*Make sure your item has dried completely before moving onto the next step.
 
#*Make sure your item has dried completely before moving onto the next step.
#Wipe down the plastic with the mineral spirits. Mineral spirits (or rubbing alcohol) should be poured on a clean cloth and wiped over the entire surface of the plastic. This will help to break down the old layer of paint/sealer, and remove any oils that might be on the plastic. When you’ve rubbed down all the plastic with the mineral spirits, rinse it off with water and make sure it is totally dry.<ref>http://www.krylon.com/how-to/how-to-videos/how-to-spray-paint-plastic-video/</ref>
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#Wipe down the plastic with the mineral spirits. Mineral spirits (or rubbing alcohol) should be poured on a clean cloth and wiped over the entire surface of the plastic. This will help to break down the old layer of paint/sealer, and remove any oils that might be on the plastic. When you’ve rubbed down all the plastic with the mineral spirits, rinse it off with water and make sure it is totally dry.<ref name="rf17363">http://www.krylon.com/how-to/how-to-videos/how-to-spray-paint-plastic-video/</ref>
 
#Sand the plastic. Using your sandpaper or your sander, go about scrubbing down the top layer of plastic. Paint will have a difficult time sticking to plastic because it is non-porous, so by sanding it you’ll be providing some texture for the paint to stick to. The idea is to remove any gloss or shine that the plastic gives off, to leave it looking dull and matte.
 
#Sand the plastic. Using your sandpaper or your sander, go about scrubbing down the top layer of plastic. Paint will have a difficult time sticking to plastic because it is non-porous, so by sanding it you’ll be providing some texture for the paint to stick to. The idea is to remove any gloss or shine that the plastic gives off, to leave it looking dull and matte.
 
#*Using a fine sandpaper (such as 180 grit) won’t cause the surface to feel rough. It will only rub off enough to give the paint  something to stick to.
 
#*Using a fine sandpaper (such as 180 grit) won’t cause the surface to feel rough. It will only rub off enough to give the paint  something to stick to.
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#*Shake the spray paint can well before use, for 1-2 minutes.
 
#*Shake the spray paint can well before use, for 1-2 minutes.
 
#*Allow each individual coat of paint to dry before adding additional coats.
 
#*Allow each individual coat of paint to dry before adding additional coats.
#*Depending on the paint you’re using, you may have to add 2+ coats of paint to finish.<ref>http://craftsbyamanda.com/2013/02/tips-for-painting-on-plastic.html</ref>
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#*Depending on the paint you’re using, you may have to add 2+ coats of paint to finish.<ref name="rf17364">http://craftsbyamanda.com/2013/02/tips-for-painting-on-plastic.html</ref>
 
#Add your sealer. If you choose to add a clear glossy sealant to the top of your plastic, you should do so once all your coats of paint are dry. Use the same directions as aforementioned in applying the paint to apply the sealer.
 
#Add your sealer. If you choose to add a clear glossy sealant to the top of your plastic, you should do so once all your coats of paint are dry. Use the same directions as aforementioned in applying the paint to apply the sealer.
 
#Finish your project. Wait 24-36 hours for the paint and sealer to cure completely, and you’re finished! Remove any tape that you might have applied, and make any necessary touch-ups. Your plastic object is now ready for use, and can be placed safely inside or outside.
 
#Finish your project. Wait 24-36 hours for the paint and sealer to cure completely, and you’re finished! Remove any tape that you might have applied, and make any necessary touch-ups. Your plastic object is now ready for use, and can be placed safely inside or outside.