When the plastic surface has lost its former decorative qualities, but is still intact and there is a desire to continue to use it, then painting can be applied. Painting will give an aesthetically pleasing appearance, but if done correctly. It is more convenient to choose aerosol paints for this purpose. Details about what kind of paint in cans is suitable for plastic and the rules for its use will be discussed below.
The nuances of choosing paint in spray cans
To choose the right aerosol paint in cans for plastic, first find out what type of plastic the item is made of. For different types you need a different composition, then the result will be of high quality. The following types of plastic are popular:
- ABS is used for the production of housing parts for smartphones, computers, household appliances and others;
- PVC is used for window frames, flooring, toys and more.
For these types, painting cannot be carried out without applying a primer layer. The primer provides the required level of adhesion to the material so that cracks and paint peeling do not appear during operation.
It is not always known what type of plastic needs to be glued. You can use a simple method to determine whether the surface should be primed. In a container where a plastic object can be placed, it is filled with water and the object is immersed. When the plastic sinks, priming is not required. If the object remains afloat, then applying a primer solution is mandatory.
To choose the right aerosol paint in cans for plastic, first find out what type of plastic the item is made of.
Pros and cons of spray enamel
Aerosol paint for plastic has a number of positive properties. When deciding whether to choose this paint and varnish material, you should study its advantages:
- There is no need to purchase tools to apply paint;
- Ease of use;
- The result is a thin and beautiful layer of paint;
- Convenient to store, does not take up much space, long shelf life;
- Can be used to create a pattern or an unusual painting option, also for a simple coating;
- Wide range of colors. There are any colors: white, black, brown, beige, gold, etc. You can use the ral table for selection. You can get a glossy or matte effect;
- Suitable for wood and metal substrates including;
- Light shades retain their brightness for a long time and do not fade from ultraviolet radiation;
- Economical consumption, the can can paint a large area.
But aerosol paints have not only advantages, there are also disadvantages:
- Inability to add pigment. But the issue is resolved by the diversity of the palette. If necessary, you can get the required shade in specialized stores, which will then be filled into a container;
- Little experience working with aerosols can lead to smudges, because the plastic base is smooth. Therefore, you should practice before you start painting the desired object;
- Paint is sprayed over large areas; it may be necessary to protect nearby objects from paint;
- You cannot dilute the composition if the consistency seems uncomfortable;
- Small volume of cans, for this reason large objects may require the use of several aerosols;
- If they work outside, there should be no wind or precipitation.
The result is a thin and beautiful layer of paint.
Types of aerosols
The entire variety of aerosol enamels can be divided into 3 groups:
- acrylic;
- alkyd;
- nitro enamel.
Acrylic-based paint aerosol is used to cover exterior finishing elements and interior parts. They are popular, although not cheap. These colors:
- dry quickly;
- have a high level of adhesion (adhesion to the surface);
- have a rich palette of shades;
- easy to apply;
- provide relative durability of coloring and do not fade;
- low toxic.
Alkyd compositions have similar advantages to acrylic paints, but the resins present in them give them a certain level of toxicity, so you need to use a respirator and other protective equipment (mask, goggles). The service life is shorter than that of acrylic, the degree of adhesion is lower due to the presence of oil components.
Nitrocellulose enamels, which contain cellulose nitrate, are characterized by a high level of toxicity, so they are not so popular. But they dry quickly, and proper application of such enamel provides a durable coating, while the nitro enamel aerosol is relatively inexpensive.
Aerosol enamels for metal
Used for painting facade elements and for interior work. Eco-enamels are characterized by a vanilla smell. The standard version of the enamel gives a tint, the double version is combined with a primer, the triple version is supplemented with a rust converter. These aerosols are used for products made of cast iron or steel.
Construction and heat-resistant enamels
Variants of aerosols with heat-resistant properties are used to cover surfaces operating at high temperatures (boiler, stove, fireplace, heating appliances). In construction, they cover wood, concrete surfaces, ceramic areas, walls in apartments, and are used for surfaces operating at high humidity (walls of swimming pools, saunas).
Compositions for painting plastic and wood
Plastic enamel in aerosols is used everywhere, including for painting over scratches and defects on automobile surfaces. It has a high level of adhesion; there are options with abrasion resistance and a structural effect that allows you to smooth out the unevenness of the plastic. This is convenient for plastic that needs to be restored. Compositions for painting plastic: polymer, with polyvinyl chloride mixtures, polyurethane resins.
Decorative compositions
Aerosol paint of a special type of RAL is convenient for decorating glass, household items, and applying stencil designs. Water-based enamels are used for textile decoration (curtains, roller blinds).
Properties and characteristics
Aerosol paints for plastic have different characteristics depending on their constituent elements. You can find heat-resistant ones, with an increased level of wear-resistant properties, waterproof and others. The selection should be made based on operating conditions and the characteristics of the material that will be painted.
Aerosol paints for plastic have different characteristics depending on their constituent elements.
Main characteristics and varieties
Despite their general purpose, paints in metal spray cans are divided into varieties, differing in their composition and characteristics. According to their composition, they are divided into three groups:
- Nitro paints in cans;
- Consisting of two components, based on acrylic;
- Alkyd enamels, used mainly for painting car bodies.
Metal aerosol paint is completely ready for use and does not require pre-mixing of the components. Thus, they are easy to use, for which you just need to direct the jet to the desired location and press the spray button.
Metal aerosol paint is completely ready for use and does not require pre-mixing of the components.
Types and characteristics
You can choose a good spray paint for plastic if you understand the types that are sold in hardware stores. Then you can easily choose the best option for certain working conditions. Below we will discuss enamels by type in more detail.
You can choose a good spray paint for plastic if you understand the types that are sold in hardware stores.
Polymer
The base uses polymers, which make it possible to use them as a primer solution with coloring properties. They are distinguished by a high degree of adhesion. They can be safely used without priming the plastic.
They are distinguished by a high degree of adhesion.
With acrylates and/or polyurethane additives
This type is distinguished by better resistance to mechanical shocks. Therefore, they create additional protection for the base, and are used for surfaces that may be subject to friction and shock.
This type is distinguished by better resistance to mechanical shocks.
Structural
Structural coatings have a rough texture after drying. This helps cover minor surface imperfections. With it you can get a unique and interesting design of the item.
Structural coatings have a rough texture after drying.
Soft touch
This type creates a coating that is pleasant to the touch. It is similar to a rubberized surface, a velvet material. The appearance of the coating stands out due to its attractiveness.
The appearance of the coating stands out due to its attractiveness.
Monadic
They are chosen for PVC type plastic. It is a waterproof paint for plastic in cans. The level of adhesion is high, giving the base protection from ultraviolet rays.
The level of adhesion is high, giving the base protection from ultraviolet rays.
Waterproof
Moisture-resistant types are necessary in cases where there will be constant exposure to water during operation. A barrier layer is created to make the materials last longer.
Moisture-resistant types are necessary in cases where there will be constant exposure to water during operation.
Heat resistant
If the item will be used under high temperature influence, then this property is necessary. Aerosol spraying will be convenient for treating hard-to-reach areas of such items.
If the item will be used under high temperature influence, then this property is necessary.
Matte
Sometimes it is necessary to achieve a matte effect on the surface. There are similar compositions on sale. The matte finish does not highlight stains and can hide minor defects in the base.
The matte finish does not highlight stains and can hide minor defects in the base.
Automotive paints and their features
To paint plastic material yourself, car paints and primers are also suitable. The following suitable options can be distinguished:
- A base for varnish is used after priming the plastic; after drying the paint layer, varnish is applied in cans. It is possible to choose different effects - metallic, mother-of-pearl and others;
- With a chrome effect, the surface will be similar to chrome; chrome aerosols help quickly and effectively transform the surface;
- With the aluminum effect, the reverse side of aluminum foil is obtained, looking aesthetically pleasing.
There are also car paints with a variety of effects:
- Vinyl imitates leather, and the effect is not only external, but also the surface will feel like leather to the touch. The level of adhesion is high, so it can be used without priming;
- Heat-resistant, selected when working with electric kettles, coffee machines, etc. objects that may be exposed to high temperatures.
Vinyl imitates leather, and the effect is not only external, but also the surface will feel like leather to the touch.
Features of use
Enamel paints in spray cans are easy to apply and give the desired effect if a number of nuances are observed. It is necessary to remove dirt and dust from the surface to be treated. Then the metal is degreased. As a rule, white spirit is used for this. If necessary, the surface is ground, puttied and cleaned.
For better subsequent adhesion of the paint and varnish material to the surface, the latter is primed. To do this, it is advisable to use aerosol primers. To ensure that the primer is compatible with the paint, choose products from the same manufacturer.
For better subsequent adhesion of the paint and varnish material to the surface, the latter is primed.
Shake the paint can before application. Perform trial testing on a test surface. The distance from the surface to the sprayer must be at least 25 centimeters. Spray the paint carefully, without creating smudges. After applying the first layer, the paint is allowed to dry (at least half an hour). After which, the next layer is applied. On average, the paint dries completely after 6 hours.
The distance from the surface to the sprayer must be at least 25 centimeters.
How to paint plastic from a spray can correctly
The technology of how to paint plastic from a spray can begins with preparing the base; the final result depends on the quality of this stage.
The spraying method involves the distribution of small particles of paint, so you need to protect yourself by wearing a respirator, safety glasses and gloves.
The spraying method involves the distribution of small particles of paint, so you need to protect yourself by wearing a respirator, safety glasses and gloves.
Do I need a primer before painting?
Not all types of plastic require a primer to achieve good adhesion. But it is not possible to find out exactly what type of plastic is being painted. To determine whether a primer is needed, the following tests are performed:
- You can set fire to a small piece of material; with heavy smoking, you can do without a primer layer;
- The plastic is immersed in water; if it sinks, then no primer is needed.
In other cases, priming is recommended; it is also better to apply a primer if it was not possible to check the type of plastic. The layer helps to get a better and longer lasting result.
The primer helps to get a better and more durable result.
Surface preparation process
Before painting plastic from a spray can, the surface is prepared. Preparation of the material includes the following steps:
- The product is cleaned of all types of contaminants;
- The base is polished;
- Degrease the surface;
- Primer is applied.
The base is being sanded.
Painting
You need to paint a plastic surface using the technology described below:
- Nearby objects are covered with film material; if possible, the product is painted on a vertical surface;
- Shake the aerosol for 30-40 seconds;
- Spray the composition from the can with smooth movements; you cannot interrupt;
- The distance to the base is 20-30 centimeters;
- Two layers of paint are made, it is important that the layer dries completely before the next one. How long it will take for the layer to dry is checked on the packaging, usually 30-40 minutes.
It is advisable to use the painted item after 24 hours.
The distance to the base is 20-30 centimeters.
Obtaining a mirror coating
A mirror effect can be achieved by first painting the base black. To obtain a chrome surface yourself, you must follow the following rules:
- It is necessary to use high-quality compounds;
- It is recommended to practice in advance; obtaining an even mirror layer is a more complex process than conventional painting;
- If you are going to apply varnish on top, then the compatibility of the compositions is checked in advance.
It is necessary to use high-quality compounds.
Aerosol paints for plastic products are a convenient option for transforming the appearance. The selection of products is varied, so you can easily choose the type to suit your needs.
