How to spray paint plastic bins

In this guide today, I will teach you the method to spray paint plastic bins with satisfactory results.

Because this method which I am gonna share with you is tried and tested by me and my professional painter fellows.

So, you can rely on this guide solely to do the job with good results.

While spray paint is the quickest way to give any surface the look of the latest trends, it can also be a bit intimidating.

“Can you really spray paint plastic bins?” is a question I often hear from my readers. I’ve set out to test out a few different methods for spray painting plastic bins.

You’re right! Spray painting plastic bins is totally possible. In fact, with a few precautions, you can spray paint almost any type of bin.

You just have to know how to do it right. In this blog, I explain exactly how you can spray paint plastic bins to fit your needs.

Table of Contents

How to spray paint plastic bins?

Prepare the workplace

When preparing a workspace, it is best to find a location that you can spray paint without worrying about overspray contaminating your car or house.

You should also choose a workspace where you won’t be interrupted. If your workspace is small and you have a full-time job, it is best to find a location that is not close to your workplace.

Select an outdoor location – one with good ventilation to ensure proper drying – and spread a plastic tarp across the surface you’re working on.

Put the bins upside down on top of it, a few inches away from one another, and lay the container lids neatly and flatly side by side next to them.

Prime the surface of plastic bins

If you are like me and hate the way cheap plastic bins look when you paint them, then this is for you.

I discovered this trick from a blog one day. The idea is that you prime the plastic bin with a clear coat of spray paint before you paint over it with your desired color.

The clear coat acts as a barrier and will prevent the paint from seeping into the cracks and crevices of the plastic bin. It’s really easy and works like a charm.

Should we sand the plastic bins?

Unfortunately, sanding only scratches the surface. The plastic itself is not solid enough to sand it down completely.

However, there is a way to do it. It will not be the best or fastest method, but it will work.

If you are sanding by hand, there are two ways you can go about this. You can either sand the surface with a rough sandpaper, or you can use a power sander.

Both will work but power sanding will give you a better finished product.

Start spraying plastic bins

When it comes to painting, remember to shake that can of paint and spray in short bursts.

Don’t try to cover a large area in one go; instead use multiple layers, spraying in between coats and keeping your distance from the metal.

In order to spray plastic bins, we should first make sure the spray paint has good coverage. When spraying the paint to this kind of bins, we need to use a little more spray paint.

After spraying it, we should wait several seconds and then spray it again. The second time we spray, it will give us a more pronounced color.

The paint should not be too thick. If it’s too thick, it will take a long time to dry.

How do you get spray paint to stick to plastic?

To get spray paint to stick to plastic, you should first clean the plastic surface to remove any dirt or grease.

Next, you should use a plastic primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces. Once the primer is dry, you can apply the spray paint.

It is also recommended to apply several light coats of paint instead of one heavy coat to avoid drips and runs.

Can I spray paint plastic drawers?

Yes, you can spray paint plastic drawers. It is important to prepare the surface by cleaning it and using a plastic primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces before applying the spray paint.

It is also recommended to apply several light coats of paint instead of one heavy coat to avoid drips and runs.

It’s important to know that the finish might not be as durable as paint on wood or metal surfaces, and the paint may chip or peel over time.

Additionally, if the drawers are being used for storing items, it’s important to ensure that the paint is fully dry and cured before putting anything in them.

As the weight of the items could cause the paint to chip or peel.

Do you need primer to spray paint plastic?

Yes, it is generally recommended to use a primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces when spray painting plastic.

The primer helps to create a better surface for the paint to adhere to and can also help to improve the durability and longevity of the paint job.

Plastic is a non-porous material, which means it doesn’t absorb paint very well, and the paint can have a hard time sticking to it.

The primer will help the paint adhere better to the plastic surface, and it also helps to provide a uniform surface for the paint to be applied.

Additionally, using a primer can help to prevent chipping and peeling over time.

FAQ’s of How to spray paint plastic bins

Two types of spray paint that work best on plastic are Krylon Fusion for Plastic, and Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover. Both of these spray paints are designed for plastic and are guaranteed to remain intact for several years. Please note that these paints will only stick to plastic, so if you’re trying to paint a rubber surface, these will not be suitable.

Spray paint doesn’t stick to non-porous surfaces very well. So when you try spray-painting plastic bins from Dollar Tree, it will look like you are painting water (a lot of it!). The best thing to do is to paint the DIY-painted plastic bins with a good primer, and then spray paint it with an exterior spray-paint. While it is possible to spray paint the Dollar Tree bins, it’s not easy, but it is not impossible either. It will take a lot of effort and time. Also, it’s very likely that you will have to repaint it more than once. So if you are looking for a DIY project that will give you a lot of bang for your buck, then this is not it.

Yes you can! You must make sure that the plastic is clean and completely dry. You can use a fine sandpaper for cleaning. The plastic must be completely dry. The paint will stick best if you apply it to a clean surface that is warm. Paint can still stick if the surface is slightly oily or humid, but the paint will be less durable. You can use a hairdryer to make the surface warm. If the surface is not smooth, the paint will bubble or flake. The surface should be smooth and dull, not shiny. If it is shiny or feels sticky it’s not dry. If the plastic feels greasy you can clean it with soap and water and then dry it. If you are using spray paint with a primer (which you should) you should apply the first coat of paint to a clean dry surface. Then apply a coat of primer and let it dry for about 3 minutes. Then apply the final coat of paint.

It is not recommended to spray paint plastic without pre-sanding it. The paint will peel off the surface easily which makes the item look cheap. To avoid this, always sand the surface first, then prime it and spray the paint. This is the easiest way to paint plastic. It is always better to sand the surfaces rather than to paint over them.

Final thoughts on How to spray paint plastic bins

Now you can spray paint plastic bins and get a professional-looking finish every time. No more guessing.

No more wasting paint. No more trying to sand off the finish and start over. All you need is patience and the following tips.

We hope you found this article helpful. Feel free to ask your query in the comments section.

Matthew Edward

Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.