Practice proper workshop safety. Wear gloves, protective eyewear and a ventilated facemask to filter out dust and chemicals. [1] X Research source Choose a spray paint that’s specially formulated for use on plastics, such as Krylon Fusion or Rust-Oleum Plastic.
Work in a well-ventilated, open space. This will not only help the paint dry faster but keep you from being exposed to harmful acetone and paint fumes. [3] X Research source Spray paint tends to disperse when it’s applied, so a dropcloth will be useful for protecting floors, countertops and other work surfaces. If you don’t have access to a dropcloth, you could also use a few overlapping sheets of newspaper.
If the PVC you’re painting needs to be fitted with elbow corners, for instance, they should be in place prior to sanding and painting.
Avoid over-sanding the PVC, as this can result in walls of inconsistent thicknesses that may wear out at a faster rate. A fine sandpaper with a grit of 220 or higher is recommended. [6] X Research source
Wiping the PVC will help remove any loose grit left over from sanding. The acetone will also cause the plastic to expand and become more porous, allowing it to hold paint better. [8] X Research source
Continue applying additional coats until you reach the desired depth of color. Let the paint dry for 20 to 30 minutes between coats. [10] X Research source
If you plan on using the PVC for especially messy or heavy-duty jobs, it may need to cure for as long as one 20-30 days.
Think twice before using an electric sander. This can shave away too much of the PVC.
Rewet the cloth as needed to cover the area you sanded. Try not to oversaturate the PVC. Too much acetone may eat away at the plastic, weakening its structure. [13] X Research source
Look for primer in a basic matte white. This will be versatile enough to make any shade of paint show up clearly and vividly.
Use a small, soft-bristled brush not much wider than the pipe. Look for paints that will mimic the waterproofing effect of PVC, like a semigloss satin, latex or acrylic.
Most paint jobs will require an average of 2-3 separate coats. Be careful not to apply the paint so heavily that it creates visible drips.
