The Best Spray Paints for Plastic for 2021

Corrie
by Corrie
2 Materials

By Hometalk Writer Corrie Pelc


For most people, once plastic household items reach a certain point, they figure there's no bringing them back to their former glory. The good news is with spray paint for plastic you can literally bring new life to an older plastic item with little monetary investment or effort. From outdoor plastic furniture that has been faded by the sun, plastic vintage finds from thrift stores and garage sales, and even toys that are showing how much they were loved—all of these can be quickly improved with spray paint for plastic.


Does Spray Paint Adhere to Plastic?


If you use the right type of spray paint, it sure does! While spray painting plastic can be a bit tricky, if you select spray paint specially formulated for covering plastic, and follow a few easy steps, you'll be a pro in no time!


Our Picks for Spray Paints for Plastic:



Factors We Considered When Making This List


While there are lots of different spray paints on the market, not all are formulated to properly cover and adhere to plastic. After hours of research and comparing user feedback, here is a list of what we consider to be the best spray paints for plastic for 2021.


Each product below has been evaluated and ranked for these main factors:


  • Durability — After taking the time to carefully spray paint a plastic item, how long will the spray-painted finish realistically last?
  • Primer Required — Not having to apply an additional primer before spray painting plastic can be both a time- and money-saver.
  • Dry Time — How long before a spray-painted plastic item can be touched and used?
  • Nozzle Comfort — When spray painting a large project, a comfortable nozzle can help ensure that hands and fingers don’t tire out before the job is finished.
  • Can Size — Size does matter when it comes to spray paint—getting the most bang for your buck is crucial.
  • Coverage Size — Will one can of spray paint do the job, or are multiple cans needed? That can have an impact on a DIY budget.
  • Color and Finish Options — Depending on the type of plastic project the spray paint is for, having a wide variety of color and finish options can be a big factor.


Considering all of these factors, let's jump into the best spray paints for plastic of 2021...


Best Overall: Krylon Fusion All-in-One Spray Paint

~ $5-$7 on Amazon

best overall spray paint for plastic

When it came to naming an overall winner, the Krylon Fusion All-in-One and the Rust-Oleum Paint for Plastic Spray are so good at what they do that it was a very close call. Both are consistently ranked high by DIYers and for good reason! We chose the price point as the deciding factor, but it was almost a tie.


A primer and paint combo, Krylon Fusion All-in-One Spray Paint saves time and money by providing beautiful coverage to plastics, as well as wood, metal, and lots of other materials, making it a must-have in any DIYer's tool kit. The Krylon Fusion All-in-One Spray Paint bonds directly to plastic, providing a five times stronger adhesion to difficult surfaces, and is even backed by a No-Peel Guarantee. The spray paint also features a big button spray tip that works at all angles, maximum rust protection, and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. 


Ideal for: Outdoor plastic items that you also need rust protection for.


  • Durability: Backed by a No-Peel Guarantee
  • Primer Required: No
  • Nozzle Comfort: Big button spray tip
  • Dry Time: Dries to the touch in 20 minutes
  • Can Size: 12 oz
  • Coverage Size: Up to 25 square feet per can
  • Color and Finish Options: Variety of colors and finishes


Pros:

  • Nice price
  • No primer
  • Tons of color and finish options
  • No-Peel Guarantee
  • Can be used for other materials other than plastic


Cons: 

  • None that we can see!


Best Runner-Up: Rust-Oleum Paint for Plastic Spray

~ $7-$16 on Amazon 

best runner-up spray paint for plastic

Just as good a product for spray painting plastic is the Rust-Oleum Paint for Plastic Spray. This oil-based paint requires no priming or sanding of the plastic item before application, and can be used on a variety of different plastics. It’s comfortable spray tip makes application a breeze. Dry to the touch in a mere 20 minutes, the paint provides superior adhesion and adds a layer of protection from the elements to any plastic items it is applied to, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. 


Ideal for: Anything plastic you can think of, indoors and out, that you want to add some extra durability and protection to. 


  • Durability: Guaranteed not to chip within a year of application
  • Primer Required: No
  • Nozzle Comfort: Comfortable spray tip
  • Dry Time: Dries to the touch in 20 minutes
  • Can Size: 12 oz
  • Coverage Size: Up to 10 square feet per can
  • Color and Finish Options: Available in a selection of popular colors


Pros: 

  • Good quality for the price
  • Primer not necessary
  • Comfy spray tip won’t hurt the fingers


Cons: 

  • Not as many colors available 
  • Not as much coverage as other spray paints for plastic


Best If You Need a Speed Dry Time: Krylon Fusion for Plastic Spray Paint

~ $30 on Amazon

best quick-drying spray paint for plastic

As the name implies, the Krylon Fusion for Plastic Spray Paint is specifically formulated for painting plastic. Able to easily bond to plastic, PVC, hard vinyl, and other plastics, this oil-based spray paint requires no priming or sanding before application and once fully cured after seven days, feels like a durable plastic coating that will not chip or fade. The spray can features an EZ Touch 360-degree dial spray tip that allows for painting exactly how you need, from wide curves to sharp edges. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor items, the Krylon Fusion for Plastic Spray Paint is available in a rainbow of colors and various finishes, and dries to a high-gloss finish. 


Ideal for: All plastic items indoors or outdoors, especially high traffic items like tables and chairs.


  • Durability: Bonds to plastic, creating a durable plastic coating that will not chip or fade
  • Primer Required: No
  • Nozzle Comfort: Features an EZ Touch 360-degree dial spray tip
  • Dry Time: Dry to the touch in 15 minutes; fully cured after seven days
  • Can Size: 12 oz
  • Coverage Size: 20-25 square feet per can
  • Color and Finish Options: Wide range of colors and finishes


Pros: 

  • Dry in 15 minutes
  • No primer required
  • 360-degree dial spray allows for easy application
  • Lots of colors and finishes to have fun with


Cons: 

  • A bit pricey


Best Coverage: Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint

~ $5-$12 on Amazon

best coverage spray paint for plastic

Another winner from Rust-Oleum is the Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint. Featuring Rust-Oleum's Double Coverage Technology, this oil-based, low-odor spray paint is popular for its even and complete coverage, and dries to a hard, high-gloss finish on any plastic surface you can think of, from plastic chairs to car parts. And while Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Spray Paint works great to cover plastic, it also works well on wood, metal and a variety of other materials, giving you more bang for your DIY buck.


Ideal for: Outdoor tables or chairs or anything with a smooth surface that would otherwise show choppy paint coverage.


  • Durability: Resists chips once cured
  • Primer Required: No
  • Nozzle Comfort: Any-angle spray system with comfort spray tip
  • Dry Time: Dry to the touch in about 20 minutes
  • Can Size: 12 oz can
  • Coverage Size: Up to 12 square feet per can
  • Color and Finish Options: Wide variety of colors and finishes


Pros: 

  • Low odor
  • No primer
  • Lots of colors and finishes to choose from


Cons: 

  • Coverage size not as much as some other spray paints for plastic


Best for Leather and Vinyl: Dupli-Color EHVP11200 Vinyl and Fabric Spray Paint

~ $45 on Amazon

best leather and vinyl spray paint

When it comes to the best spray paint for plastic automotive parts, there's no better than Dupli-Color EHVP11200 Vinyl and Fabric Spray Paint. A force in the automotive paint industry for more than 60 years, Dupi-Color EHVP11200 Vinyl and Fabric Spray Paint is specially designed for restoring or customizing dashboards, interior vinyl seating, door panels, and any other plastic part you can think of. The spray can features an EZ Touch conical nozzle for precise and easy application in tight areas. And formulated with a built-in primer, this spray paint dries to the touch in about 30 minutes and once set, will not peel, crack, or chip. 


Ideal for: Restoring or customizing dashboards, interior vinyl seating, door panels, and other plastic car parts. 


  • Durability: Will not peel, crack, or chip once the paint is set
  • Primer Required: No
  • Nozzle Comfort: EZ Touch conical nozzle
  • Dry Time: Dries to the touch in 30 minutes
  • Can Size: 11 oz
  • Coverage Size: About 12-14 square feet per can
  • Color and Finish Options: A variety of color options


Pros: 

  • Built-in primer
  • EZ touch conical nozzle
  • Backed by 60+ years of experience


Cons: 

  • Bit pricey
  • Coverage size not as much as some other spray paints for plastic


Best for Camouflaging: Krylon Camouflage Plastic Spray Paint

~ $12 on Amazon

best camouflaging spray paint for plastic

If you're looking for a non-flashy, neutral color option for your spray painting your sporting and hunting equipment, then you'll want to check out the Krylon Camouflage Plastic Spray Paint. This ultra-flat, non-reflective paint provides excellent coverage on all types of plastics by bonding at the molecular level, as well as wood, metal, glass, ceramic, wrought iron, and much more. No primer or sanding is required for this paint that once fully cured after seven days is chip resistant, and resists fading and abrasion.


Ideal for: Restoring plastic sporting and hunting equipment, as well as other materials. 


  • Durability: Won’t chip after curing for seven days
  • Primer Required: No
  • Nozzle Comfort: Easy-to-use nozzle
  • Dry Time: Dries to the touch in 15 minutes
  • Can Size: 11 oz
  • Coverage Size: About 25 square feet per can
  • Color and Finish Options: 6 camouflage colors — black, khaki, sand, brown, olive and woodland light green — that dry to an ultra-flat, non-reflective finish


Pros:

  • No primer required
  • Dries to the touch in 15 minutes
  • Good coverage with one can


Cons: 

  • Limited color selection and finishes


Best Environmental Friendly: Pintyplus Aqua Spray Paint

~ $50 for 8 colors on Amazon

best environmentally friendly spray paint for plastic

If you're looking for a more environmentally friendly option for spray painting plastics, look no further than Pintyplus Aqua Spray Paint. This water-based spray paint comes in a variety of matte colors in 4.2 oz cans that are easier to hold. The spray cans have a lower pressure, leading to minimal overspray and less product waste. Designed primarily for indoor use, the Pintyplus Aqua Spray Paint is an opaque formula with no bleed-through and no odor that can be applied not only to plastics, but also wood, stone, cement, plastic, metal and much more. 


Ideal for: DIYers who want an environmentally-conscious option that can be used not just for plastics, but lots of other purposes—even arts and crafts scrapbooking! 


  • Durability: Although this spray paint is specifically designed for indoor use, it is still durable enough for outside items
  • Primer Required: May need a primer as the paint is water-based
  • Nozzle Comfort: Smaller can size makes for more comfortable spraying for smaller hands
  • Dry Time: 1 hour (15 minutes on porous surfaces) 
  • Can Size: 4.5 oz
  • Coverage Size: About 15 square feet per can
  • Color and Finish Options: Comes in a rainbow of colors


Pros:

  • Environmentally friendly option
  • No odor
  • Comes in a rainbow of colors


Cons: 

  • Water-based paint may require a primer before application
  • Dry time can be a bit lengthy
  • Small can size
  • Only matte finish available


How Do I Spray Paint Plastic?


Now that you know what the best spray paints for plastic are for 2021, here are a few spray painting tips on how to get the most out of each bottle. Even though most spray paints for plastics do not require any priming or sanding prior to application, make sure to thoroughly clean and dry your plastic item—just soap and water will do!—and make sure it is free from dust and dirt with a paper towel or a lint-free cloth. When starting to paint, good form is necessary—make sure to grip the can well and spray the paint in a thin, even coat across the plastic item. Don't forget to get all the angles and small areas! Again, thin coats are your friend. If you apply too much too fast, you may end up with drips or clogging the nozzle of your spray can. And thick coats can lead to bubbles or the "orange skin" texture no one ever wants. While all the spray paints for plastic listed above may dry to the touch anywhere between 10-25 minutes, that doesn't mean they're ready to be fully handled. Make sure to give them proper time to dry all the way before applying extra coats, and time to cure before fully using them.


Summary

When it comes to picking the best spray paint for plastic, there are so many factors to consider, from durability and dry time to nozzle comfort and primer requirements. No matter what you're looking for in a spray paint for plastic, remember to have fun! Don't be afraid to get creative with all the fun colors and creative finishes available out there today. 


Tell us about your best spray paint for plastic projects and share your tips below! 

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