Author:Amanda Formaro

Painting Basics: Plastic

January 23, 2013


Painting Basics: Plastic
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    Want to spruce up plastic patio chairs or flowerpots? Maybe your kids have outgrown some of their plastic play animals and you'd like to repurpose them. Discover our basics for painting a variety of plastic items.

What Can I Paint?

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Bottles
  • Storage containers
  • Closet organizers
  • Plastic eggs
  • Toys
  • Trash cans
  • Light switch covers
  • Flowerpots
  • Frames
  • Figurines
  • Plastic foliage and flowers
  • Décor accents

Tip: Check your storage shed for items no longer in use, or visit your local thrift store to purchase plastic items like wall hangings, frames and figurines.

MATERIALS
Plastic item of your choice
Dish soap
Rubbing alcohol
Drop cloth, old sheet or newspaper
Clean towel
Fine grit sandpaper
Painter's tape
Craft or spray paint designed for plastic

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Prep by cleaning the item thoroughly with warm water and dish soap. Rinse, then dry with a soft towel. Wipe the entire surface with rubbing alcohol and let it dry.
  2. Spread a drop cloth or old sheet in a well-ventilated area and set the item in the center.
  3. Plastic is nonporous, and removing its shiny surface with sandpaper will help the paint adhere. Don’t press too hard to avoid scratching the surface.
  4. Use a soft, clean brush or cloth to remove all dust from the sanding process.
  5. Once the object’s surface is completely clean and dry, block off areas you don’t want painted with painter’s tape.
  6. Before applying paint, read the manufacturer’s instructions, and do a test spray on a piece of cardboard, newspaper or your drop cloth to ensure it’s the desired color.
  7. Position the nozzle toward the object and apply a light, thin layer of paint. Give each layer a few minutes to dry before adding the next one. It should take multiple thin, even layers to refresh the color without over-painting.
  8. Allow the item to dry completely before displaying or using.

Painting Tips

  • As an alternative to sandpaper, purchase a product called liquid sander at your local home improvement store. It cleans, plus removes shiny surfaces, helping to create a suitable surface for new paint. This product can be used indoors, too.
  • Use paints specifically formulated to adhere to plastics.
  • Prep the item with primer if using regular spray paint.
  • When painting smaller objects or items with intricate details, you may find it easier to apply paint with a paintbrush or sponge.
  • Look for products formulated to dry clear, making them ideal for recycled plastic bottles, clear cake stands and other see-through items.

Quick Tip

Bounty Focus on creativity as you craft, because cleaning can wait. Bounty® Basic Select-a-Size paper towels are 50% stronger* and affordably priced. It makes sense to use the strong, but affordable picker-upper.
*when wet vs. the leading 11"x 8.8" bargain brand.

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