Painting plastic and plastic surfaces. What do you need to bear in mind, and is it even possible?
Yes, plastic surfaces can generally be painted – but it requires special care. Plastic is a smooth, non-porous surface, which makes it difficult for conventional paints to adhere properly. To achieve a durable and attractive result, we recommend the following steps:
1. Thorough Cleaning
Clean the surface thoroughly using a grease-dissolving cleaner. Residues such as grease, dust, or silicone can significantly impair paint adhesion.
2. Sanding
Lightly sand the surface using fine-grit sandpaper (grit 180–240) to create a rough texture that helps the primer adhere. Make sure to remove all sanding dust afterward.
3. Apply Primer
Use a dedicated adhesion primer designed for plastic surfaces. This creates a stable bond between the surface and the paint layer.
Our recommendation:
Little Greene Intelligent All Surface Primer – ideal for preparing plastic surfaces.
4. Paint Application
Apply a high-quality acrylic or alkyd paint evenly using a brush, roller, or spray gun.
Tip: Our Eggshell products from Little Greene or Paint & Paper Library are excellent choices for painting primed plastic surfaces.
5. Drying and Protection
Allow each coat to dry thoroughly. For heavily used surfaces, a clear protective topcoat can offer additional durability.
Important:
Not all plastics are the same. Adhesion may be problematic on oily or flexible plastics such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). If in doubt, perform an adhesion test on an inconspicuous area.
Need help choosing the right product?
Our customer service team will be happy to advise you on the most suitable primers and paints from our range.