How to Paint Plastic Sheeting With Acrylic Paints

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Things You'll Need

  • Acrylic paint

  • Paint primer

  • Soap

  • Sponge

  • Paper towel

Image Credit: Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images

Painting plastic sheet with acrylic paint is easy if done properly. Like most painting, it requires a foundation of primer in order to make the paint adhere to the plastic better. The primer forms a base that is similar to a canvas for the paint to adhere to, so it does not flake off. This ensures that your project will last a long time before it begins to weather, and you will not have to repeat the paint job often--if at all.

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Step 1

Clean the plastic with the sponge, soaked in water and soap. Wipe all dirt, water and residue from the plastic with the towel.

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Step 2

Spray-paint the primer on; one coat is enough. Hold the spray can 12 inches away from the plastic sheeting and sweep the can back and forth across the surface, spraying evenly along the surface until there is an even coat. Alternatively, you can paint on the primer with a brush; it may take two or three coats until there is a solid coat of primer paint. Brush the paint on or use a roller if the space is big enough. Avoid clumping the paint; more thin coats of primer are better than one thick, clumpy coat. Allow the primer to dry.

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Step 3

Paint the acrylic paint over the primer with a brush; keep the paint smooth and avoid clumping. Apply three thin coats of the acrylic paint. Wait for the paint to dry between coats.

Tip

The different types of primers include oil, latex and shellac-based formulas. Oil-based is used for wood. Latex-based is used for drywall, soft woods, concrete, and metal. Shellac-based is used for metal, plastic, plaster and wood.

You may want to seal in the paint with a varnish. You can find varnish at your local paint shop or construction/home improvement store.

Warning

Always prime in a ventilated area or outside. If you open the doors and windows and have fans blowing to ventilate the area and that still isn't enough, wear a respirator or a mask.

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