If you would prefer to create a pattern using both colors on a chair, use painters tape to mask off your design. At least two companies now make primer-plus-paint formulas that stick well to most plastics, including polypropylene, the type of plastic in your chairs. Clean your old chairs. This may just need a hose, as in my case. Spray the chair continuously from10-16 inches from the surface when you spray with a back and forth motion. Skip the sanding and priming steps when you use this spray paint from Krylon to revive your worn and faded plastic items. We've got you covered with exclusive access on product news, inspiration, tips and Paint that sticks to both plastic and metal, as well as to wood and a wide array of other surfaces, is especially useful for refinishing outdoor furnishings or other items that have components made of a variety of materials, said Susan Biasiotta, product manager for Sherwin-Williams, which owns the Krylon brand. With most spray paints that are formulated for plastic, you wont need to sand or prime before painting. Because they are made of polypropylene, most paints will chip off. trends - just for you. Krylons Fusion covers up to 25 square feet per can, while the technical data sheet for Rust-Oleums 2X says it covers eight to 12 square feet, with an allowance of losing about 15percent of the paint due to overspray. Reinvigorate your plastic fence with this oil-based spray paint, also from Rust-Oleum. On the other hand, if you apply primer before painting your plastic-based project, it may require less paint for full coverage, depending on the color. View additional I recommend ordering extra so that you can easily do touchups if you need to. Most spray paints formulated for plastic leave a gloss or a semi-gloss finish, but specialty finishes are available too. When the paint dries and the solvent evaporates, you are left with a thicker, more durable surface. An additional bonus is that you can safely wash or scrub any satin or semi-gloss paint after its dried and cured. The pigments that produce red are not as durable as those for some other colors, but you can make red more fade-resistant by spraying on a clear finish, such as Fusion All-In-One Clear ($4.98 for a 12-ounce can at Lowes). For more tips, like how to paint plastic furniture that will be used indoors, scroll down. I just used soap and water and then dried them with a towel afterward. The dried finish from low-quality paints is not as tough, and coverage is not as smooth and long-lasting. Plastic fencing is popular because it doesnt rot or rust, and it requires painting less often than wood. You can even spray this paint while youre holding the can upside down. It is possible to brush paint onto plastic, but it tends to smear, pool, and leave visible brush strokes. Acrylic paint markers work on many surfacesincluding plastic, wood, ceramic, glass, and metalthat are small in size. After all, if you paint them once, you can always paint them again. Plastic is an ideal material for outdoor items because its lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust, water, and weather. For satisfactory results on your next plastic painting project, youll want to find a quality paint thats formulated to cover plastic surfaces and learn the painting techniques and types of paint that yield good adhesion and a smooth finish on plastic. However, there are a couple of important caveats. After sanding, wipe down the surface of the piece with a tack cloth to remove dust. Perk up your faded and worn plastic piecesincluding patio furniture, fencing, toys, and automotive partswith the best paint for plastic. The following recommendations suit a variety of indoor and outdoor applications, as well as budget considerations. Last Updated: August 10, 2021 outdoor spray paint projects from Krylon. Youll need to allow more time for drying in cooler temperatures, The paint typically drys in about 20 minutes. Continue to apply light, multiple coats, waiting 30-60 seconds between each, until you are satisfied with the appearance. Using an all purpose cleaner/degreaser, wipe down chairs to remove all dirt and grime. If you dont want to tackle the job yourself, a company that refinishes kitchen cabinets might be able to help you. They also provide permanent color coverage that is resistant to water and UV rays, so you can use them on outdoor and indoor items. The highly-pigmented, fast-drying acrylic paint is water-based for easy cleanup. It now markets the product as Fusion All-In-One ($4.98 for a 12-ounce can at Lowes). Both brands have spray cans with nozzles that work at whatever angle you tilt the can. The upcycling project ideas are endless for DIYers and casual home improvement buffs alike. Rust-Oleum Painters Touch 2X Ultra Cover, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Only 7 Tools You Need to Paint Any Room, The Best Glow in the Dark Paints for Arts and Crafts, 12 Exterior Paint Colors to Help Sell Your House. If you plan to paint a light color over a darker color, youll need more cans of spray paint. Plastic is a tricky surface for adhesion, and paint may drip, smear, and chip. If you do want professional painting, Williams suggested you bundle that task with another painting job, so you get more value out of the daily rate ($680) the company charges to send a painter to a site. Youll want to shake the can throughout the painting process. Krylon Fusion All-In-One dries in 25 minutes or less, and can be handled in about one hour. For that $680, we could do a whole bedroom, a bathroom, power-wash whatever they want, he said. This sort of paint will have more color options in liquid form. You might also consider using brush-on paint, which doesnt have overspray issues and is easier to control. Nothing beats a fresh coat of paint in an attractive, new color to revive those dingy, faded, plastic objects around your house and yard. In both cases, wait to repaint until the first coat is dry to the touch, which should happen within 20 to 25 minutes. Once the primer has dried, evenly cover the furniture with a satin finish spray paint in the color of your choice and let it dry for 24 hours. Fusion paint provides full coverage on most plastic surfaces, including PVC and resins. Acrylic paint is suitable for small plastic miniatures, toys, and models. To clean brand new plastic, wipe down with a cloth soaked in paint thinner. For the most effective adhesion and coverage, you can spray the paint directly onto a clean and dry plastic surface without preliminary priming or sanding. Make sure to provide good airflow and ventilation to aid in drying. Stay up to date on the news from Silicon Valley, and how to take back control of your data and devices. In the past, plastic surfaces posed a problem for DIYers. For example, if you only want to paint the surface of a table, tape off the top portion of each leg. The paint dries to the touch in 20 to 30 minutes and is completely dry in 24 hours. (I recommend wearing gloves so that your finger doesnt get spray paint on it). Outdoor furniture such as plastic lawn chairs are especially easy to prepare and paint. Each 12-ounce can covers up to 10 square feet, and the paint dries to the touch in about 20 minutes. Spray on a second or third coat within two hours or after 48 hours. Metallic, hammered, textured, and camouflage finishes give new interest to old plastic items. Q: We have had two bright red/orange chairs from Italy (Hero model CS/1085, sold by Calligaris) on our backyard patio for more than 10 years. For outdoor plastic, you want reliable adhesion and resistance to moisture and mildew. When paint is cured, it is 100 percent dry and has reached its maximum hardness. By Carol Benton | Updated Dec 3, 2020 10:09 AM. Apply primer to plastic before painting with acrylic paint. But it isnt cost-effective to bring in a professional painter for just a couple of chairs, especially because most plastic chairs are inexpensive, said Rick Williams, the companys president. If your plastic fence requires a lot of paint, the project will be within your budget. If your next DIY project involves painting plastic, youll want to purchase high-quality paint for the job. The best way to paint plastic is with spray paint which is generally available in 12-ounce cans. This oil-based paint is available in 12-ounce spray cans, and its recommended for multiple plastic surfaces, including PVC, resin, fiberglass, polypropylene, and more. Krylon was first when it introduced its Fusion for Plastic spray paint in 2004. Apply the primer in a steady back-and-forth motion while holding the can's nozzle 12-18in (30-45cm) from the surface. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to have more humidity and condensation than other areas of your home, so moisture-resistant paints are beneficial in these spaces. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. It dries to a hard, high-gloss finish that hides imperfections and creates a smooth, fresh look. The paint is dry to the touch in 15 minutes and dry to handle in one hour. Priming the plastic surface before painting may make brushing more successful. Your email address will not be published. As you shop for spray paint, read product descriptions to verify that the paint is recommended for use on plastic surfaces. Both would need to come in a spray form, because the Swiss-cheese-like "holes" in the chairs make them almost impossible to paint with a brush. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Its fully cured and chip-resistant after seven days. If you want to spruce up your plastic furniture with a fresh coat of paint, start by cleaning off any dirt and mildew with a mixture of hot water and an ammonia-based cleaner. Yes, you can repaint plastic outdoor chairs. A camouflage finish transforms a surface into a variegated look in brown, green, khaki, or sand tones. DIYers love to update inexpensive plastic items from thrift stores or dollar stores, transforming them into on-trend home decor. With Fusion, a second coat needs to be applied within two hours, or you must wait at least 48 hours. Protect your eyes, too, and work where there is abundant ventilation. Also, as with any spray paint, you need to set up a workspace where overspray wont be a problem. For more tips, like how to paint plastic furniture that will be used indoors, scroll down. Spray the table with a back and forth motion from 10-16 inches from the surface when you spray, If you are painting a fire pit or a grill you will want to use the. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 150,889 times. The manufacturer recommends that you spray 2 or more light coats a few minutes apart. For example, tip over the chair and mask off all but a small section, where the paint wont get into one of the chairs holes. Each can contains 12 ounces of paint and features an EZ Touch spray tip to make your job quicker and easier. There is also a spray version ($5.99 for a 12-ounce can at Ace Hardware). In 2018, the company added corrosion inhibitors, making the primer-plus-paint also suitable for use on metals. Either primer allows you to use any kind of paint as a topcoat. Even paints that stick to most plastics dont grip to everything, especially polyethylene. With these paints, youll learn to love your plastic items again. In general, a polyurethane or polyacrylic topcoat will protect the paint. When the chair was dry I flipped it over so that I could easily spray the underside while applying the additional coats. This article was published more than1 year ago. Then, apply a coat of primer designed for outdoor use. Reduce pressure or use sanding equipment with a finer grit if any visible scratches appear. An all-purpose cleaner, such as dish soap, will work if the furniture is not too dirty. This paint is available at a reasonable price, and one 12-ounce can covers up to 12 square feet. What can be used to coat spray painted plastic furniture? Check the paint instructions to see which or what should be used as a topcoat. It also allows you to apply paint at any angle, even when the can is upside down. The brushstrokes level out as the paint dries. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. All rights reserved. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to dry. Its available in 11-ounce spray cans. How much of an issue this is for your chairs, only you can decide. Youll use 1 can per chair. Other additives promote desirable qualities, such as resistance to mildew or scratches. Once your furniture is clean and rinsed, sand the surface with a piece of fine-grit sandpaper so the paint will stick better. These are considerations youll need to keep in mind as you shop for the best paint for plastic. It yields a durable surface intended for both indoor or outdoor use. Apply several thin coats to achieve a smooth finish that resists chipping and scratching. After my first coat dried, I flipped the table over so that it was easier to spray paint the legs. Several factors influence how many 12-ounce cans of spray paint youll need for a project. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Skip to priming if the furniture is already smooth. Consider a specialty finish if you want to upcycle old plastic pieces to look like metal, stone, or other materials. Darker colors tend to require more paint than lighter colors to ensure good coverage. A general rule is that 12 ounces of spray paint will cover 10 to 12 square feet of surface, but this is only an estimate. For the best results, use all of the same brand on your project. Williams Professional Painting in Alexandria, Va. (703-768-8143; williamsprofessionalpainting.com) has occasionally painted lawn furniture as part of a larger painting job. Turn chairs upside down and begin painting the bottoms first. If you're using spray paint, it is especially important to wear a dust mask. With Rust-Oleums 2X, recoat within one hour or wait at least 48 hours. New plastic furniture will likely benefit from a light sanding. Easily paint awkward, hard-to-reach places with the specially-designed, big-button spray tip. So if you have paint left over from painting tables or other projects, you could make the chairs match. What paint should we use, and is there a way to find someone who will do the job for us? Metallic spray paints for plastic, feature colors such as gold, copper, nickel, bronze, and more. Today, several paint manufacturers offer paints that are specially formulated to provide solid adhesion and coverage with chip-resistant durability on plastic surfaces. Krylon Fusion For Plastic Aerosol Spray Paint. Pigments are fine particles that give paint its color and allow it to cover and adhere to a surface. Be sure your surface is clean and dry before you begin painting. Apply several thin coats, allowing recommended drying time between coats. Most plastic furniture can easily and safely be painted. For durability, apply primer to your surface before painting, and finish the piece with a spray-on acrylic sealer. How can I get the brown crud off my ovens glass door? These paints dry to a hard finish that creates resistance to moisture. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Because it was developed specifically for painting plastic, Krylon Fusion yields satisfactory and reliable results. The 2X in the product name signifies that one coat creates a finish that would require two coats if you used a different brands paint, although the coverage on an item depends on your technique and how much twisting and turning you need to do to cover all the surfaces evenly. Textured finishes in various colors may create the appearance of sand, stone, or metal. But today, paint colors typically result from adding pigments, which are manufactured synthetics, rather than minerals. © 2022 Krylon Products Group. Application is easy with no priming required. Dry the furniture with a cotton towel and allow it to air dry completely. When youre spray-painting a plastic surface, the paint might feel dry to the touch in about 15 minutes, but you should allow for 30 minutes of drying time between coats. The XIM primer you mentioned has been discontinued, but Rust-Oleum still makes Specialty Plastic Primer in a brush-on formula ($27.63 a quart on Amazon). Red paint often fades more than other colors, regardless of the brand or type, Pawlak said. Do you want a high-sheen finish or a matte finish? wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Rust-Oleum for the win again. Follow these steps, and you'll be resting on a freshly-painted plastic fashion statement in no time! They need to be repainted. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Fusion All-in-One spray paintalso from Krylonis a versatile product thats suitable for painting plastic, wood, metal, PVC, and more. Make sure that you choose your project on a sunny day without much wind or you will waste a lot of your paint. Check the product description or label information for the dry time and cure time of any paint that you plan to use. Before painting any plastic object, be sure the surface is clean and dry. Spraying paint on your plastic surface provides the best coverage and leaves a smooth finish. If you need to apply more than one coat to get good coverage, pay attention to the manufacturers specifications about recoat time. Go with either a satin or semi-gloss finish.