Primers help paint, especially acrylic paint, stick to plastic. There are many good primers for sale that you will find either at your local hardware store or your local art and craft store. The most trusted brands right now include Krylon and Rust-Oleum. You can also buy products that include both a primer and paint, which can save you extra work and possibly a bit of money as well.
Acrylic Paint on Plastic – In-Depth Guide for Best Results
Acrylic paint on plastic is not an ideal combination, so painting on it requires a little more work than if you were painting on, say, canvas. But where there is a will there is a way, and this article aims to show you how you can create your work of art on plastic and prepare the surface so that it will last for generations to come! We will also give you our reviews of the best acrylic paint for plastic that will help you achieve exactly that.
Table of Contents
- 1 Painting on Plastic
- 2 The Best Acrylic Paint for Plastic
- 2.1 Best Primer/Paint Combo: KRYLON Fusion All-in-One Spray Paint
- 2.2 Best Spray Paint: RUST-OLEUM American Accents Spray Paint
- 2.3 Best Acrylic Sealer: KRYLON Acrylic Clear Acrylic Coating
- 3.1 Preparations
- 3.1.1 Cleaning Your Plastic
- 3.1.2 Roughening Your Plastic
- 3.1.3 Priming Your Plastic
- 4.1 How Do You Get Paint to Stick to Plastic?
- 4.2 Will Acrylic Paint Stick to Plastic?
- 4.3 What Is a Good Primer for Plastic?
- 4.4 Can You Use Acrylic Painting on Plastic?
- 4.5 What Kind of Paint Can Be Used on Plastic?
- 4.6 What Do You Use to Seal Acrylic Paint?
Painting on Plastic
When asking “will acrylic paint stick to plastic?”, the simple answer is no, not without some understanding of the substances being used and a bit of elbow grease. Although using plastic may seem like a tempting choice for exhibiting your creative flair, be prepared to put in some energy to preparing your surface, otherwise your paint simply will not stick.
So, before we get into the nitty-gritty of how you can adequately prepare your plastic so that you can paint on it without the fear of the paint not sticking to it, the burning question is: Why is acrylic paint so adamant that it will not stick to plastic?
To find an explanation, we must turn to the realm of physics. While we could spend most of the day exploring the various factors that affect how well liquids stick to solids, finding an answer ultimately comes down to how similar the substances (in this case, the plastic and the paint) are to one another in terms of surface tension.
How the liquid (or paint) interacts with the plastic shows the degree of “wetting” that is taking place. When the paint forms a bead, similar to water on a plastic surface, the difference between the surface tension is high, indicating a surface that is not ideal for painting. In other words, the paint will not adhere to the plastic and will slide straight off.
A painter would need a surface that has good wetting, and indeed they can spend hours trying to achieve the right degree of wetting, which would look like an even spread of paint.
Plastics have a few other properties that make it the arch-nemesis of acrylic paint, like having a low polarity and being non-porous and hydrophobic (having properties that repel water). But, if you do want to paint on plastic, polycarbonates, ABS plastic, polyester (PET), urethane plastic, certain types of PVC, vinyl, and acrylic plastic, you will need to use an acrylic paint.
The Best Acrylic Paint for Plastic
That you should spend time preparing your plastic surface is a no-brainer, and we will be exploring this in greater detail later. Before you can begin painting, you will need paint. It is worth investing a little extra time and money into finding paints that are specifically designed for plastic use. This can prevent the painstaking process of using the wrong paint and having it peel off. Below, we give you the low-down on some of the most loved brands on the market to help you achieve the finish you want.
Best Primer/Paint Combo: KRYLON Fusion All-in-One Spray Paint
Remember how we said using acrylic paint for plastic requires elbow grease, and that you would necessarily have to use a primer to prepare your plastic before applying your paint? With Krylon’s Fusion Spray Paint, you can forget we ever said that.
While it is undeniably still worthwhile to clean and sand your plastic, this paint eliminates the need to prime your surface, as it is a two-in-one primer-and-paint combination with quick-drying properties. Read the detailed instructions on the can for information on how to use it. This brand also has a highly effective spray paint that does not include primer, if you do want to prime your surface separately.
- The best all-in-one spray paint in adhesion, durability, and protection
- Versatile spray bonds to difficult surfaces without sanding or priming
- White satin spray paint offers a neutral, cozy finish to any project
PROS
- Effective for use on a wide variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, and plastic
- Can be used to spray items or surfaces indoors and outdoors
- Functions as both a primer and paint
- Offers rust protection for metal surfaces
- Allows you to spray from any angle
- Dries within an hour
- Available in a variety of colors and textures
- Matte and gloss options available
CONS
- Paint can run if not used correctly
- You may need to apply a few coats to achieve the desired effect
Best Spray Paint: RUST-OLEUM American Accents Spray Paint
This product is specially designed to adhere to almost all surfaces, including plastic, which makes it one of the most useful products on the market. It comes in a wide variety of unique colors, including “deep teal”, “claret wine” and “French lilac”. This spray paint also comes in several finishes, such as satin, high gloss, and matte (note that metallic colors are only for indoor use, while the other sheens can be used for surfaces that are indoors or outdoors).
Quick-drying and easy to apply, the spray’s any-angle tip allows you to paint comfortably and even reach those harder-to-reach spots. You can expect top-quality durability from this paint with great coverage and a glossy, vividly colored finish.
- Glossy finish is ideal for interior/exterior use on virtually any surface
- Provides long-lasting protection with any-angle spray comfort tip
- Superior durability with smooth, full coverage and vivid color
PROS
- Suitable for use on many surfaces, including plastic
- Durable
- Can be sprayed from any angle
- Good coverage
- User-friendly
CONS
Best Acrylic Sealer: KRYLON Acrylic Clear Acrylic Coating
Of course, you will need to seal your masterpiece with a clear coating in order to protect it from the elements or general wear and tear. If you are wanting a reliable, fast-drying solution to your sealing needs, Krylon’s Acrylic Sealer is the product for you. Unlike other brands, this sealer has a crystal-clear finish that will not yellow, and it offers protection from both UV rays and moisture, so is suitable for outdoor and indoor use. It comes in a spray can, so if you use it correctly, you will not be left with visible brush strokes.
- A non-yellowing, permanent clear coating to protect your surfaces
- Protects against harmful UV light rays and is moisture-resistant
- Dries within minutes and can be used on a variety of surfaces
PROS
- Fast-drying
- Moisture-resistant
- Offers UV protection
- Clear, permanent finish that will not yellow
CONS
Acrylic Paint on Plastic – Tips for Coating Polymers
Plastic items are part of our daily lives, from containers to cups, pitchers to plates, and are common to most households. And if yours is a household with kids, you will know that even the most hard-wearing of plastic items start to look shabby after a while. But instead of throwing them in the trash and buying replacements, you can breathe new life into them by painting them. In this article, we are going to discuss painting plastic with acrylic paint, and talk about the best acrylic paint for plastic.
Table of Contents
- 1 Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Plastic?
- 2 Painting Plastic with Acrylic Paint
- 2.1 Step 1: Preparing the Plastic Surface
- 2.2 Step 2: Testing the Paint and Primer Compatibility
- 2.3 Step 3: Applying the Primer
- 2.3.1 The Best Primer for Plastic: KRYLON ColorMaster Primer
- 2.4.1 The Best Acrylic Paint for Plastic: KRYLON Colormaxx Spray Paint and Primer
- 2.5.1 The Best Sealer For Acrylic Paint: ALEENE’S Acrylic Sealer
- 4.1 Will Acrylic Paint Stick to Plastic?
- 4.2 Can I Paint on Any Type of Plastic?
- 4.3 Do I Have to Use a Sealant?
- 4.4 Must the Primer be the Same Color as the Paint?
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Plastic?
Acrylic paint is a wonderful medium that has all the advantages of oil paints and none of the disadvantages. The colors are vibrant, the consistency is thick and smooth, and you can paint in layers just as you would with oil paints. Not only that, but acrylic paints are also available in spray cans which makes your painting job even easier than if you had to use brushes and tubes of paint. But any hobbyist or crafter worth her salt knows that plastic is notoriously difficult to paint. Paint does not adhere easily to the plastic surface because plastic is smooth and non-porous. Right now you are probably asking yourself, “So, will acrylic paint stick to plastic?”
The answer is no, not if you want to start painting straight away. Unfortunately, the process is not quite as easy as just dipping your brush in paint and starting to paint. There are certain preparations you need to make before you can start painting, but you should not let that put you off. It is not a lengthy or complicated process, nor is it expensive. That being said, there are a few types of plastic that cannot be painted even if you prepare them beforehand. Nothing made of polypropylene can be painted. If you are not sure what polypropylene is, look for the recycling logo, a triangle with the number 5 in the middle of it.
There are other polypropylene items that have different numbers, and these numbers determine whether the plastic can be painted with acrylic paint or not.
Items numbered 1, 3, 6, and 7 are not polypropylene and therefore can be painted, while polypropylene items 2, 4, and 5 cannot. Some examples of the items you can paint include flower pots, kids’ toys, picnic plates, bowls and cups, storage containers, heavy-duty plastic baskets, and even outdoor furniture. Let us have a look now at the preparations you need to make before you can start painting, after which we will discuss acrylic painting on plastic in detail.
Painting Plastic with Acrylic Paint
As we mentioned earlier, because plastic is smooth and non-porous it cannot be painted directly because the paint will not stick to the plastic’s surface. You have to prepare the surface before you can apply a primer or a base coat. The base coat or primer is paint that has been specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. Then, once you have painted the plastic item you can use a clear sealant to finish the job, although depending on the item you have painted a sealant may not be necessary.
Step 1: Preparing the Plastic Surface
The first step is to clean the item thoroughly, and you can do this just with soap and water. Allow it to dry completely. Once dry, you need to roughen the plastic surface to enable the paint to adhere to it. A piece of sandpaper between 180- and 220-grit is ideal for this purpose.
Having sanded down the plastic item you will need to wipe away all the dust and debris. Use a damp cloth first, then use some rubbing alcohol.
Step 2: Testing the Paint and Primer Compatibility
For the most part, you can safely assume that the primer and paint you are going to use will be compatible with each other. However, some products may be incompatible so it is always a good idea to check beforehand. Here is how you do it.
- Select a plastic item that is the same or similar to the one you are going to paint.
- Apply the primer and let it dry out completely.
- When the primer is dry, you can apply the acrylic paint, then leave it to dry.
- Once the paint has dried, take a kitchen knife and scratch the surface of the plastic item.
- Place a piece of tape over the scratch mark, smooth it down, then pull it off. If the primer and paint are compatible, no paint will come off. If it does, the primer and paint are not compatible.
Step 3: Applying the Primer
There are other paints other than acrylic paint for plastic available on the market that can be applied directly onto the roughened surface of the plastic item without having to apply the primer first. However, acrylic paint on plastic is the best option and for this, you will need to prime the plastic item. Two coats of primer will be sufficient. Primer is available in spray cans and is very easy to apply. It is advisable to work outdoors or, if this is not possible, then in a room that has good ventilation. Be sure to wear a face mask, gloves, and protective eyewear and stand about 20 inches (50 centimeters) away from the item and spray it evenly.
If there are sections of the item that you do not want to paint, you should mask these out using painter’s tape before you start spraying. Allow the item to dry according to the primer’s instructions, or leave it to dry for a few hours. If you would prefer to paint on the primer, this type is also readily available. It is a slower process than spraying the primer, but equally as effective. Apply the primer evenly and let and each layer dry before you apply the next layer.
Follow the primer’s instructions for painting, although the rule of thumb is to apply at least three coats.
The Best Primer for Plastic: KRYLON ColorMaster Primer
Krylon Inc. was established in 1947, and today, some 70 years later, still remains the largest supplier of aerosol paints in the world. That is seven decades of painting expertise! Their ColorMaster range is available in a variety of colors, including a clear aerosol, that can be used on various surfaces including plastic, metal, and wood. It can be used inside or outside, and it dries smoothly and evenly. Besides gloss and matte finishes, Krylon ColorMaster is also available in a satin finish, as well as semi-gloss and semi-flat.
- Suitable for use on many surfaces, including plastic and wood
- Can be used to protect projects inside or outside
- Provides superior coverage and color and dries in 10 minutes
