How to Paint an ABS Plastic Tub
ABS plastic is very sensitive to UV light and breaks down when overly exposed to it. Therefore, if you have a tub made of ABS plastic that is going to be outside, it is best to paint it in order to prolong its usefulness. Painting ABS plastic tubs is not hard, as just about any paint will work.
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Instructions
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1
Wash the plastic tub with dish detergent.
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2
Rinse the tub with warm water and allow it to dry.
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3
Sand the ABS plastic tub with finely gritted sandpaper (165-140 grit). Rub the surface lightly until it is not shiny any longer.
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4
Dust off any plastic dust with a wet cloth. Allow the tub to dry.
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5
Paint the tub. Allow each coat of paint to dry before you add another coat. It may take up to an hour for each coat of paint to dry. Add five or six coats. You should no longer be able to see the original color of the tub. Allow it to dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Paint your ABS plastic tub a color different from the original. Test the paint on a small portion of the tub before coating it to make sure the paint will not react with the plastic. If the paint reacts badly with the plastic by causing the plastic to melt or does not stick to the plastic, do not use it. Use another kind of paint. Buy two or three different kinds of paint in case one of them reacts poorly with the plastic tub.
Do not over sand your ABS plastic tub. If you over sand the plastic may become too thin. The surface should only be lightly scratched so it is no longer shiny. This allows the paint to stick to it. You will know if you have over sanded the plastic if the surface is too abraded and has started thinning the tub.
