HOW DO YOU PAINT PLASTIC? OUR ADVICE

Complete guide to successfully painting plastic

In the field of DIY and renovation, painting plastic is often a challenge. Whether it is to give everyday objects a new shine or to revitalise the plastic components of a car, the techniques and preparation required vary depending on the type of plastic. This guide takes you step by step through how to make a complete success of your painting project on this highly versatile material.

How do you paint plastic?

Discover a comprehensive, detailed guide to the techniques for painting already-painted plastics in four simple steps: As Sofolk specialises in renovation only, we will only deal here with already-painted plastics.

• Step 1: Assessing the plastic
• Step 2: Preparing the plastic
• Step 3: Applying an adhesion primer
• Step 4: Applying the paint

1- Identifying and preparing the plastic

For the paint to adhere properly to the plastic, it is important to identify the type of plastic or its composition. In our case, we especially want to avoid you confusing leatherette and plastic, even if the difference is minimal. Once dry, plastic paints form a thin film with low elasticity. The surface to be painted must not be too soft. Leatherette is often used to cover seats. Do not apply plastic paint to this material.

2- Method for preparing the plastic for optimal adhesion

For the paint to adhere perfectly, it is absolutely essential that the surface is thoroughly degreased and finely sanded.
For sanding, preferably use an abrasive sponge from P320 to P800. Sponges are easier to handle than abrasive paper.
Dry sand using circular movements.
Then degrease the surface with acetone or isopropyl alcohol.

3- Applying an adhesion primer

Generally speaking, already-painted plastics do not require the use of a primer. However, we recommend always testing the adhesion of the paint on a small area. If the paint does not adhere well, an adhesion primer for plastic will then be necessary.

4- Applying the plastic paint

Choose a paint specially designed for plastics. These paints take into account the flexibility and resistance of plastic materials to various external conditions such as UV or temperature variations. Apply the paint in several thin coats rather than one thick one, which will ensure even drying and adhesion.

Practical tips for an optimal result

• Always check the weather: avoid painting in damp or very windy weather.
• Patience and precision: leave enough time between each coat for a better result.
• Safety first: work in a well-ventilated environment and use suitable protective equipment such as gloves and a mask.

By following these steps, your plastic painting project should end in success, giving new life and colour to your plastic objects or car components.

Why choose Sofolk paint for plastic?

Custom colour: your colour, your style

Sofolk excels in creating custom colours, offering an infinite palette of options to meet specific needs. Whether you are looking to match an existing colour or create a unique shade, Sofolk can produce the perfect colour for you. To do this, you need to provide us with a usable sample of the desired colour. We will then be able to reproduce your colour exactly and deliver your plastic paint in the size and finish you want.

Wide range of standard colours

In addition to customisation (custom pigment blends), Sofolk offers an extensive range of standard colours. From the RAL colour chart to the Sofolk colour chart, as well as many automotive leather colours, you will find the ideal colour for all your projects. See all our colour charts.

Custom finishes: satin, matt, gloss

Sofolk's flexibility goes beyond colour with custom finishes, whether satin, matt or gloss. This allows you to create a final result that matches your aesthetic preferences exactly, whatever your projects.

Anti-UV protection: preserving beauty over time

For extra protection, Sofolk offers the option of adding an anti-UV additive to the paint. This guarantees exceptional durability, keeping colours fresh in the face of the elements.

Flexible packaging: aerosol or tin

Sofolk offers flexible packaging options, whether you choose an aerosol paint for convenient application or a tin for projects requiring the use of a spray gun.

A Professional-quality paint for plastic

Universal adhesion on automotive plastics and beyond

Sofolk paint adheres perfectly to a variety of plastics, not only those used in cars, such as ABS, PP-EPDM, polyurethane, PVC, Plexiglas, PE or PP, but is also suitable for other applications such as lorries, buses, motorbikes and much more.

Preserving the original grain: look and feel intact

Sofolk retains the original grain of the plastic, thus preserving the authenticity of the texture. The look and feel remain identical after application, contributing to the aesthetic quality of the material.

Versatile use: create beyond the car

Sofolk paint is not limited to cars. (Find out more: How do you paint the plastic of a car?). It can be used to repaint accessories on lorries, buses and motorbikes. What is more, it is ideal for personalising and reviving decorative objects in the home or garden, such as furniture, lamps, chairs, etc.

Refurbishing interior trims: Bring door trims, dashboards and interior panels back to life with custom colours.

Restoring sills: Refresh the look of plastic sills, protecting them against external damage.

Renovating bumpers: Hide signs of wear and scuffs on bumpers, while adding a personal touch.

Personalising plastic wheels: Create unique finishes on plastic wheels for a distinctive look.

Customising interior elements: Give a personal touch to interior elements such as buttons, air vents and consoles.

Revitalising garden furniture: Refresh plastic garden furniture by giving it new colours and finishes for a lively outdoor atmosphere.

Renovating interior decoration objects: Transform decorative objects such as vases, storage boxes or sculptures to integrate them into your new colour palette.

Personalising kitchen items: Add a touch of style to your plastic kitchen appliances and accessories, such as trays, towel holders and stands.

Restoring plastic chairs: Bring ageing plastic chairs back to life by painting them in modern colours or colours in harmony with your decor.

Creating wall art: Experiment by using plastic paint to create abstract wall art or decorative accents on plastic walls or panels.

Whether in the car or at home, plastic paint offers a versatile solution for refreshing, personalising and transforming various items, adding new life and a renewed look to your surroundings.

In conclusion, Sofolk plastic paint offers exceptional versatility. Explore the countless ways this paint can transform and enrich your projects, whether they relate to cars, interior decoration or any other creative idea you wish to explore. Sofolk is much more than a paint, it is an invitation to artistic innovation in every aspect of your life.