How to paint plastic correctly?

One of the main materials used in car construction is plastic. Parts from it often serve as design elements of the car. Using them, you can change the appearance of the "iron horse" in accordance with your tastes. Plastic parts usually come from the manufacturer unpainted, so they need to be given the desired color before installation. So how to paint plastic correctly so that the coating on it is durable and does not fall off at the slightest load?

Plastics differ from plastics

The car uses different types of plastic: ABS, polypropylene, polyurethane and others. Each of them has its own characteristics, which in each case requires the use of a different technology for painting. First of all, this applies to the primer - whether it is needed or not. There are simple rules for determining the need for such an operation.

  1. Buoyancy test. A piece of plastic should be placed in water. If it sinks, then no priming is required, if not, then it is necessary.
  2. Combustion test. A small piece of plastic must be set on fire. If it burns with a clean flame, then the part needs a primer, but if it smokes, then no.

If it is not possible to determine the material from which the part is made, it is better to proceed from the fact that a primer is required. Here you need to make a small addition: neglect of this operation is fraught with rapid peeling of the paintwork and its exfoliation. Application of a primer can significantly improve adhesion and ensure strong adhesion of the paint to the surface.

Additional information on various plastics, priming methods and a general description of the process of applying paintwork can be found here:

In addition, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the preparation of the surface of the part for similar procedure shown in the video:

These materials give a complete idea of ​​how to paint plastic.

On the painting of plastic parts in general

The technology itself is quite simple. The complete sequence of actions will be as follows:

  1. It is necessary to sand the plastic part to remove small irregularities.
  2. Degrease the surface with a solvent or similar.
  3. Treat the part with an antistatic agent; for this purpose, you can use special napkins available on sale in the "Varnish-and-paint" departments.
  4. If the part is old and there are any defects on it, putty should be applied to them. When it is dry, the surface should be treated with a waterproof sandpaper. Sanding work should be done while wetting with water, which helps to eliminate cracks and crevices.
  5. The part must be dried and degreased again.
  6. The surface is covered with a special primer for plastic in several layers. If at the same time minor defects are formed (due to adhered debris, dust particles or irregularities), the intermediate layers are sanded and processed again.
  7. The prepared surface is painted using a spray gun or from a spray can. As a rule, 2-3 coats are applied.
  8. Once the part has the desired color, it can be varnished.

How to paint plastic from a spray can is shown in the video:

However, for this it is permissible to use not only spray cans, but also a brush. There are no special difficulties in this approach; it is necessary to ensure the application of paint with a thin layer during the performance of work to speed up drying. Its duration is the main disadvantage of this method, since during this time, dust and debris in the air can adhere.

However, painting with a brush will give the best results on fine details.

The number of plastic elements on the car is only increasing, so it is often necessary to look for a replacement for damaged or worn out plastic. Often, it is delivered unpainted for sale, which is why drivers have to either contact specialized centers, or independently engage in giving the details the desired color. It is quite simple to accomplish this and any neat and attentive person can do it.

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