When it comes to painting coolers, the number of colors and designs to choose from is endless. If you use a primer, paint and seal the cooler properly, your item will look beautiful and will last for years to come.
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Part 1 of 3: Using Primer on Cooler Box
Step 1. Patch all logos or niches on cooler box with spackle
Spackle is a kind of putty that is used as a filler. This material hardens when it dries so you can paint it right away. Use a putty knife to fill the recess with the spackle. Run the edge of the knife over the Spackle to align it with the entire cooler. Don't worry if the result isn't perfect because you can sand it later.
Step 2. Let the spackle dry for a few hours
The exact waiting time for the spackle to dry depends on the depth of the patched recess; the deeper the patch, the longer it will dry. After a few hours, try touching the spackle with your fingers. If it feels hard and has a chalky texture, it means the material is dry.
Step 3. Sand the surface of the cooler when the spackle is dry
Sanding the cooler will make the paint adhere more easily. We recommend sanding until the surface feels smooth to the touch. Don't forget to sand the spackle so that it is flush with the cooler.
- It is recommended that you start with coarse sandpaper (40-50 grit) and finish with fine sandpaper (120-220 grit). Use 2 types of sandpaper to get the smoothest possible result.
- If the cooler already has a smooth finish, you'll still need to sand it to remove the outer layer of plastic so the paint can adhere firmly.
Step 4. Spray plastic primer on the surface of the cooler
The plastic primer will help the paint adhere to the surface of the cooler. Spray the primer on the cooler so that it is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the cooler.
- You can find spray plastic primer at a paint or building store.
- If the cooler has handles or wheels that shouldn't be painted, cover it with masking tape before applying primer.
Step 5. Let the cooler box dry in a well-ventilated area for 24 hours
Place the cooler on top of a tarp or newspaper that is spread out while it dries so the primer doesn't hit the floor. After 24 hours, the cooler should be dry to the touch. If not, let it dry.
Part 2 of 3: Designing and Painting the Cooler Box
Step 1. Paint the cooler box background with acrylic paint
Before you add a design or personal touch, create a solid “canvas” for the paint. Brush the sides and top of the cooler with paint using a large paint brush.
- To use multiple background colors, apply paint 1 color at a time and allow the paint to dry before adding a new color.
- One coat of acrylic paint should be enough for the background.
Step 2. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours
After 24 hours, the cooler should feel dry to the touch. If you're adding color, apply one coat of paint at a time and allow the cooler to dry for 24 hours between coats.
Step 3. Print the design or font you want to affix on the cooler box
Although you can draw the design on the cooler manually, we recommend using a computer-printed design to make it look more presentable and professional.
Keep in mind that you will be tracing the outline of the design onto the cooler and filling it with paint so it's best if the design is a simple image or text
Step 4. Trace the design and writing onto the cooler using carbon paper
To use the carbon box, you will need to trace the outline of the paper design. Once that's done, hold the carbon paper in the cooler, and trace the outlines on the paper to transfer the design to the cooler.
You can get carbon paper at bookstores or stationary
Step 5. Use printer paper to transfer the design if you don't have carbon paper
Start by tracing the design onto a sheet of printed paper. Then, shade the back of the paper with a pencil. Once done, hold the paper in the cooler where the design will be and trace the outline of the design using a pencil to move it.
Step 6. Try using paper towels if you don't have carbon paper
Trace the design onto a piece of tissue. Then, position the tissue in the cooler, where the design will be. Trace the outline of the design with a pointed marker. The marker will penetrate the tissue and move to the cooler.
Step 7. Fill the design and lettering with acrylic paint
Use a small paint brush to apply the paint in more detail.
- If you need to use multiple colors, apply one color at a time and allow to dry before using the next. otherwise the colors may smear each other.
- It's easier to lay the cooler on your side so that the painted side is facing up. As such, you'll need to paint one side at a time and let it dry before working on the next.
Step 8. Let the painted cooler box sit for a few hours
The thinner the coat of paint, the less time it will take to dry. After a few hours, touch the paint to see if it is completely dry. If so, feel free to add the next color to the design, start on the other side of the cooler, or move on to sealing the cooler.
Part 3 of 3: Sealing the Cooler Box
Step 1. Spray a layer of Mod Podge on the surface of the cooler
The Mod Podge is a seal and cover that will help prevent chipping or peeling of paint on the cooler. Once the paint on the cooler is dry, spray an even coat of Mod Podge over the surface of the cooler.
You can buy Mod Podge online, at a paint shop, or at a hardware store
Step 2. Let the first coat of Mod Podge dry for 15-20 minutes
After 15-20 minutes, the Mod Podge should feel dry to the touch. If not, allow it to dry completely before continuing.
Step 3. Spray a second coat of Mod Podge and let dry
Two coats of Mod Podge should be enough to protect the paint and prevent it from chipping or peeling. After spraying a second coat of paint, allow the cooler to dry for 15-20 minutes before continuing.
Step 4. Cover the cooler with a thin layer of clear polyurethane to make it watertight
Since coolers tend to get wet easily, it's a good idea to make them waterproof so the paint doesn't fade. Use a paint brush to apply an even, thin layer of clear polyurethane over the entire outer surface of the box.
You can buy polyurethane online or at a paint store
Step 5. Allow the cooler to dry for 24 hours before use
After 24 hours, the cooler should be completely dry, sealed, and ready to use. If you covered the handles and wheels of the box with masking tape, you can now remove them.
