Black Paint for Plastic Toys
Do you have plastic toys lying around the yard that are super faded and still look terrible but are perfectly usable?
We got this Little Tikes Cozy Coupe car for free from a neighbor. It's from the 1980s, so it had rust, fading, and some missing hardware.
But it still worked great, so I knew I could give it a second life a few decades later!
Why paint an old toy instead of just buying a new one?
- Save money! Hand-me-downs are a great way to save your money. Since kids' stuff gets expensive quick, saving anywhere you can is a relief.
- Reduce your environmental impact. Kids go through toys so fast, don't they? Every time we buy something new, we're adding more plastic and increasing the demand for it. Long-term, this stuff really adds up and takes a toll on the environment. Reusing something instead of throwing it away is a great way to reduce your footprint.
- Change up your color scheme. If you're not a fan of all the super bright primary colors, this is a great solution. You can do any color palette you or your kids prefer!
Oh, and while your kids are playing in their newly painted toys, why not learn how to make a DIY wood sign to tell people to slow down?!
And also while you're at it, you probably need the adorable, itty bitty "baby on board" sticker that I designed just for the car!
I mean, for reals — how cute is this sticker, you guys?!?!?!
Save This for Later – Pin It!
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about how to paint plastic:
Can you paint Little Tikes toys?
As you can see from this huge makeover, you can definitely paint Little Tikes toys! Just make sure you prep your toys really well. And using the right paint is key.
Can I paint plastic without sanding?
You can paint plastic without sanding as long as you're using the right kind of paint and have cleaned and prepped your surface thoroughly. Read on for all those details.
How do you paint plastic toys?
How to paint plastic toys is a super common question. I've done it a few times now with great results.
There are two super important factors in a successful painted plastic makeover:
- Thoroughly clean everything.
- Use the right kind of paint.
Keep reading for the nitty gritty about cleaning and what paint to use for plastic toys.
What is the best paint for plastic toys?
Wondering what kind of paint will stick to plastic?
For large-scale pieces like the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe car or a playhouse, spray paint is going to be your best bet.
In my opinion, the best spray paint for plastic is one of these:
- Krylon Fusion for Plastic
- Krylon Outdoor Decor
- Rust-Oleum Universal Advanced Formula
- Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch
I don't use a primer with any of these, and I've found them to be the best ones for plastic.
How to Paint Little Tikes Plastic Toys
I have to apologize in advance for not taking better photos along the way. I got super busy.
And also super covered in spray paint and didn't want to touch my camera. ha!
I'll explain in as much detail as possible
1. Take the toy apart completely, and set aside any hardware, like nuts and screws.
Different toys and even different models of the same toys will come apart differently.
I suggest keeping these tools on-hand at a minimum:
- Flat head screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Wrench
- Pliers
Removing the wheels was definitely the trickiest part for me.
Since our Little Tikes car is a vintage model, I didn't have the right tools or hardware. I took the parts that I removed to the hardware store and had an employee help me find a good substitute.
As you can see in the photo above, the plastic hubcaps completely crumbled apart as I was removing the wheels. I chipped away the remaining bits instead of trying to salvage them.
2. Clean every surface as thoroughly as possible.
You need to use something more than water to make sure you really remove all that grime. A few options:
- A spray cleaner like Windex
- A white vinegar and water solution
- Dish soap diluted in a bucket of water
Use a scrub brush to get every inch of the plastic cleaned off. Pay extra attention to corners and crevices.
3. Tape off any surfaces that won't be painted, like the wheels and axels.
Remember how the hubcaps crumbled away on our Cozy Coupe? Instead of trying to fix them somehow, I spray painted the insides with chrome spray paint.
4. Now you're ready to spray paint the actual toy.
Make sure it's completely dry. Pay extra attention to make sure there's no water trapped inside the doors or other parts, since it could leak out and ruin your paint job before it dries.
Prop it up on a bucket covered with a drop cloth or newspaper.
Follow the instructions for whichever spray paint you choose.* It will take 2-3 coats.
* In case you didn't see the earlier section where I talk about the best paint for plastic, here's what I recommend:
- Krylon Fusion for Plastic
- Krylon Outdoor Decor
- Rust-Oleum Universal Advanced Formula
- Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch
5. Add interior details with a multi-surface acrylic paint. The horn is missing from our car, so I painted it on. I also touched up the steering wheel because it was super faded.
6. Use a clear spray paint to seal and protect the toy. Make sure it's one with UV protection so that the color doesn't fade over time.
7. Reassemble the toy. Make sure the paint is completely dry first.
8. Add an adorable mini "baby on board" sticker for the perfect finishing touch!
It's my favorite thing I designed out of the entire project!!!
Source: https://www.shrimpsaladcircus.com/how-to-paint-little-tikes-plastic-toys/
0 Response to "Black Paint for Plastic Toys"
Post a Comment