How do you paint plastic ornaments
Olivia Owen
Published Feb 20, 2026
Make sure you use acrylic paint that is formulated for glass or plastic (depending on what ornaments you’re using) when painting. Make sure you don’t paint too much. You won’t be able to dry your ornaments as quickly as you would if you used a dry brush.
How do you paint over plastic ornaments?
- Remove the ornament top.
- Squirt some paint into the ornament.
- Cover top with your thumb and shake ornament.
- Continue shaking until full coverage is achieved.
- Set in a muffin tin or egg carton to dry completely.
- Once dry, put the hanger back into the top of the ornament.
- Hang ornaments on the tree and enjoy.
How do you paint a Christmas ornament?
- Place ornament on top of the mug or glass. …
- Dispense various paint colors onto an artist’s palette or plastic plate for easy access.
- Dip the tip of your paintbrush into one desired color and begin painting design onto the ornament. …
- Before changing colors, make sure to clean brush in water and dry with paper towel.
Does acrylic paint stick to plastic?
Will Acrylic Paint Stick to Plastic? No, not unless the plastic has been prepared by sanding it first, then spraying on a primer. Because plastic is smooth and non-porous, and acrylic paint has a similar consistency when dry, the paint cannot adhere to the plastic.Can you use acrylic paint on plastic ornaments?
Paints made from acrylic can be painted on porous surfaces such as wood, but you can paint on plastic with a bit of preparation, primer, and sealer. There are special formulated paints that can be used on plastic without a primer, but acrylic paints will definitely need one.
How do you keep acrylic paint from peeling off plastic?
A clear acrylic sealer gives your freshly painted plastic surface an extra layer of protection. You don’t have to use the sealer, but it can help the results be more permanent, especially if you’re painting an outdoor item. You can get a spray sealer to make the job easier.
What paint will stay on plastic?
Use paints that are specifically formulated to adhere to plastics. There are several available on the market such as Krylon Fusion for Plastic® , Valspar® Plastic Spray Paint , and Rust-Oleum Specialty Paint For Plastic Spray . If using regular spray paint then your item will need to be primed.
How do you get paint to stick to glass ornaments?
First, you can drop some rubbing alcohol into the ornament before you paint. Swish it around and let it dry. This should prep the surface and help the paint stick. Second, I think using new paint that you shake before using is key.How do you apply acrylic paint to plastic?
In order for the acrylic paint to stick, you will need to prepare the surface by lightly sanding the plastic surfaces, applying a base coat or primer. The base coat must be a paint that is specifically made for plastic surfaces, then you can apply the acrylic paint over that.
Can you use Sharpie on acrylic ornaments?You can use chalk markers or latex Sharpie pens, but keep in mind that these will wipe off quite easily. The Acrylics and Oil base pens are more permanent, but may still be able to scratch with effort.
Article first time published onWhat do you paint clear plastic ornaments with?
Paint Tips Be sure to use acrylic paint that is formulated for glass or plastic (depending on what ornaments you’re using). Don’t use too much paint. Not only is it wasteful, but it will take a lot longer for your ornaments to dry.
Can you paint plastic with a brush?
You can brush paint onto plastics. Manufacturers such as Rust-Oleum offer quart-size cans of primer (Rust-Oleum Specialty Paint For Plastic Spray is one product) and quart-size paints meant for plastic (such as Krylon Fusion for Plastic and Fusion for Plastic Brush-On).
How do you prepare plastic for painting?
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the plastic surface you plan to paint, using mild soap and water. Having allowed the plastic to dry, wipe it down with rubbing alcohol. Next, to prevent accidents and minimize cleanup, set up a protected work area, lining it with newspapers, sheets of cardboard, or a tarp.
Is there a primer for plastic?
About Plastic Primer Spray Rust-Oleum® Specialty Plastic Primer Spray prepares plastic for painting with any top coat. Apply directly to plastic mailboxes, lawn chairs, storage lockers and more. Adheres to hard-to-paint surfaces.
Does Hairspray seal acrylic paint?
Paints such as acrylic, tempera, and other types of paint cannot be sealed with hairspray, which is why they are not suitable for use on rocks. Paint and hairspray react badly to each other, and some formulations of hairspray may cause your paint to melt or become gooey.
What will acrylic paint not stick to?
Acrylic paint will not stick to paraffin wax either. Incidentally, paraffin wax is chemically related to the four plastics listed above. Artist tube acrylic can be painted on glass and some plastic. Paint should be completely dry after 24 hrs.
Can you buy paint for plastic?
Standard exterior gloss paint is a suitable finish for plastic when used in conjunction with an appropriate primer and undercoat. Either acrylic or oil-based gloss can be used, and both are available in a wide range of colours.
What is the best paint to use on glass ornaments?
ByBrittney. Make sure you use acrylic paint that is formulated for glass or plastic (depending on what ornaments you’re using) when painting. Make sure you don’t paint too much. You won’t be able to dry your ornaments as quickly as you would if you used a dry brush.
Will acrylic paint stick to glass ornaments?
Paint made from acrylic can be used on glass – it is a versatile medium that can be used in many ways. In addition, the paint on the glass needs to be sealed so that it won’t wash off and stick to the glass permanently.
Can you use Sharpies on plastic ornaments?
All you need are Sharpies and Rubbing Alcohol to turn a piece of plastic into a gorgeous tie dyed Christmas ornament! If you’ve never heard of making tie-dye with Sharpies and Rubbing Alcohol, you’re in for a treat. It’s one of our favourite things to do with Sharpie markers.
Will tempera paint work on plastic ornaments?
You can use tempera paint for your finger paint Christmas ornament project. This paint comes in nontoxic varieties and will dry with a matte finish. It also cleans up easily with soap and water, just like acrylic paint; however, tempera paint can become smudged if it becomes wet after drying.
How do you paint plastic balls?
- Wash the plastic ball thoroughly. …
- Sand the plastic surface using sandpaper with a grit number of 400-600. …
- Wash the ball again to remove any grit that has accumulated during sanding. …
- Apply one or two coats of plastic adhesion primer.