How to Refinish Ridged Plastics and Soft Vinyl

Using my specially formulated spray paint system.

The most important part to refinishing plastic parts is the preparation before you paint. Get it Clean !!!

First clean the surface to be painted of any grease oil and dirt.   A good ammonia based glass cleaner like Windex might be a good way to start for fairly heavily soiled vinyl/plastic parts. For tougher dirt, spray it on and let it sit for five or ten minutes before wiping off with a clean paper towel or rag, reapply the glass cleaner if necessary. 

The next step is to use soapy warm water and wipe the part down with a clean sponge, the warmer the water the better. I like to use Dawn or Joy dish washing liquid for the soapy solution because of it's good oil and grease removing capability. If the part is not that dirty then you can skip the ammonia glass cleaner and just use the warm soapy water, the warmer the water the better. Dry the part off thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel. Mask any areas you do not want painted with masking tape and paper. 

The next step it to wipe the part down with alcohol and a paper towel or clean as a final insurance to remove any oil or silicone.  Make sure to blow off any lint from the paper towel or rag that may be left behind. After this you not not want to handle the super clean part with you bare hands to avoid getting any natural oil from you hands on the surface to be painted. The use of latex gloves are recommended. Your part is now ready to start spray coating.

Spray on an even semi wet coat or two of adhesion promoter let it set for about five minutes then start to use your paint. Spray in even semi wet coats, let the paint dry between coats for at least five minutes between coats. Do not try to coat the whole part all in one coat, this will most likely end up in making the pain run. Vinyl/plastic paint is a little more on the watery side than most enamel paints in a can you might be used to. So really try to concentrate on putting down thinner even semi wet coats to avoid running of the paint. Usually about two to three coats will give you a nice coverage of color. Some colors may require a final clear coat finish if a glossier type finish is preferred and this would be your final two coats after your color coat.

Also take note, this paint can also be used on carpets, rugs and vinyl seats with excellent results.

Thank for reading this, hope it helps you out with your project.

by Rick Dormoi

<Back to Toyhead Auto Home Page