It’s usually difficult to find good spray paint for plastic because most spray paints hardly adhere to plastic materials. This makes the task of spray painting plastic a tedious one as the paint can easily peel off, leaving the object worse than it was.
While some people believe that it’s impossible to paint plastic objects, it’s actually doable. Trust me, repainting those old plastics in your home, such as your garden chairs is one of the easiest ways to completely refurbish your home and give it a fresh look.
Think about how many times you’ve thrown them away due to it not being as flashy as it once was. The good thing, however, is that some paints are perfectly designed for painting plastic, and that’s what we’ll share with you here.
You’re also going to learn how to paint plastic and how to remove spray paint from plastic to give it a fresh coat of paint.
Read Also: How to Remove Paints from Plastic
Best Spray Paint for Plastic
Why Would You Spray Paint Plastic?
There are several reasons why you might consider spray painting a plastic object, the most common is to revamp the objects and get back its original quality.
You probably have an old garden chair that you’re planning to throw away, but applying a fresh coat of paint to it will actually restore its lost glory. Basically, any plastic material that stays too long in the sun starts to lose its color and quality.
They become a shadow of what they used to be, so why throw them away when they aren’t totally damaged? All you need is some spray paint on them and you’ll be amazed at what they’ll look like.
What Type of Plastic Can you Spray Paint?
It might not make sense to think of the fact that you have to use one design of a plastic item in your home forever.
On the other hand, it would be a total waste of money to buy a different patio or garden chair in a new color with the same design you already have. With plastic spray paints, you can easily color up any resin surface.
But what type of plastic can you paint?
You can typically paint anything like patio chairs, Easter eggs, bottles and jars, kitchen containers, décor accents, plastic foliage and flowers, closet bars, hangers, toys, trash Bins, flowerpots, mirror frames, figurines, electric socket covers, etc.
And other plastic objects you wish to spruce up. It is now possible and easy to spruce your plastic objects to whole new things.
Read Also: Best Spray Paint for Metal
Alright, let’s cut the chase and get to the main thing. If you’re still with me, let’s now discover the best spray paints for plastic that you can start using today to give your plastic materials a breath of fresh air.
Plastic Spray Paint Reviews
1. Rust-Oleum 211338 Paint for Plastic Spray
Rust-Oleum 211338 12-Ounce Plastic Spray Paint is the best spray paint to restore and renew your plastic objects in one step. You can use this paint to spray plastic mailboxes, storage lockers, lawn chairs, and more.
It offers long-lasting durability and superior adhesion to indoor/outdoor objects. Instead of spending money on a new chair, simply try a coat of Rust-Oleum’s spray paint and give your chair a new life.
Excitingly, this product is also designed to protect your chair from the elements, which is vital if you’ll position the chair on a deck during the summer periods.
Although it is liable to serious scratches from rough handling that usually occur outdoors, it’s still guaranteed to not chip within one year of being applied.
If the layer of paint scratches, this Rust-Oleum’s formula lets you spray directly onto the plastic item to fill little gaps so no priming or sanding is required. A quick pass with the paint over the scratched area will instantly blend the affected surface into the surrounding area.
- Very affordable
- Multiple uses
- Fast drying time
- Durable
- Great color retention
- Some users complained that it’s not great for hard plastics
2. Krylon K02320007 Fusion For Plastic Aerosol Spray Paint
The Krylon Fusion Paint for plastic is designed to make even the hardest plastic paint jobs easy. It features an EZ Touch 360-degree dial spray tip that helps it to seamlessly rotate around wide curves or sharp edges while painting.
This is perfect for coating large areas with speed of light, while also providing a precise shot at small details such as toys or instruments.
The tip is also built to reduce overspray, heavy drips, and the orange peel effect that happens when too much paint quickly gathers on one area.
The Krylon K02320007 Fusion For Plastic Aerosol Spray Paint also becomes resistant to chipping after one week, suitable for high-traffic area objects such as table legs or outdoor chairs.
Furthermore, the paint does not need sanding or plastic paint primer, which eliminates the need to waste money or time on prepping the object.
Krylon Fusion also comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes. This product is reliable, easy to use, and offers a long-lasting finish.
- No sanding or priming required
- Very affordable
- Can be used on a variety of materials
- Dries to touch in 15 minutes
- Easily bonds to most plastics, resin, and PVC
- Peel-resistant after one week
- Uneven spray action
- Nozzle tends to clog
3. Rust-Oleum 249123 Painter’s Touch Multi Purpose Spray Paint
Rust-Oleum painter’s Touch Multi-Purpose Spray Paint uses double cover technology to improve the speed and quality of any project. It has a durable spray paint that offers a fast drying and smooth finish.
This plastic paint is ideal for use on plastic, wood, metal, and wicker surfaces. Its 2X Ultra Cover adds interest and color to home décor, furniture, crafts, etc.
While it’s not the most affordable paint option on the market, it’s an excellent value for the price. From plastic outdoor chairs to car parts, Rust-Oleum’s Painters Touch consistently covers a range of plastic and coated materials evenly and quickly.
While this plastic paint is inexpensive, easy to use, and did a good job, users found that it required a few cans to achieve the best coverage and the desired appeal.
The paint is also pretty fast to dry; around 15 minutes for the average coat. It offers full coverage and even coats with no orange peel effect.
- Chip resistant
- Low odor
- Any angle spray
- Dries in 20 minutes
- Very affordable
- It requires a few cans to achieve the best coverage
4. Rust-Oleum 267116 Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover
This is simply one of the best spray paints for plastic objects out there. The Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover spray paint provides enhanced coverage for quick project completion. The paint offers a tough, aesthetic finish on nearly any interior and exterior surface.
Fortified with a comfort spray tip and a wider finger pad to cut down on fatigue caused by unceasing spraying. It has a convenient any angle spray that applies easily leaving a deep, rich color that reveals the beauty in your paint job.
Additionally, it’s oil-based paint and is versatile on numerous surfaces – from plastic, wood, metal, plaster to unglazed ceramic or masonry, and so much more.
The manufacturer refers to this paint as an “all-in-one paint and primer.” Therefore, it requires no prepping work for priming, whatsoever. Even on surfaces with bold contrasting colors or busy patterns, you can spray the entire thing thoroughly – and it conceals anything that’s left in the surface in one coat.
That’s not all, the Ultra Cover 2x is formulated with double cover technology, which offers ultimate coverage – and is a big advantage over other multi-purpose paints. This paint adheres properly on egg baskets, laptop stands, cookie jars, plastic garden chairs, etc.
We won’t say much again, just try the paint and see for yourself.
- Conceals defects on different surfaces
- Offers very smooth finish
- Features comfort spray tip
- Chipping and fading resistant
- Comes in a large variety of colors
- No sanding or priming needed
- The nozzle is prone to getting stuck
- Not very glossy
5. Krylon Camouflage Plastic Paint
Krylon offers up to six impressive camouflage color options that are great at spray painting guns and plastics.
This product is made with fusion for plastic, which is powered under Krylon and its paint technology. It’s designed to easily stick to plastic objects without peeling off.
Although it can’t necessarily work as a primer, the black coat can be used as one. Just ensure to spray it from a distance to avoid making a thick cover.
Another exciting thing about this spray paint is its ultra-flat feature. This allows you to easily see the sprays that contain teeth in it, which is basically the small particles in the liquid.
While these teeth are designed to soak into the plastic surface without affecting the finish, the drawback is when you’re painting warm colors.
Overall, the Krylon Camouflage Plastic paint is great value for money. Try it today and you’ll wish you have discovered it earlier.
- Fast-drying time
- Sticks easily to most plastics
- No priming or sanding required
- Reasonably priced
- Limited color options
- Slow curing
6. Valspar 410-85042 SP Multi-Surface Enamel Spray Paint
The Valspar Multi-Surface Enamel Spray Paint is a wonderful spray paint that is built for both indoor and outdoor applications. It’s most effective on plastics, wood, ceramics, and metal.
This product is smartly designed with a twist lock cap for accident prevention. Regarding the paint itself, this Valspar plastic paint is one of the best out there.
It creates a tough and glossy finish that can cover anything with one layer. Apart from being scratch and water-resistant, it also has a powerful anti-rust feature.
Interestingly, you can also spray this paint product from any angle with equal force. This makes it insanely useful for interior design jobs as well as large art projects. Its twist-lock cap is designed to prevent accidental sprays, leading to further precision.
Although, it’s not just the delivery system that makes the Valspar spray paint a wonderful product for interior designers. The content itself is tough and glossy, producing a thick layer that easily adapts to the texture of most surfaces out there.
Once the paint is applied to a surface, it settles almost immediately evenly, creating a very cogent and smooth result.
- Wonderful adhesion to plastics of different types
- For multiple types of surface
- Twist lock cap to prevent accidental sprays
- Water and scratch-resistant
- Quick-drying time
- Superb protection against rot (wood) and rust (metal)
- Releases lots of fumes
- Thin, requires various layers
- Relatively expensive
7. Krylon Diversified Supermaxx Paint for Plastic
This is yet another great spray paint for plastic which sticks to all kinds of difficult surfaces, including plastics of various types. The product works very well on melamine, laminates, bare wood, metal, and of course plastic surfaces.
This kind of versatility undoubtedly represents a huge plus for the Krylon brand. It gives it the opportunity of becoming an essential multi-purpose item for industries, homes, and businesses alike.
Furthermore, the paint itself is not the only superb thing about this product. starts its delivery system and packaging is smartly designed for an excellent performance. The size of the can offers a fantastic balance between the potential for pressure and capacity.
That’s not all, it features a very reliable and efficient nozzle, leading to a steady, even and precise spray that enables you to be as detailed as needed while spray painting your plastics. Even better, the spray button is soft and very responsive.
However, it’s worth noting that in order to be used properly, this product requires you to have little experience applying spray paint.
In spite of claiming not to require previous priming or sanding of the surface, this product benefits immensely from that. This is because some prepping can make its application slightly easier.
While this plastic spray paint does suffer from having a tough application process, the outcome is very much worth the stress. Its adhesion process starts immediately after application, making a strong bond with the material of the surface you painted.
Read Also: Best Spray Paint for Glass
And once dried, it produces a hard enamel with a beautiful satin finish. Aside from being subtly shiny and lustrous, this finish is highly resistant to scratches and other damages.
- No priming and sanding needed
- Soft spray tip designed for less fatigue and finger strain
- Features rot and rust protection for wood and metal
- Impressive and smooth finish
- Nozzle tends to get stuck and/or clogged
- Tedious application process
8. ColorBond (163) Chrysler Refinisher Spray Paint For Plastic
If you want a pray paint that dries in a blink of eyes, the ColorBond Chrysler Refinisher Spray Paint for Plastic is the one. This spray paint is referred to as “an innovative molecular bonding paint.” It restores and renews the old finish of carpeting, leather, plastic toys, auto, etc.
The paint literally revamps the material permanently in less than 60 seconds. Now that’s a striking number. But wait for the other impressive features.
After applying this paint, it exposes no flakes, peels, or cracks on the sprayed surface – and the process won’t take much time – and it leaves less stink for respiration.
This product will simply blow your mind how fast it gets penetrated to the painted objects. Once dried, the paint levels itself, leaving a non-rough surface. Excitingly, you can also spray this crazy paint on vinyl.
There’s nothing much to say again, just give the ColorBond a trial and see for yourself
- Flake, crack, and peel resistant
- Very fast bonding
- Perfectly matches the original color
- Top-notch plastic spray paint
- Poor quality spray can
9. Moneysworth & Best Brillo Nu-Life Plastic Paint
Planning to coat your handbag, shoes, leather jacket or belt? This wonderful spray paint will wow you. The paint is available in more than 50 colors – and it repels water which is perfect for the pool vinyl cover.
Furthermore, it gives a slippery and shiny finish to endure dust and soil. This concept is particularly fantastic for a leather sofa, rubber-soled shoes, or purse. You can also do the swapping up and offer protection simultaneously.
After applying this paint, the finish looked neat and lovely, but it was slightly rough on one side. We noticed it was uneven but after wiping with a towel, it became awesome.
This product requires you to have a little prep work in order to get a smooth surface before spraying any surface. Interestingly, the paint becomes thicker once it gets dried.
Finally, it’s advisable to go for only two layers if you don’t want it to be too glossy at the end – too thick coats can also crack easily, so you want to be mindful of that.
- Great bonds to plastics
- Comes in a wide variety of colors
- Water-repellant
- The bottle volume is small
10. Dupli-Color CP199 Clear Adhesion Promoter Primer
n Promoter Primer enhances adhesion of enamel and lacquer topcoats to every surface, including chrome and plastic. This paint is an all-purpose clear primer and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Interestingly, it’s actually the first and only Dupli-Color paint product to make our list, and that’s because it works a lot quicker than some of the more basic spray paints on the market.
It’s basically a type of paint that you can apply to most plastic materials and results will follow instantly. This product also comes with a quick-drying clear primer, providing a very smooth finish to make any object look as good as new!
Finally, this is a perfect product to own for anyone spray painting car plastics. 11 oz might not seem a lot, though, but the can will certainly do the trick once you apply it.
- Very easy to use
- Comes with EZ Touch Fan Spray Nozzle
- Very consistent
- Quick-drying clear primer
- None spotted
11. SEM Paints SEM15243 Satin Black Color Coat Aerosol
This SEM Paints product is a specialty elastomeric coating designed to restore or change the color of most carpet and velour, flexible and rigid plastics, and vinyl surfaces.
SEM Paints SEM15243 Satin Black Color Coat Aerosol is not a dye, but a flexible, fade-resistant, and permanent coating. The elastomeric coating does not crack regardless of how much you put down initially. It’s also quick to dry and very easy to use.
Not only does the SEM spray paint allow for awesome coverage over plastic, but you can use it for wood and vine also with great effect.
This spray paint promises flexibility, superior adhesion, and hiding. It’s simply a product that is always ready to spray notwithstanding the time of year or plastic material standing before you.
- It has multiple uses
- Different color options
- Elastomeric coating
- Consistent spray
- Superior adhesion
- Poor spray nozzle
Spray Paint for Plastic Buying Guide
By now, we hope you’ve already made a choice of your preferred spray paint for plastic. Let’s now discuss some of the things you should always look out for when buying plastic spray paints.
Whether you’ve never used spray paints before, or you just need a little reminder of what to look for, this buyer’s guide is ideal for you.
It has all the important information about choosing the right spray paint brand and formula. So you have to pay attention to the details below if you truly want to get the best value for your money.
Your Desired Finish
High-gloss paint looks smooth; however, it reveals all flaws on beat-up plastic. Consider a hammered finish that can conceal the imperfections with its dark and light contrasts in the paint content. Basically, dark finish makes large dents, scratches, and dings difficult to see.
Additionally, a metal coat will give your paint job a firm appearance and an iron effect on light objects. It’s especially perfect for designing ornaments for a cosplay party or decorating used toys.
There is a wide range of finishes you can use to beautify old furniture. It’s advisable to have an idea of your do-it-yourself so you can easily and effectively browse the market.
Quality of Can
You also want to pay attention to the can quality. While it may seem trivial, the way the spray paint can is produced can significantly affect your overall experience when using the product.
Some spray paint brands make great cans that hardly clog; however, lots of them produces the cheapest can, which will definitely result in clogging.
Before the spray paint, endeavor to research the cans used for each variety of the paint, as some are manufactured better than others, and in some cases, you can buy additional nozzles, making it easier to manage clogs without having to purchase a new can.
Moisture resistance
It’s generally good to have moisture resistance in paint, even if the object will be kept indoors. Apart from having direct water contact, paints can also be defenseless to humidity and moisture, so even objects kept inside your home can be susceptible to water damage.
With objects like garden or lawn chairs that will sit permanently on a garden, patio, or porch, this feature is of utmost importance.
If you fail to choose a variety that has moisture resistance, you may eventually discover that your item has started to run, or blotch with even the lightest touches, which will result in a frustrating experience.
Always look out for this feature in the product’s descriptions, and if it’s not listed on a model, then it perhaps does not have it.
Painting Material
This should obviously be plastic – but plastic has its variations too. The can always have their recommendation of specialty written on it. You want to ensure that you pick the “For plastic” design.
Additionally, you’ll sometimes see paint for vinyl, resin, acrylic, or leather; then you’ll also see a small line indicating that you can also use it on other surfaces such as ceramic, metal, or wood. Those are all-round paint and are ideal for any of the listed niches.
The Cure time
Every spray paint has a different amount of time it takes for proper curing and drying. Some companies claim that they dry to the touch in less than 10 minutes, and safe for a new coat of paint or handling in an hour.
This is basically only true on some surfaces and in good conditions, but the truth remains that some brands dry faster than others.
And some take days or even weeks to completely dry and become safe to touch and handle, which is much longer than most people want to wait.
In some situations, you can speed up the curing process by just hitting the object in question; however, that won’t be possible with every plastic as some may melt in high heat.
It’s equally possible that some objects won’t fit in the oven. Therefore, you should do this only if there are specific instructions on the can indicating that the paint is very safe for high-heat conditions.
Bundle or Single Bottle
Some paint companies sell their products in packs, while others sell a single product. We usually go for the single, but if they make the bundle packs customizable, that is a great offer.
Otherwise, you can buy the colors you want from different companies. We don’t think there will be any problem with that.
Mixture quality
If you’ve ever used spray paints in the past, you’ve probably used a variety that was poorly manufactured.
Basically, cheap spray paints have some common problems, one which is a clogged nozzle that occurs from a spray paint that was not made properly and is too thick.
Sometimes, you can fix this issue by using mineral water to clean the nozzle or by simply replacing the nozzle. Another way to minimize the chance of this problem is to properly shake the bottle before use.
Additionally, spray paint often has an expiration date, and if you use it after that date, it’ll likely clog or be dried completely inside the can. So if you receive expired can, ensure that you return or exchange it immediately, as it’s unlikely to work well.
While it’s impossible to determine if a formulation trend towards clogging or consistency from the product description alone, you can always find this information by just reading reviews online, especially from the people that bought it from Amazon.
How to Paint Plastic Objects
The video below shows how to easily paint plastic objects like a pro. Just take your time to watch it before proceeding to the next section.
How to Remove Spray Paint From Plastic
Now, that you already know the common things to look for while shopping for spray paint for plastic objects, let’s also look at how to remove spray paint from plastic.
Getting spray paint off plastic isn’t as tough as most make it seem. It can be easily done with certain chemicals. Vegetable oil is excellent at loosening the paint on some plastic objects so that you can then just use a paint scraper and remove it all.
Furthermore, nail polish remover also works insanely well and in our opinion, it’s the most affordable means of removing spray paint from plastic.
However, if none of these methods work for you, then there are some other things you can do. For instance, using denatured alcohol is known to get rid of paint from plastics easily.
But you don’t want to overdo it with this method as you can damage the plastic if too much of it is applied. Leave it to sit awhile on the intended surface and then scrub it off — ensure that you’re putting on gloves when you do so to ensure your safety.
Finally, if the paint on your plastic object is in chunks, then you could perhaps just remove with a paint scraper, it may sound somewhat physical but it truly works in most cases besides, you’ll likely need a scraper so why not try it?
I’m sure you’ve learned how to get spray paint off plastic and as you can see, it’s actually not as difficult as sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best spray paint for plastic?
Many plastic spray paints on the market are super effective at getting the job done, but all the ones listed here are among the best. I’d suggest you check any of them out and see how it works.
Will plastic paint work on a glass surface?
This totally depends. Multi-surface paint would work, and it’s hard to conclude for plastic specific paints. However, the paint should be able to stick if you retreat the glass using a 320 grit sandpaper.
However, we don’t think it’s going to endure the weather if you put the glass outside. But why use plastic paint for glass when you can easily find high-quality glass paints on the market?
Can the rocking chair with a slick surface be sprayed?
We’re cannot be certain about this because it depends on the kind of plastic it is. But if you must, I’d suggest you sand the chair properly before applying the paint. You want to go for an all-in-one spray can with inbuilt primer.
What’s the amount of heat the spray bottle can withstand?
This should be clearly written on the label. People typically store these cans at around 55 to 850F but you don’t want to choose anything more than 1200F.
Must I use a primer?
No! But we always use it when working with plastics. However, if the spray paint comes with primer built-in, then you won’t need a primer, if not, you certainly can’t avoid the step. But with or without primer, make sure that the surface is very clean before applying paint.
What kind of spray paint will stay on plastic?
For the sake of convenience, you may wish to use a spray paint labeled as being specifically meant for plastics, like Krylon Fusion for Plastic or Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray. In many cases, you can use general-purpose spray paint, such as Krylon® Paint + Primer or Rust-Oleum Universal Spray Paint.
What is the best type of paint to use on plastic?
Standard exterior gloss paint is a suitable finish for plastic when used in conjunction with an appropriate primer and undercoat. Either acrylic or oil-based gloss can be used, and both are available in a wide range of colours.
How do you make spray paint permanent on plastic?
Instructions
- Start by wiping down the plastic surface with mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol.
- Using a fine-grit sanding block, lightly sand the surface to a dull finish.
- Apply the plastic primer according to the directions on the back of the can.
- Apply the spray paint according to the directions on the can.
Should I prime plastic before spray painting?
Priming the Item
You definitely need a primer designed specifically for plastic if you’re using regular spray paint. The specialty primer can create a foundation that helps the paint stick. Apply the spray primer in even amounts to the completely sanded, clean and dry plastic item.
Will spray paint peel off plastic?
Spray painting plastic can be a frustrating task. Most spray paints do not adhere well to plastic surfaces and can quickly peel, bubble, chip or flake off, making the surface look worse than before you started.
Can you use Rustoleum spray paint on plastic?
Rust-Oleum® Specialty Paint for Plastic is designed to renew the appearance of indoor and outdoor plastics. These sprays are ideal for use on polypropylene, polystyrene, resin, PVC, fiberglass, and vinyl plastics such as chairs, tables, and planters.
Does acrylic paint stay on plastic?
Acrylic paint is best used on porous surfaces like wood, however, with a bit of preparation, a primer, and a sealer, you can paint on plastic. Acrylic paints will definitely need a primer, but there are specially formulated paints that are designed for use on plastic and do not require a primer.
What is a good clear coat for plastic?
Rust-Oleum® Paint for Plastic. This clear coating renews and restores a variety of indoor and outdoor plastics, such as resin, PVC, fiberglass, polypropylene, and polystyrene; no primer needed. Works well on chairs, tables, and outside planters. Features comfort tip that allows you to easily spray at any angle.
Why is my spray paint bubbling on plastic?
The bumps occur due to reasons such as improper cleaning of the surface before application or a rushed job. Sometimes the bubbles are simple enough to repair without a lot of work, but other times it’s necessary to completely redo the entire paint job to save it.
Why is my spray paint cracking?
The most common culprits why spray paint crackles are temperature, when it is too hot or too cold, or applying too much paint in one go. When you apply spray paint in conditions too hot, the solvent in the paint evaporates, causing the paint to shrivel up and crack.
Conclusion
Spray painting plastic is not a task that you can rush into. It needs lots of prepping and thought before taking on this job.
But that doesn’t mean that the project is difficult and unachievable. You would certainly achieve astounding results if you’re willing to put the prepping work in. Spraying plastic is often belittled because it’s not a popular task, but it’s certainly worth trying.
That said, the Rust-Oleum 211338 is our preferred choice for spraying plastic, as it features a fantastic semi-gloss coat and dries pretty quickly.
Rust-Oleum 267116 is also another impressive product. It has a wider variety of colors but has a strong odor and will sometimes require a primer to work well.
