Give new life to old toys or spruce up some wicker or plastic chairs instead of buying anew. It’s a fun activity for you and your children and not to mention; it's a great way to upcycle your belongings, too.
This review will give you all the info you’ll need on the best quality spray paint for plastic that’s on the market today.
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Spray Paint For Plastic Compared
Image | Model | Dry Time | Can Size | Available Colors | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rust-Oleum 249131 All Surface | 30 minutes | 11 oz. | 20 colors available | ||
Krylon K05545007 COLORmaxx | 10 minutes | 12 oz. | 89 colors available | ||
Krylon K02732007 Fusion All-In-One | 20 minutes | 12 oz. | Over 40 shades available | ||
Dupli-Color Acrylic Enamel | 25 minutes | 12 oz. | 16 colors available | ||
Dupli-Color General Purpose | 25 minutes | 12 oz. | 3 colors available | ||
Rust-Oleum 211338 Paint for Plastic | 20 minutes | 12 oz. | 3 colors available | ||
Montana Cans Silver | 60 minutes | 400 ml | Over 200 colors available | ||
ColorBond (1876) Infiniti G37 | 10 minutes | 12 oz. | Over 30 available colors | ||
Krylon K02325007 Fusion | Up to 60 minutes | 12 oz. | 12 colors available |
Why Spray Paint Plastic?
Plastic objects or furniture sitting under the sun will begin to lose their colors or vibrancy over time.
By spray painting these few bits, you can rejuvenate each item in the colors and taste you prefer, and save yourself some money on replacing these objects too. Also, spray painting is a better option than roller painting as it's a lot less mess, and fewer materials are needed.
Helpful Tips when Buying Spray Paint for Plastic
Get the Finish You Want
If you want more texture in the finished piece, stick with enamel or matte finish. If you want a smooth, shiny finish, then a metallic color in a gloss finishing is what you’ll need. Always check the label and don’t buy a spray paint based on the cap. Some matte spray paints will have a glossy cap anyway, so it’s better to double-check.
Primer or No Primer
Many painters simply skip the priming process if their paint has the appropriate adhesive in it for the color to stick; otherwise, you’ll need a primer. As plastic is nonporous and sometimes cannot hold the paint, a primer is there to make sure it sticks, lasts, and is as vibrant as ever. We recommend using a primer if the plastic objects you’re redoing will be exposed to various weather conditions.
Color
There's a range of available colors for spray painting plastic. These include sparkling metallics, bright and bold colors along with matte black white, silver, brass, and more. Some spray paints will be more opaque than others, so you may need 2-3 coats to see its' vibrancy. If this is the case, be sure to use a primer for opaque colors.
Moisture Resistance
If you’re spray painting outdoor furniture or decorations, then you'll need a spray paint that's moisture resistant to avoid fading. Most colored spray paints for outdoor use will be waterproof, but metallic shades for plastic don’t hold it’s intensity when left outside over time.
Cure Time
Paint is fully cured when all the solvents dissipate completely from the pigment, leaving only its maximum hardness. This is when you know your plastic object is completely 100% dry. On the can, it tells you the dry time, not the cure time, so be careful as this varies from paint to paint.
Quality & Durability
Spray paint is super versatile, and so are the brands and levels of durability. If you have an object that’s previously painted, then your prepping time will be longer. A primer can help with sticking the spray paint onto the plastic surface, but a lot of the time, a good quality spray paint will be durable enough on its own.
Ease of Use
Spraying large objects will leave you cutting your art time short by hand or finger fatigue. Each spray can needs to be easy to use and comfortable to spray, so you should consider this before you make your purchase. We discuss nozzle sizes, angles you can spray, and more in our reviews to avoid any mess or stress.
Spray Can Size Vs. Coverage Area
The coverage area is measured as square feet per can, and it’s different from shade to shade. Darker colors will require more pigments than lighter colors, so you’ll cover less square feet per can. We’ve listed this information with each review so you can determine how much paint you need.
9 Best Spray Paints For Plastic Reviewed
1. Rust-Oleum 249131 All Surface Spray Paint
- Works on virtually any surface including...
- Oil-based formula with excellent adhesion...
- Fast drying formula dries to the touch in 30...
- Prevents rust and corrosion for enhanced...
Best Metallic Spray Paint for Plastic
Size | 11 oz. |
Dry Time | 30 minutes |
Coverage | 15 sq feet per can |
Available Colors | 20 colors available |
We start our list with the best metallic spray paint for plastic by Rust-Oleum. This brand excels at making high-quality spray paints that have excellent adhesive properties. This all-in-one, Paint+Primer will leave plastic containers, bins, cabinets, and more glistening in metallic paint. As it's oil-based spray paint, you won’t have to worry about chipping or fading any time soon.
Many metallic shades look superb indoors, but won’t last a season of rain when put outside. This isn’t the case with the Universal All Surface Spray. The shade “Oil Rubbed Bronze” won’t lose its shimmering metallic look on plastic chairs, tables, or other furnishings left outdoors. It is fade-resistant, UV resistant, and it has rust protective properties.
Feel free to use this 11 oz. can on more than just plastic. It’s suitable for wood, metal, fiberglass, concrete, wicker, vinyl, and more. So you can add this spray all across your home for a more cohesive look.
2. Krylon K05545007 COLORmaxx Spray Paint
- SPRAY PAINT AND PRIMER – Krylon COLORmaxx...
- INDOOR/OUTDOOR RUST PROTECTION – Whether...
- GLOSS WHITE SPRAY PAINT – Color changes...
- EASY USE – The easy push big button spray...
White Spray Paint for Plastic
Size | 12 oz. |
Dry Time | 10 minutes |
Coverage | Up to 25 sq. feet |
Available Colors | 89 colors available |
No need to worry about drips or runs with this spray paint. The Krylon Corlormaxx Paint+Primer spray paint has an easy to push, big button so spraying isn’t a hassle. And, with a big tip that makes It easy to spray at any angle, you’ll cover large areas fast with this spray paint.
This indoor and outdoor-friendly spray paint will work on more than just plastic. It will stick and stay on wood, metal, wicker, paper mache, glass, ceramic, and even fabric. You can also choose which finish you’d prefer. Choose between flat, gloss, or satin. Or maybe matte, semi-gloss, or just simply a primer. Krylon released a ton of shades and finishes within this line, all suitable for plastic.
We loved the white shade in the gloss finish. It was light, with a touch of a cool tone without any gray or yellow. A beautiful, simple white that applies evenly will look great on chairs, lamps, and more.
3. Krylon K02732007 Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint
- ALL-IN-ONE SPRAY PAINT – Krylon black spray...
- INDOOR/OUTDOOR SPRAY PAINT - Whether your...
- MATTE BLACK COLOR – Black matte spray paint...
- QUICK DRY – With the easy push big button...
Matte Black Spray Paint for Plastic
Size | 12 oz. |
Dry Time | 20 minutes |
Coverage | Up to 25 sq. feet per can |
Available Colors | Over 40 shades available |
One of the fastest fading colors on plastic is black. Over time you’ll see white clouds appearing on your plastic chairs, containers, or shed outside. It may not be damaged, but the paint job sure is. The Krylon Fusion All-in-one spray paint will work wonders for touch-ups or cover-ups on matte black plastic surfaces.
The Fusion All-in-One Spray can cling to plastic with its superb adhesive properties. It can also bond to metal and adheres to wood, so this classic matte black can be added as a staple spray for a ton of your art projects. With its rust protection and corrosion resisting properties, you can use this indoors and out without a problem.
What we loved the most was it’s easy to use, wide-angle nozzle. It covered large surfaces quickly, and it was dry to touch in just 20 minutes. And for a black, the sq. feet per can is quite impressive. You can cover up to 25 sq. feet at a time, but if you want the deepest dark, then be sure to give your plastic object two coats, minimum.
4. Dupli-Color Acrylic Enamel
- Use for automotive, motorcycle, lawn and...
- Paint and primer in one
- No prep, no sanding needed
- Ideal for metal, plastic, wood and fiberglass
Red Spray Paint for plastic
Size | 12 oz. |
Dry Time | 25 minutes |
Coverage | 12-14 sq. feet |
Available Colors | 16 colors available |
Dupli-Color is another brand that creates impeccable spray paints that stick and stay on plastic surfaces. They created an acrylic-enamel multi-purpose spray paint that can cover objects with just one coat. If you want an intense, vibrant color, apply two light coats and one heavy coat, and your project will be as vibrant as ever.
With 16 colors to choose from, we loved how beautiful the vibrant red turned out on a kid's plastic car. We found it to be the best spray paint for car plastic and the most pigmented.
Use this spray paint on fiberglass, wood, metal, and more as it can be used indoors and out. Some users even used this for a new paint job and got great results. Keep in mind; it covers a total of 12-14 sq. feet at a time, so you may need to buy more cans for larger projects.
5. Dupli-Color General Purpose
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
- PROFESSIONAL
- The Dupli-Color Scratch Fix All-In-1 Touch-Up...
- Part number: DA1692
Best Clear Coat Spray Paint for Plastic
Size | 12 oz. |
Dry Time | 25 minutes |
Coverage | 12-14 sq. feet |
Available Colors | 3 colors available |
Our second product on our list by Dupli-Color is the General Purpose Clear Coat Spray Paint in Crystal Clear. Even though this says it’s specifically for painting vehicles, we found it to be a perfect final coat on plastic furniture, too. It’s suitable for indoor and outdoor use, so it's not harmful to use it on art projects around children.
Sanding, painting, and priming will be kept to a minimum with this clear coat spray. It has excellent adhesion to plastic and has maximum rust resistance. Dupli-Color's advanced high-solids formula bonds to various surfaces while delivering exceptional durability for the most demanding projects.
Use this clear coat spray on metals, plastic, wood, fiberglass, masonry, and concrete without a hitch. You can use it over a painted piece or directly on plastic for a layer of extra protection. It’s also a great product for decorators to have in their arsenal for any future projects that may ensue.
6. Rust-Oleum 211338 Paint for Plastic Spray
- Ideal for use on indoor/outdoor plastics...
- Oil based formula applies directly to plastic...
- Dries to touch in 20 minutes and covers up to...
- Long lasting, durable spray paint promotes...
Best Black Spray Paint for Plastic
Size | 12 oz. |
Dry Time | 20 minutes |
Coverage | 10 sq. feet |
Available Colors | 3 colors available |
Add a soft gloss finish to your outdoor furniture with Rust-Oleum’s black spray paint. This product was designed with just plastic in mind. It’s also a one-step process meaning that there's a primer within the spray. If you want to merely touch-up small spots, then the primer inside is more than enough. For bigger projects, we recommend a stronger primer before or a top coat for after application.
We used this Rust-Oleum Black spray paint on plastic decking chairs, and the results were fantastic! With two light coats and a topcoat, we got glossy results in a classic black shade. It can be used on indoor/outdoor plastics including PVC, resin, fiberglass, polypropylene, polystyrene, and vinyl plastics.
Drying time is a quick 20 minutes, but one thing to note is its coverage per can. It’s 10 sq. feet, a lot lower than some of its competitors, but we simply loved the payoff. Be sure to load up on a couple of these if you’re working on big projects.
7. Montana Cans Silver
- Flexible, acrylic-based matte formula
- Works well on wood, concrete, metal, plastic,...
- 100% lead and CFC free
- To start using a Montana spray can it is...
Best Chrome Spray Paint for Plastic
Size | 400 ml |
Dry Time | 60 minutes |
Coverage | 30 sq. feet |
Available Colors | Over 200 colors available |
Finding a metallic with great pigment and dries in a glittering semi-gloss is sometimes hard to find, especially for plastic surfaces. The Montana Can Silver Chrome Spray Paint is created using a flexible, acrylic-base, meaning that it’s 100% lead and CFC free and leaves you with a glistening surface.
Montana can work well on wood, concrete, metal, glass, and more. We don’t recommend using this product on plastics' left outdoors. While it is a great spray paint, it doesn't have any rust, corrosion resistance, or UV protection.
There’s a total of 214 color shades created, all within the same line with some crazy vibrant colors available. They all have the same drying time, which is up to 60 minutes. And, they all come in a low pressure can for easy application. The 400ml can cover a surface up to 30 sq. feet. But bear in mind, you will need at least 2 coatings or else this silver chrome won’t pop as it should.
8. ColorBond (1876) Infiniti G37
- Leather, Vinyl and Plastic paint for auto...
- Preserves the supple feel you want when you...
- Creates a molecular bond to seal in color
- Won’t flake, crack or peel
Best Spray Paint for Hard Plastic
Size | 12 oz. |
Dry Time | 10 minutes |
Coverage | 12 sq. feet |
Available Colors | Over 30 available colors |
The next on our list is the best spray paint for covering toys, and it’s the best-textured spray paint for plastic. The ColorBond Refinisher Spray Paint is created for the interior of a car but can be used on various surfaces. It’s great for covering or touching up leather, vinyl, and plastic, of course.
This flat spray paint looks well in the shade "Infiniti G37 Wheat". We used a prep cleaner on some kids' toys and sprayed it directly on top. It was completely bonded in less than 10 minutes, and it didn’t flake or peel during the process.
If you are using this spray paint on your vehicle, a good tip is to fix any scrapes or damages before spraying. While ColorBond penetrates the substrate, it will not fill cracks or tears, and if not repaired, it will leave messy streaks and possibly dripping. Be sure to wear protective masks as this spray has a very strong odor and could leave you with a dreaded headache.
9. Krylon K02325007 Fusion Spray Paint
- The product is fusion, 12 oz, Burgundy, spray...
- Elegant design and smooth finish
- The product is manufactured in United states
- The no-prep, super bond paint
Best Spray Paint for ATV Plastic
Size | 12 oz. |
Dry Time | Up to 60 minutes |
Coverage | Up to 25 sq. feet |
Available Colors | 12 colors available |
Last but certainly not least, the best spray paint for ATV plastic is the Krylon Fusion for plastic spray paint. This burgundy paint is one out of 12 colors, all of which are created specifically for hard and soft plastic in mind. Just because it’s best for plastic, you can use this spray on metal, wood, and wicker too.
The Krylon Fusion features an easy-touch 360-degree dial spray tip for easy application. It also helps you fight finger and hand fatigue. Once you’ve put your coats onto your PVC, or ATV plastic, it will be dry to touch in 15 minutes, and it is fully dry to handle within an hour.
No sanding or priming is required with the Fusion Spray Paint, and it can be used indoors and outdoors, too. From children's playhouses to vinyl chairs, and most plastics in between. This spray is an excellent addition to your spray painting arsenal.
What Types Of Plastic Can You Spray Paint
How to Remove Paint from Plastic
Paint scraper
Scrapes and scratches won’t look great, even if covered in shiny, metallic spray paint. Fear not, there is a way to gently ‘lift’ the plastic surfaces with a paint scraper. Start at the edge of the stubborn spots, and try to get the scraper under the paint instead of on top.
Plastic putty knife and vegetable oil
This may sound more like ingredients for dinner, but this could enormously help if you can’t remove paint. Use vegetable oil to break down and soften the paint. After at least 15 minutes, gently scrape away drips with a plastic putty knife.
Denatured alcohol
If the options above don’t work, your best bet is to use denatured alcohol. It can effectively remove paint by stripping out its essential elements. It then starts to wrinkle and then you can use a sponge, brush, or knife to scrape it away.
How to Prepare Plastic for Spray Paint?
- 1Wipe down the surface with mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol and rub it in with a clean, damp towel.
- 2Remove any shine from the plastic by sanding the surface with 180 grit sandpaper. Be sure to do this lightly, and take your time, so you don’t leave permanent scratches.
- 3Read the directions on your spray can, wear protective clothing, and start your first coat! You may need to do 2-3 coats until you get the finish you desire, so take your time and allow it to dry thoroughly between coats.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Does paint stick to plastic?
Plastic is one of the trickiest surfaces to paint, but it’s still very possible once it’s prepped and primed beforehand. Plastic is nonporous, so there’s nothing for the paint to stick to without preparation. Some spray paint will have primer within the paint, but often the surface will need sanding too.
How do you permanently paint plastic?
Unfortunately, over the years or decades, colors on plastic tend to dull and get lighter. You can keep your plastic objects vibrant for longer when you use paints specifically formulated to adhere to plastics. There are several available on the market by brands like Krylon, Rust-Oleum, and DupliColor.
How do you seal spray paint on plastic?
The best way to seal paint to a plastic surface is by using a polyurethane sealer. You can buy this separately in a brush or spray paint form, and it will add extra durability.
Can you paint plastic models with acrylic paint?
Many model enthusiasts use acrylic paint for its ease of use. It can be thinned or mixed with a few drops of water or color. But believe it or not, it’s not the most durable of paints for models. Spray paint or enamel paint will last longer and is a lot more durable.
Conclusion
Complete your room’s decor, or give some added vibrancy to your kid’s toys by picking up some of the top-rated spray paints that we’ve listed above.
Some will leave plastic surfaces glossy, shiny, or completely matte. Whichever one you choose, we’re sure your project will have a beautiful and creative outcome.
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