While you can apply enamel spray paint to plastic, it is generally not recommended for durable finishes due to potential issues with drying and adhesion.
Understanding Enamel Spray Paint on Plastic
Applying enamel spray paint to plastic surfaces can lead to undesirable results, primarily related to how the paint cures on the material.
According to one reference, when spray painting plastic, enamel tends to not fully dry, resulting in the paint being sticky to the touch. This means that even after significant drying time, the surface may remain tacky, making it prone to collecting dust, fingerprints, and potentially causing the paint to peel or rub off with use.
Why Enamel Isn't Ideal
- Poor Drying: Enamel paint's chemical composition and drying process are not always compatible with the non-porous surface of many plastics, leading to the sticky residue mentioned in the reference.
- Durability Concerns: The lack of proper drying and adhesion often results in a less durable finish compared to paints specifically designed for plastic.
Recommended Alternatives for Painting Plastic
For painting hard plastic surfaces, alternatives are often suggested to achieve a more durable and properly dried finish.
The most often recommended spray paint for plastic that is hard is acrylic or lacquer paint that requires plastic bonding primer. These types of paints, when used with a suitable primer, are formulated to adhere better to plastic and dry completely, providing a harder and more resilient coating.
Consider these steps for painting plastic effectively:
- Clean the Surface: Thoroughly clean the plastic to remove dirt, grease, and mold lines.
- Sand (Optional): Lightly sanding can help create a surface for better adhesion.
- Apply a Bonding Primer: Use a primer specifically designed for plastic. This creates a surface the topcoat can stick to.
- Apply Recommended Paint: Use acrylic or lacquer spray paint formulated for plastic or compatible with the bonding primer.
- Apply Topcoat/Sealer (Optional): For extra durability, a clear topcoat can be applied.
Choosing the right type of paint and preparation steps is crucial for a successful and long-lasting paint job on plastic items.
