Spray paint is a great way to decorate, embellish and refurbish old items. You can also use it on plastic items and thus add a touch of joy to outdoor furniture, covers, frames, toys and much more. To spread it evenly, it is important to clean and smooth the object before coloring it, otherwise there is a risk that it will not adhere well. In addition, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself from the fumes produced by the spray paint.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Clean and Smooth the Surface
Step 1. Clean the plastic
If it is a small object, fill the sink with warm water and add 5 ml of liquid detergent. Wash it using a cloth. If it is larger, fill a bucket with water and detergent. Dip a sponge or cloth and clean the object to be painted.
It is necessary to wash the surface before coloring it as this removes dust, dirt and other residues that could prevent the paint from adhering
Step 2. Rinse and dry the item
After washing it with detergent, rinse it with clean water to remove dirt and soap residue. Blot it with a towel or cloth to absorb excess water. Leave it in the air for at least 10 minutes or until it is completely dry.
Step 3. Sand the surface
When the object to be painted is completely dry, get a sheet of fine-grained sandpaper to gently sand the entire surface. This way, it will become rough and absorb color better.
- The most effective sandpaper for this job is the fine-grained one, i.e. between 120 and 220.
- The sanding process is especially important if the object to be painted is already colored. Therefore, remove as much of the original color as possible with sandpaper.
Step 4. Clean the surface again
Use a microfiber cloth, which does not leave lint, or one that is dustproof. This way, you will get rid of dirt, dust and plastic residue after sanding the item. Any dust left on the surface prevents the paint from adhering, causing it to rest on the residues produced by sanding instead of on the plastic.
Part 2 of 3: Protecting the Workspace
Step 1. If possible, do the work outside
It is dangerous to inhale the spray paint. In addition, spray stains and color residues can easily take root on nearby surfaces. Then, wait for the appropriate time to take the object to be painted outside, for example when the temperature is mild, it is not raining and it is a beautiful day.
- The ideal temperature to use spray paint is between 18 and 25 ° C.
- The optimum humidity rate for this type of work is between 40 and 50%.
- If you can't paint in an outdoor area, do the job in a shed or garage.
Step 2. Ventilate the interior
The fumes from spray paint are harmful to health. To protect yourself, open the windows, doors and ventilation duct if you can't help but paint indoors. Do not turn on the fan, otherwise it will spread the paint into the air.
If you use spray paint often, buy an activated carbon mask. It will protect your lungs and help you prevent the health problems associated with toxic fumes
Step 3. Build a paint station
It will protect the surrounding area from stains produced by dispensing the can and will protect the object from dust and dirt when it is still wet. If it's not an important job, you can create your station using a box and a pair of scissors:
- Get a box larger than the item you want to paint.
- Cut the flaps that form the lid.
- Lay the box on its side with the opening facing you.
- Cut the top panel.
- Leave the bottom, side and back panels.
- Place the object in the center of the bottom panel.
Step 4. Cover the surrounding area
If the surface to be painted is quite large, you probably don't want to build a station. To protect the floor and the surrounding areas from the traces of color produced by the spray can, spread a cloth or a large piece of cardboard and place the object in the center.
If you also want to protect the cloth against paint residue, cover it with newspaper and place the object on top
Part 3 of 3: Applying the Paint
Step 1. Choose the right paint
For each material you need to use a certain type of paint, so for plastic you will also need a specific one. If you use the wrong one, it could blister and swell, flake or not adhere properly to the surface. Look for a spray paint designed specifically for plastics or suitable for plastics.
Among the companies that produce spray paints for plastic surfaces consider Valspar and Rust-Oleum
Step 2. Apply a coat of paint
Shake the can. Keep it 30-45cm away from the object. Point the nozzle at the surface and press it. As you spray, move the can along the object in vertical or horizontal movements, so that the paint layer is thin and even.
Do not aim the dispenser only at one area, otherwise the color layer will not be homogeneous. Instead, move the can as you spray
Step 3. Let it dry
Spray paint typically takes 8 to 30 minutes to dry. Allow the first layer to dry before applying the second or before turning the object to color the other side.
Read the instructions on the can to know exactly the expected drying times for the paint you are using
Step 4. Apply a second layer
It is good to apply at least two coats of paint almost always. Once the first has had time to dry, apply the second. Use the same horizontal or vertical movements to move the can. By doing this, you will make sure that the layer of color will be thin and even.
Once you have finished the second coat, let it dry for 30 minutes before considering if you need to apply another coat or before coloring the other side
Step 5. Repeat on all sides
Some objects have a base or side that is inaccessible during the first coat of paint. When the last one has had time to dry, turn the object over. Paint it twice with the same technique and waiting half an hour between applications.
Step 6. Let the paint harden
Typically, in addition to drying, the paint needs time to harden, so even if it dries within 30 minutes, it needs nearly three hours to harden. Once the final layer is applied, allow the item to dry for at least three hours before using it normally.
- For example, when it comes to furniture, it is not recommended to sit in a chair painted with a spray can as soon as it dries. It is advisable to wait a few hours so that the paint can harden completely.
- The time it takes for the paint to dry is the time it takes to be dry to the touch. Instead, the time to harden is equivalent to the time it takes for the molecules to bind and bond permanently.
