The 11 Best Paints for Plastic of 2023
Michelle is a commerce editor covering home improvement, landscaping, and tools. She has been writing about home decor for over 10 years for publications like BobVila.com and Better Homes & Gardens, among others.
Updated on 02/02/23
Reviewed by
Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels, and general construction with two decades of professional experience.
Fact checked by
Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. The Baltimore native also covered the technology scene for LocalBusiness.com and has been a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post.
Because not all paints will adhere to plastic, it’s important to choose paint that is specifically formulated for use on this type of surface. Almost all of these are spray paints.
Deane Biermeier, licensed contractor and carpenter, as well as a member of The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board, cautions, “Spray paint is one of those things that you get what you pay for. If the appearance of your project is at stake, spend the extra few dollars and purchase high-quality paint that is specifically formulated to work with plastic. Otherwise, the paint won’t stick and the paint will bubble or peel, ruining your project.”
We evaluated paints for plastic based on their adhesion ability, range of colors and finishes, smoothness of application, and ease of use.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best Budget:
Best for Outdoors:
Best Metallic:
Best for Laminate Cabinets:
Best for Cars:
Best for Miniatures and Models:
Best for Decor:
Best for Furniture:
Best Brush-On:
In This Article
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Best Overall
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- Excellent coverage and adhesion
- Several unusual finishes, including hammered, metallic, and textured
- Doesn’t drip or run
- Some complaints about nozzle not working
- Mismatched cap/paint color at times
There’s no need for a separate primer when you use Krylon Fusion All-in-One spray paint. This top pick covers beautifully, even over irregular or difficult surfaces, without need to sand or do extensive prep work first. Don’t worry about bubbling or peeling when you spray it on your plastic furniture or other plastic items around your home: Not only does this paint bond tightly to plastic, it also adheres smoothly and evenly to most other surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, tile, ceramics, and masonry. Because it also protects against rust, it can be your MVP when painting plastic furniture or other objects that have metal components.
Krylon Fusion All-in-One’s wide color selection ranges from neutrals to brights to black and white. Choose from matte, satin, or gloss finishes. Several specialty finishes include clear, metallic, hammered, and textured. All dry to the touch in around 20 minutes without running, dripping, or bubbling, and are dry to handle within two hours. The paint sprays at whatever angle you need, even when holding the can upside down. The larger-than-average spray button makes it an easy finger press.
Use Fusion All-in-One for interior or exterior projects, but always spray it in a well-ventilated area. One 12-ounce can covers up to 25 feet. As most paints that adhere to plastic, the base of this paint is an alkyd, which is similar to oil, so any cleanup requires a solvent, not plain water.
Price at time of publish: $8
Form: Spray | Dry Time: 20 minutes | Area Covered: 25 square feet | Primer Built In: Yes | Interior/Exterior: Yes
PaintNuts uPVC Paint – Cream (RAL-9001)
PaintNuts uPVC paint is specially formulated for uPVC and plastic. It has excellent adhesion and coverage, ultra-fast drying times and provides an extremely tough, durable finish that’s weatherproof and UV resistant.
Key Features
- Specially developed for PVC & uPVC
- Quick and easy to apply
- Ultra-fast drying time
- Weatherproof & UV resistant
- Extremely durable finish
In stock
Only %1 left
SKU
PN-UPVC-RAL9001
Select product to see price £14.99
Available in 5 sizes
PaintNuts uPVC paint is specially formulated for uPVC and plastic. It has excellent adhesion and coverage, ultra-fast drying times and provides an extremely tough, durable finish that’s weatherproof and UV resistant.
Our paints come ready to use – no primer, hardener or thinner required. Thanks to high covering power, two coats are sufficient for a long-lasting finish.
Our uPVC door and window paints are custom mixed to order to provide exceptional colour match accuracy – choose from over 5,000 colours, each available in a matt, satin or gloss finish.
PaintNuts uPVC paint works how you want it to – it’s brushable, roller-friendly, available as an aerosol and suitable for spray guns (thinning is recommended for spray gun application).
- Specially developed for uPVC
- Quick & easy to apply
- Ultra-fast drying time
- Weatherproof & UV resistant
- Extremely durable finish
PaintNuts uPVC paint is perfect for renovation and refurbishment or to modernise the appearance of your home. Painting your existing windows and doors is an easy, cost-effective way to give your property a facelift, improve curb appeal and add value without the expense of replacing existing units or the disruption of major works.
Suitable for a range of plastic surfaces and most appropriate for those found in an outdoor setting such as: uPVC windows & doors; uPVC garage doors; plastic fascia boards, soffets, guttering and drain pipes; plastic meter cabinets; plastic sheds; and plastic garden furniture.
Paint brush application
Our uPVC paint has a coverage of approx. 10 to 12sqm per litre for a single coat when applied with a paint brush. The exterior of a typical uPVC door requires approx. 250ml per coat. We recommend two coats, so 500ml is usually sufficient.
Based on an ‘average’ window (736mm x 1498mm), approx. 250ml of paint would usually be sufficient to cover two window frames, with two coats of paint.
Aerosol can application
A single 400ml aerosol can covers an area of approx. 2sqm for a single coat. To cover the exterior of a typical uPVC door requires one 400ml aerosol can per coat. We recommend two coats, so two 400ml aerosol cans are usually sufficient.
Based on an ‘average’ window (736mm x 1498mm), approx. one 400ml aerosol can of paint would usually be sufficient to cover three window frames, with two coats of paint.
Spray gun application
When using a spray gun, we recommend that the paint be thinned by 15 – 25% using PaintNuts thinners. Coverage when using a gravity spray gun / HVLP is approx. 25 – 30 m2 per litre.
Directions when using paint brush / roller
1. SURFACE PREPARATION
Use a clean cloth with hot soapy water to remove any dust or dirt on the surface.
Once dry use PaintNuts Degreaser to remove any stubborn contaminants, grease or wax.
Use a light grit scotch cloth to ‘key’ the surface to take off the sheen and improve adhesion for a longer lasting finish.
Wipe down the UPVC surface with degreaser again to remove any residue and leave to dry.
Once dry, mask around the UPVC surface area with masking tape and paper ready for painting.
Mix paint for at least 2 minutes prior to application to ensure colour consistency.
2. APPLICATION
Brush on in smooth strokes. Leave to dry for 15 minutes before applying a second coat.
Once you’ve finished painting wait 15 minutes then carefully remove the masking tape, ensuring you pull the tape away from the painted edge not across it.
Leave to dry for 1-2 hours before touching the frame and 72 hours before the windows can be cleaned.
PLEASE NOTE: Paint should not be applied in cold, damp weather – it will adversely affect the application, finish, and drying time. The recommended minimum temperature for painting is between 10°C and 25°C, preferably out of direct sunlight.
3. CLEANING & STORAGE
Remove as much paint as possible and clean equipment with white spirit.
Store indoors in a cool, dry location between 5°C and 25°C and out of direct sunlight.
Use within 12 months once opened.
Directions for aerosol / spray can application
1. SURFACE PREPARATION
Use a clean cloth with hot soapy water to remove any dust or dirt on the surface.
Once dry use PaintNuts Degreaser to remove any stubborn contaminants, grease or wax.
Use a light grit scotch cloth to ‘key’ the surface to take off the sheen and improve adhesion for a longer lasting finish.
Wipe down the UPVC surface with degreaser again to remove any residue and leave to dry.
Once dry, mask around the UPVC surface area with masking tape and paper ready for painting.
Shake the spray can vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the agitator ball is free and the paint is thoroughly mixed.
Before applying the paint, we recommend testing the colour and adjusting the spray nozzle for either horizontal or vertical painting.
2. APPLICATION
Apply in smooth cross coats 250mm distance from the surface, either vertically or horizontally
Leave to dry for 15 minutes before applying a recommended second coat
Once you’ve finished painting wait 15 minutes then carefully remove the masking tape, ensuring you pull the tape away from the painted edge not across it.
Leave to dry for 1-2 hours before touching the frame and 48 hours before the windows can be cleaned.
3. CLEANING & STORAGE
After use turn the aerosol upside down and press to empty nozzle and valve, wipe the nozzle with a cloth to remove any excess paint, it can be reused at a later date.
Remove as much paint as possible and clean equipment with white spirit.
Store indoors in a cool, dry location between 5°C and 25°C and out of direct sunlight.
Use within 12 months once opened.
PLEASE NOTE: Paint should not be applied in cold, damp weather – it will adversely affect the application, finish, and drying time. The recommended minimum temperature for using spray paint is 15+ degrees, preferably room temperature in a warm and well-ventilated area.
PaintNuts uPVC Paint – Steel Blue (RAL-5011)
PaintNuts uPVC paint is specially formulated for uPVC and plastic. It has excellent adhesion and coverage, ultra-fast drying times and provides an extremely tough, durable finish that’s weatherproof and UV resistant.
Key Features
- Specially developed for PVC & uPVC
- Quick and easy to apply
- Ultra-fast drying time
- Weatherproof & UV resistant
- Extremely durable finish
In stock
Only %1 left
SKU
PN-UPVC-RAL5011
Select product to see price £14.99
Available in 5 sizes
PaintNuts uPVC paint is specially formulated for uPVC and plastic. It has excellent adhesion and coverage, ultra-fast drying times and provides an extremely tough, durable finish that’s weatherproof and UV resistant.
Our paints come ready to use – no primer, hardener or thinner required. Thanks to high covering power, two coats are sufficient for a long-lasting finish.
Our uPVC door and window paints are custom mixed to order to provide exceptional colour match accuracy – choose from over 5,000 colours, each available in a matt, satin or gloss finish.
PaintNuts uPVC paint works how you want it to – it’s brushable, roller-friendly, available as an aerosol and suitable for spray guns (thinning is recommended for spray gun application).
- Specially developed for uPVC
- Quick & easy to apply
- Ultra-fast drying time
- Weatherproof & UV resistant
- Extremely durable finish
PaintNuts uPVC paint is perfect for renovation and refurbishment or to modernise the appearance of your home. Painting your existing windows and doors is an easy, cost-effective way to give your property a facelift, improve curb appeal and add value without the expense of replacing existing units or the disruption of major works.
Suitable for a range of plastic surfaces and most appropriate for those found in an outdoor setting such as: uPVC windows & doors; uPVC garage doors; plastic fascia boards, soffets, guttering and drain pipes; plastic meter cabinets; plastic sheds; and plastic garden furniture.
Paint brush application
Our uPVC paint has a coverage of approx. 10 to 12sqm per litre for a single coat when applied with a paint brush. The exterior of a typical uPVC door requires approx. 250ml per coat. We recommend two coats, so 500ml is usually sufficient.
Based on an ‘average’ window (736mm x 1498mm), approx. 250ml of paint would usually be sufficient to cover two window frames, with two coats of paint.
Aerosol can application
A single 400ml aerosol can covers an area of approx. 2sqm for a single coat. To cover the exterior of a typical uPVC door requires one 400ml aerosol can per coat. We recommend two coats, so two 400ml aerosol cans are usually sufficient.
Based on an ‘average’ window (736mm x 1498mm), approx. one 400ml aerosol can of paint would usually be sufficient to cover three window frames, with two coats of paint.
Spray gun application
When using a spray gun, we recommend that the paint be thinned by 15 – 25% using PaintNuts thinners. Coverage when using a gravity spray gun / HVLP is approx. 25 – 30 m2 per litre.
Directions when using paint brush / roller
1. SURFACE PREPARATION
Use a clean cloth with hot soapy water to remove any dust or dirt on the surface.
Once dry use PaintNuts Degreaser to remove any stubborn contaminants, grease or wax.
Use a light grit scotch cloth to ‘key’ the surface to take off the sheen and improve adhesion for a longer lasting finish.
Wipe down the UPVC surface with degreaser again to remove any residue and leave to dry.
Once dry, mask around the UPVC surface area with masking tape and paper ready for painting.
Mix paint for at least 2 minutes prior to application to ensure colour consistency.
2. APPLICATION
Brush on in smooth strokes. Leave to dry for 15 minutes before applying a second coat.
Once you’ve finished painting wait 15 minutes then carefully remove the masking tape, ensuring you pull the tape away from the painted edge not across it.
Leave to dry for 1-2 hours before touching the frame and 72 hours before the windows can be cleaned.
PLEASE NOTE: Paint should not be applied in cold, damp weather – it will adversely affect the application, finish, and drying time. The recommended minimum temperature for painting is between 10°C and 25°C, preferably out of direct sunlight.
3. CLEANING & STORAGE
Remove as much paint as possible and clean equipment with white spirit.
Store indoors in a cool, dry location between 5°C and 25°C and out of direct sunlight.
Use within 12 months once opened.
Directions for aerosol / spray can application
1. SURFACE PREPARATION
Use a clean cloth with hot soapy water to remove any dust or dirt on the surface.
Once dry use PaintNuts Degreaser to remove any stubborn contaminants, grease or wax.
Use a light grit scotch cloth to ‘key’ the surface to take off the sheen and improve adhesion for a longer lasting finish.
Wipe down the UPVC surface with degreaser again to remove any residue and leave to dry.
Once dry, mask around the UPVC surface area with masking tape and paper ready for painting.
Shake the spray can vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the agitator ball is free and the paint is thoroughly mixed.
Before applying the paint, we recommend testing the colour and adjusting the spray nozzle for either horizontal or vertical painting.
2. APPLICATION
Apply in smooth cross coats 250mm distance from the surface, either vertically or horizontally
Leave to dry for 15 minutes before applying a recommended second coat
Once you’ve finished painting wait 15 minutes then carefully remove the masking tape, ensuring you pull the tape away from the painted edge not across it.
Leave to dry for 1-2 hours before touching the frame and 48 hours before the windows can be cleaned.
3. CLEANING & STORAGE
After use turn the aerosol upside down and press to empty nozzle and valve, wipe the nozzle with a cloth to remove any excess paint, it can be reused at a later date.
Remove as much paint as possible and clean equipment with white spirit.
Store indoors in a cool, dry location between 5°C and 25°C and out of direct sunlight.
Use within 12 months once opened.
PLEASE NOTE: Paint should not be applied in cold, damp weather – it will adversely affect the application, finish, and drying time. The recommended minimum temperature for using spray paint is 15+ degrees, preferably room temperature in a warm and well-ventilated area.
