If you’re like me, you’ve probably seen those beautiful chalk paint projects all over Pinterest and thought to yourself, “I can do that!” And then you realize that most of the time, people are painting things like wood furniture- not plastic. So the real question is: will chalk paint stick to plastic?
The good news is that yes, chalk paint does stick to plastic! As long as you use high-quality chalk paint, you should have no trouble getting the chalk paint to bond with the plastic. You will, however, need two or three coats to get the best result.
I have had success using both Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint as well as Rustoleum’s Chalked Paint. The key is to make sure that your plastic is clean and smooth before you start painting.
Can You Use Chalk Paint on Plastic?
Chalk paint is a water-based paint that can be applied to almost any surface, including plastic. It’s perfect for giving old furniture and plastic objects a new lease on life. Plus, it’s easy to use and doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge. Just make sure you use high-quality chalk paint that is made specifically for painting furniture. And if you’re not sure if the paint will stick to your plastic furniture, test it out on a small area first.
Can You Use Chalk Paint on Plastic Plant Pots?
Chalk paint is a water-based paint that can be used on almost any surface, including plastic plant pots. This type of paint is very easy to use and gives a matte finish that can be distressed for a shabby chic look. It is also very affordable and comes in a variety of colors.
To use chalk paint on plastic plant pots, start by sanding the surface of the pot to rough it up and help the paint adhere better. Then, apply a thin layer of chalk paint with a brush or roller and let it dry completely.
Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat if necessary. Once the final coat is dry, you can distress the edges of the pot with sandpaper for a worn look.
How To Use Chalk Paint On Plastic?
Chalk paint adheres better to a plastic surface that is clean and smooth. Therefore,
- First, make sure the surface you’re painting is clean and free of dirt and debris. And if the plastic is textured, sand it down using fine-grit sandpaper.
- Use a primer that’s designed for use on plastics before you start painting with chalk paint. This will help the paint to adhere better to the plastic and will also give you a more even finish.
- If the plastic object you’re painting is large, consider priming with a spray primer. Once the surface is prepped, simply apply the chalk paint as you would any other type of paint.
- Use long strokes in one direction and allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next. Depending on the color you’re using, you may need to apply multiple coats of chalk paint to achieve full coverage.
- Once your final coat of chalk paint is dry, seal it with a clear topcoat or sealer designed for use on plastics. This will protect your newly painted item from scratches and wear and tear.
Summary
Get rid of any dirt, debris, or stains from the plastic surface using sandpaper. Use a primer and make sure you follow the instructions on the label. After that, wait for the primer to dry and then start applying chalk paint. Operate the brush strokes slowly and steadily to get the best result.
What Is the Best Sealer to Seal Chalk Paint on Plastic?
Sealing chalk paint is a process that can help to prolong the life of your paint job and protect it from wear and tear. There are several options to seal your chalk paint such as bare or no topcoat, polyurethane, polyacrylic, wax, and sprays.
But if we talk about sealing chalk paint on plastic, there are mainly two options – chalk paint wax and acrylic sealer.
Here’s a quick comparison between the two options.
| Comparison parameter | Chalk Paint Wax | Acrylic Sealer |
| Best for | Indoor decorations | Outdoor furniture or decorations |
| Durability | High | Medium |
| Price Range | $15-$40 | $20-$22 |
| Longevity | High | Medium |
| How many coatings are needed? | 2-3 coats | Multiple coats |
Unless you live in a place that gets a lot of rainfall, the best sealant you can use for chalk paint is chalk paint wax. Although waxing may alter the surface texture or color, it will maximize the longevity of your chalk paint on plastic and is also recommended by most chalk paint manufacturers.
However, if you plan to use your chalk paint on outdoor furniture or decorations, acrylic sealers are usually better. They offer better protection against rain and other water sources compared to chalk paint wax. In addition, a quality acrylic sealer will not change the look or texture.
Still, chalk paint wax has a couple of drawbacks like it’s a time-consuming application and heat sensitive. And, high-traffic areas might require re-applications.
And, acrylic sealer can be a bit difficult to find and may require multiple coats.
Before applying a sealer, remember to give the paint enough time to dry.
Bonding Primer for Plastic
It is difficult to get chalk paint to stick to plastic in all situations, but a bonding primer will make it much easier. Here’s everything you need to know about using a bonding primer on plastic.
Bonding primers are designed to create a strong bond between the surface and the paint. This is especially important when painting plastic, as it can be difficult for paint to adhere properly. A bonding primer will help ensure that your paint job looks its best and lasts for years to come.
Bonding primer can be applied just like regular primer – simply use a brush or roller to apply an even layer over the surface of the plastic. Be sure to let the primer dry completely before proceeding with your paint job. Once the primer is dry, you can then apply your chosen paint color in the same way.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to update your plastic furniture, chalk paint is a great option! With just a few coats of paint, you can transform any piece of furniture into something new and stylish.