Learning how to paint plastics poses many challenges.
Its one of the most difficult surfaces to paint.
Forextra protection against peelingand cracking, ask your paint dealer about primers and paints made specifically for plastic surfaces.
Credit:BHG /Michela Buttignol
These products are versatile and can transform drab outdoor objects into attractive ornaments.
For bathroom and kitchen walls that arent subject to constant exposure to water, use top-of-the-line interior latex paint.
Shower walls and similar surfaces arent suitable candidates for paint.
Credit:BHG /Michela Buttignol
Keep the area wet for about 20 minutes, then rinse.
Next, clean the object thoroughly with detergent and warm water.
Rinse and let dry.
To help the paint stick better, scuff-sand the surface with200-grit sandpaper.
Wipe off the sanding dust with a damp cloth and let dry.
Prime the Surface
If painting interior plastics, apply a high-adhesion latex stain-blocking primer.
For outdoor plastics, spray-prime with specialized primers formulated specifically for adhesion to plastics.
Evenly apply interior plastics with top-quality acrylic spray paint and outdoor plastics with spray paint designed for plastics.
Spray multiple light coats, letting them dry completely before applying each succeeding coat.
How to Paint PVC Trim
Wash, rinse, and let dry.
Scuff-sand (220-grit) and wipe clean.
Prime with acrylic latex primer recommended for exterior PVC surfaces.
Use 100-percent acrylic latex paint, applying it with a high-quality sash or trim brush.
Hold the can as perpendicular to the surface as possible.
Tack coat the first pass for about 50 percent coverage.
This gives the subsequent coats something to adhere to.
Orange peel is a texture resulting from paint drying too quickly before self-leveling.
Smooth mild orange peel with fine rubbing compound.
Wet-sand severe orange peel, smooth with rubbing compound, and recoat.
Avoid orange peel by not applying the paint too thick or on a surface that is too warm.
Apply the paint in numerous light coats, not one heavy coat.
Shake the can periodically during the paint job.
Prevent runs and sags by not spraying too much paint in one spot or spraying on a cold surface.
Whenspraying furniture, paint the bottom.
Then, turn the chair upright and paint in the order shown above.
Applying paint in this order ensures you get full coverage and eliminates drips.
Apply the paint in light coats and repeat the process, completing one side and then the other.
Let this coat dry completely before applying the next one.
