How to Paint PVC Pipe

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Things You'll Need

  • Cloth

  • Soapy water

  • Sandpaper

  • Rope

  • Primer

  • Spray paint for plastic

Blue and yellow PVC pipes
Image Credit: Akhararat Wathanasing/iStock/Getty Images

With a little imagination, PVC pipes can be used for many home projects or crafts. Fashion a PVC pipe into a curtain rod for a quick and inexpensive window treatment. Paint the pipe to match the décor and no one will be the wiser. Exposed PVC pipe in a basement can be painted to blend in, or to make a colorful statement with bright colors. PVC pipe can be used in many ways, and with a painted finish, any project will look professional.

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Step 1

Clean the PVC pipe with a cloth and soapy water to remove oil or dirt. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

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Step 2

Rough up the finish using fine-grade sandpaper. 100- to 180-grit sandpaper is sufficient to remove the smooth finish on the pipe so paint will adhere better.

Step 3

Place the pipe in a well-ventilated location. Secure the pipe so it can be painted with minimal or no hand contact. Threading a rope through the pipe and attaching each end of the rope to secured objects is one method.

Step 4

Apply a primer to the pipe. The primer will cover manufacturer's markings as well as providing a good base for the top coat of paint. Use fine-grade sandpaper to remove brush strokes. Removing brush strokes requires minimal pressure while sanding.

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Step 5

Purchase spray paint made for plastic or fiberglass at a hardware store or home improvement center. Apply the paint in even strokes to cover the pipe.

Step 6

Examine the pipe for flaws after the paint is dry and paint a second coat if needed.

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