Spray paint is great for sprucing up, redecorating, and rejuvenating old things. You can even spray paint on plastic with the right product. This way, you can easily color a variety of objects, from outdoor furniture to photo frames, and more. So that the paint sticks evenly, you should first smooth the object to be painted using sandpaper. You should also work in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself from paint fumes.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning and Sanding Surfaces
Step 1. Clean the plastic
For small items, fill a sink or basin with warm water and mix with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of dish soap. Soak the object to be painted in the sink/basin and clean with a cloth. For large items, fill a bucket with soap and water. Wet a sponge or cloth with soapy water and use it to clean the object to be painted.
The surface of the object to be painted must be cleaned to remove dust, dirt, and other particles that can prevent the paint from sticking to the object
Step 2. Rinse and dry the object to be painted
After cleaning, rinse the item with clean water to remove any remaining dirt and soap. Pat the towel against the object to absorb any excess water. Air the object for at least 10 minutes, or until it is completely dry.
Step 3. Sand the surface of the object
Once the item is completely dry, use sandpaper to smooth the entire surface. The paint will be easier to stick to the surface that has been smoothed.
- Choose sandpaper with a grit (roughness) between 120 and 220.
- Items should be sanded if they have been previously painted. You will need to remove as much of the old paint as possible with sandpaper.
Step 4. Wipe the surface of the object
Use a microfiber, non-lint, or tack cloth to remove dirt, dust, and plastic particles from sanding. Dust and other debris will prevent the paint from adhering properly to the plastic surface.
Part 2 of 3: Protecting the Painting Place
Step 1. Paint outdoors, if possible
Inhaled spray paint will harm the body. In addition, overspray (particles of spray paint that don't stick to objects and float in the air) and dust can stick to the surface around the painted object. If possible, it's best to paint outdoors when it's not too hot, it's not raining, and the weather is calm.
- The ideal temperature for using spray paint is between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius.
- The ideal humidity level for spray painting is between 40 and 50 percent.
- If painting can't be done outdoors, do it in a garage or shed.
Step 2. Promote airflow in the room
Spray paint should not be inhaled as it is hazardous to health. To prevent this, open windows, doors, and turn on ventilation if you have to work indoors. Do not turn on the fan as it will blow your spray paint.
Buy an activated carbon mask if you will use spray paint frequently. This mask will protect the lungs and prevent diseases associated with exposure to spray paint
Step 3. Prepare the place to paint
This will protect the surrounding area from overspray as well as protect the wet paint from dust and dirt. For small items, you can simply build them using a cardboard box and scissors:
- Find a cardboard box that is larger than the object to be painted.
- Cut the tongues of the cardboard cover.
- Lay the cardboard sideways so the opening is facing you.
- Cut the top panel
- Leave the bottom, sides, and back of the box.
- Place the object to be painted in the center of the cardboard.
Step 4. Protect the area around you
For large objects, you can't just use cardboard. To protect the floor and the surrounding area from overspray, spread a large piece of cloth or cardboard across the floor, and place the object to be painted in the middle.
If you also want to protect the backing from excess paint, spread the newspaper over the fabric and place the object to be painted on the newsprint
Part 3 of 3: Spraying Paint
Step 1. Choose the right paint
Different materials of objects to be painted, different types of spray paint to be used. If the wrong type of paint is used, the paint will appear bloated, peeling, or will not stick well to the surface of the object. Look for a spray paint that is made specifically for plastic surfaces, or can be used on plastic.
Look for spray paint brands Krylon, Valspar, and Rustoleum, which produce spray paints for plastics
Step 2. Spray one coat of paint
Shake the paint can first. Hold the can 30-45 cm from the object. Point the nozzle at the object and press the can button. When spraying, brush the paint over the object in alternating vertical and horizontal motions so that the coating is thin and even.
Don't aim the nozzle directly at one point because your paint will not work evenly. Keep moving the can while spraying paint
Step 3. Let the paint dry
Spray paint usually dries in 8-30 minutes. After spraying the first coat, let the paint dry before adding a second coat, or before turning the object over to paint the reverse side.
Read the instructions for use on the paint can to find out exactly how long the paint needs to allow to dry
Step 4. Spray a second coat
Most things will look better if they are painted twice. After the first coat of paint has dried, spray a second coat. Use the same vertical and horizontal motion to make the layer thin and even.
Once the second coat has been applied, allow the paint to dry for 30 minutes before checking if the item still needs to be painted again, or before painting the reverse side
Step 5. Repeat on all sides of the object
Usually, the underside or back of the object is not accessible when spraying the initial coat. When your last coat of paint is dry, flip the object over and apply two coats of paint using the same technique, alternating 30 minutes between each coat to wait for the paint to dry.
Step 6. Let your paint harden
Paint takes time to dry and harden. While the paint usually dries within 30 minutes, it can take up to an hour to set. After you've applied your last coat of paint, let it dry for at least 3 hours before the item can be reused.
- For example, don't sit on a chair immediately after the paint has dried. Instead, wait a few hours for the paint to harden completely.
- Paint drying time is the length of time it takes for the paint to dry. Paint setting time is the length of time it takes the paint molecules to fully bond with each other and harden.
