Asked on Apr 05, 2020

Some type of clear coat I could use over my tacky painted Dino’s?

KDG0520
by KDG0520

I am making a coat tree for my Son’s room. I am using his toy dinosaurs (plastic) cut in 1/2 for the hooks. I don’t want to change the type/color of paint because they are the colors I used in his room and it’s what I have; however, with lightly coated spray paint and 2 days, they are still tacky to touch- I’m assuming from using the wrong type of paint and it will not cure. Is there a type of spray clear coat that DOES work on plastic I could use? Guess I could always try mod podge?

Any suggestions/tips are greatly appreciated!

  16 answers
  • William William on Apr 05, 2020

    Minwax Quick Dry Spray Polyurethane. If they are still tacky use A paper towel with Goo Gone and wipe them down.

  • Linda Linda on Apr 05, 2020

    I second what William suggested.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Apr 05, 2020

    You may have put too thick of a coat of paint on the dinosaurs and maybe put the second coat of paint on before the first coat was dry. You could try and scrub the paint off of it and try and paint them again. You would want to do a light coat of paint and let it dry completely before putting the second coat on. Make sure the polyurethane spray you use dries clear.

  • Spray paint does't work on certain types of rubber. I tried spray painting rain boots once and they never dried :(

  • Kyle Kyle on Apr 05, 2020

    Countertop grade 2-part epoxy resin.....it hardens strong as steel, dries crystal clear, is equivalent to 40 coats of shellac or polyurethane. It will look great and last forever

    • KDG0520 KDG0520 on Apr 06, 2020

      Hi Kyle-

      I know this isn’t the same, but I have it on hand- Varathane Clear Satin Water-Based Interior Polyurethane- do you think it might work?

  • I would def. try mod podge! Or you could do an epoxy spray (spray it outside!).

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Apr 05, 2020

    If you have a safe sunny spot, see if they will dry for you. I would then use a clear drying spray on sealer. Good luck and stay well!


    P.S. I love the colors and idea!

  • Mogie Mogie on Apr 05, 2020

    Amazon carries Rust-Oleum 249127 Painter's Touch Multi Purpose Spray Paint, 12-Ounce, Flat Black

    • Ideal for use on interior/exterior surfaces including wood, , plaster, metal, masonry and unglazed ceramic
    • Oil-based formula is low odor, resist chips and provides long-lasting protection
    • Dries to touch in 20 minutes and covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can
    • Durable formula provides excellent hide and goes on smoothly
    • Flat finish helps hide surface imperfections
    • Note: Kindly refer user manual before use
    • Any angle spray


  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Apr 06, 2020

    I agree with Kyle. Since it is still tacky, it won't dry. I tried spray painting rubbery plastic last year and I could never get it dry. It was tacky and with little hands touching it, it just came off in a mess. You need something like a resin that will thickly coat it and harden like Kyle said. Use envirotex or another brand of resin. You can pour it on.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Apr 06, 2020

    I’ve had the same problem with a plastic octopus. I contacted Rustoleum and they commented at some plastics and rubbers just will not work with some spray paints. They offered me a refund. I suggest you contact your spray paint manufacturer and see what they can offer you for a solution or compensation.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Apr 06, 2020

    I would get a spray varnish or poly if you want to keep the color.

  • KDG0520 KDG0520 on Apr 06, 2020

    I appreciate everyone’s advice, suggestions, comments and efforts! I’ll update with my method and results....

  • Beth Beth on Apr 07, 2020

    Mod Podge actually has a hard coat finish you can use. I've had this tacky problem before, too!

  • Deb K Deb K on Apr 08, 2020

    Hello, definitely you will want to use the mod podge, it's a guaranteed finish!


  • Em Em on Apr 08, 2020

    Unless you spray painted it really really thick instead of thin layers then let dry according to the can instructions there is no reason for it to still be tacky. Let them sit for a few days and see. Otherwise try a spray matte finish poly in a can to see if that will seal them.