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Paint plastic furniture and PVC trim without worrying about the durability of the finish with these tips on how to prime and paint plastic surfaces.
By
Caitlin Sole
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Caitlin Sole
Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content.
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Updated on October 7, 2023
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Learning how to paint plastics poses many challenges. It's one of the most difficult surfaces to paint. Plastic's chemical composition and smooth surface don't promote good paint adhesion, and the fact that they can expand and contract at a greater rate than many other painted surfaces leaves them vulnerable to flaking, even when you think you have the coating securely adhered. With proper preparation and specialty products, however, you can learn how to paint plastics and not have to worry about the durability of the finish.
For interior walls (tiled with plastic tile, for example, or finished with other plastic products), apply a high-adhesion latex stain-blocking primer. Use top-of-the-line interior latex paint for bathroom and kitchen walls that aren't subject to constant exposure to water. Shower walls and similar surfaces do not make suitable candidates for paint.
For extra insurance against peeling and cracking, ask your paint dealer about primers and paints made specifically for plastic surfaces. They will give you great versatility in transforming drab outdoor objects into attractive ornaments.
How to Paint Plastic Like a Pro
Equipment / Tools
Plastic Furniture
- 200 grit sandpaper
PVC Trim
- 220 grit sandpaper
- Sash or trim brush
Materials
Plastic Furniture
- Scrub brush
- Water and bleach solution
- Detergent and warm water
- Damp cloth
- High-adhesion latex stain-blocking primer
- Acrylic spray paint
PVC Trim
- Detergent and warm water
- Damp cloth
- PVC acrylic latex primer
- Acrylic latex paint
Instructions
How to Paint Plastic Lawn Furniture
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Prep the Surface
Remove any mildew by scrubbing the area with a 3:1 water and bleach solution. 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 with 200-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.
Paint the Surface
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.
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How to Paint PVC Trim
Prep the Surface
Wash, rinse, and let dry. Scuff-sand (220-grit) and wipe clean.
Prime the Surface
Prime with acrylic latex primer recommended for exterior PVC surfaces.
Paint the Surface
Use 100-percent acrylic latex paint, applying it with a high-quality sash or trim brush.
Editor's tip
Since dark colors absorb more heat, do not paint PVC trim darker than its original color to avoid potential warping from heat expansion.
Tips for How to Paint Plastic Furniture
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For perfect spray paint results, follow these essential tips:
- Test the spray on a piece of paper taped to a wall.
- 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.
- Apply the paint in numerous light coats, not one heavy coat.
- Shake the can periodically during the paint job.
- Avoid "orange peel" by not applying the paint too thick or on too warm a surface. Smooth mild orange peel with fine rubbing compound. Wet-sand severe orange peel, smooth with rubbing compound, and recoat.
- Prevent runs and sags by not spraying too much paint in one spot or spraying on a cold surface. Remove dried runs with 400-grit or 600-grit sandpaper and paint again.
- When spraying furniture, paint the bottom. Then, turn the chair upright and paint in the order shown above. The best way is to paint as much of the object as you can see from one side, then reverse your position and paint as much of the surface as you can see from the other side. Applying paint in this order will ensure you get full coverage and eliminate 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.
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