Because it has a slippery surface, most people think PVC pipe can't be painted. However, with the right tools and preparation, it's actually easy to do. While PVC does contain certain compounds that make the plastic watertight and prevent foreign substances from sticking to pipes, a little scrubbing and applying a primer allows you to change the color of the PVC to your liking.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Spraying Paint on PVC
Step 1. Gather equipment
For regular PVC painting, you will need a large sheet of high-grit sandpaper, a small bottle of acetone, a clean rag, a can of spray paint or more of the desired color, and the PVC pipe to be painted. Make sure all the ingredients are complete before starting work.
- Prioritize safety in the workplace. Wear gloves, protective eyewear, and a mask to filter out dust and chemicals.
- Choose a spray paint specially formulated for plastics, such as Krylon Fusion or Rust-Oleum Plastic.
Step 2. Prepare the work area
Spread a cloth or plastic sheet over where you will be painting. Keep all furniture and appliances and electronic equipment away from the painting area. You should work in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage or workshop with open doors and windows.
- Work in an open, well-ventilated area. Not only will this help the paint dry quickly, it will also prevent you from being exposed to harmful acetone and paint fumes.
- Spray paint tends to spread during use so protect floors, countertops and other work surfaces with a cloth covering.
- If you don't have dropcloth, you can use a few piles of newspaper.
Step 3. Measure and cut the PVC as needed
PVC pipe must be of the correct size and shape before painting. Take the necessary measurements, cuts, and joints before painting. That way, you only need to install the pipe after you've finished painting.
If the PVC pipe needs to be joined, such as a corner angle, do so before the pipe is sanded and painted
Step 4. Sand the outside of the PVC
Rub high-grit sandpaper over the entire surface of the PVC. The most efficient way to do this is to place the sandpaper in the palm of your hand and then grip the pipe. After that, you can rub the pipe from end to end so that the results are even.
- Try not to over-sand the pipe as the pipe wall thickness can be inconsistent and wear out more quickly over time.
- It is recommended to use fine sandpaper with a grit of 220 or greater.
Step 5. Use acetone on the PVC
Cover the open mouth of the acetone bottle with a clean, dry cloth, then flip it over so the cloth is soaked in the acetone. Then, wipe the acetone cloth over the sanded surface of the PVC pipe. You don't need to use too much acetone, use just enough to prepare the PVC surface to be painted.
- Wiping the PVC pipe will help remove any dust from sanding.
- Acetone will also cause the plastic to expand and become more porous so the paint can adhere more firmly.
Step 6. Spray several coats of paint on the PVC pipe
Spray a thin layer of paint in a slow, constant motion along the PVC pipe so that the paint doesn't run or drip. When you're done painting one side of the PVC pipe, turn it around to paint the back side. Try to get a coat of paint that is smooth, even, and flawless.
- Continue to spray additional layers until you get the desired color depth.
- Let the paint sit for 20-30 minutes to dry between each coat.
Step 7. Allow the PVC pipe to dry
Once you've got the paint color and shape you want, let the pipe rest and let it dry. The paint may take 24 hours or more to harden and be touchable. Paint must dry well to withstand heat, pressure, and scratching before being used for a home or construction project.
If you plan to use PVC for very messy or heavy-duty work, it's best to let the paint harden for 20-30 days
Method 2 of 2: Manually Painting PVC
Step 1. Sand the PVC to prepare for painting
Rub the entire area of the PVC pipe to roughen the smooth surface. This helps the paint to stick more easily to the pipe. Use consistent stroke length and pressure for an even result.
If you plan to use a sanding machine, you should reconsider. This tool can scrape too much of the PVC surface
Step 2. Wipe the PVC with acetone
Remove as much dust and sand as possible. Allow the acetone to dry for 20-30 minutes. You should wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Re-wet the cloth to wipe the sanded area, if needed.
- Try not to soak the PVC. Excess acetone can erode the plastic and weaken the pipe structure.
Step 3. Apply a base coat of primer
Apply a light coat of primer and work it lengthwise from end to end. A primer must be used to allow the paint to stick to the smooth surface of the pipe. One coat of primer should suffice.
Try to use a plain white primer. This color is flexible enough to display clear and bright paint colors
Step 4. Apply the first coat of paint on the pipe
Again, apply the paint in long, smooth strokes from end to end, just like with the primer. Rotate the pipe as you paint so that the paint strokes overlap so you can paint the entire pipe evenly.
- Use a small, soft-bristled brush that does not extend beyond the pipe.
- Look for paints that are also waterproof like PVC pipes, such as semigloss satin, latex, or acrylic.
Step 5. Apply additional layers if needed
You may need to add more coats of paint until the color is clear. The color will get darker and deeper as the layers add up. When finished, let the pipe sit for 24-48 hours. You should get bright, vivid colors that you can use for your projects!
- Usually the painting is done as much as 2-3 separate layers.
- Try not to rub so much paint that it drips.
Tips
- These days, PVC is produced in a variety of colors. Before you intend to paint the pipe, try to check if you can buy the pipe in the color you want.
- Shake the spray paint before use.
- Lean the PVC pipe against a wall or chair to make painting easier and not tarnish the color.
- Try to plan working hours on a low-humidity day so that the humidity in the air doesn't interfere with the paint's stickiness.
- Gently clean the painted PVC with a damp washcloth.
Warning
- Do not breathe paint, primer, or acetone fumes as they are dangerous. Make sure you work in a well-ventilated, open area and wear a mask or respirator, if possible.
- Acetone may cause mild irritation when it touches the skin. Put on gloves before handling acetone and other caustic chemicals.
