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Plastic can be a tricky material to paint.
Certain plastics like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are resistant to different types of solvents, making it super hard to paint these surfaces.
The good news is that many spray paints can work well on plastic; we researched 48 of the top-selling spray paints on the market to identify the paint we wanted to test.
We bought these top 5 spray paints to perform hands-on testing by applying one coat of paint to the same plastic material.
Based on this testing, this is a list of the best spray paints for plastic in 2024 and a guide for getting the most from your spray paint when using it for plastic:
1. Best Overall: Krylon Fusion
A favorite with the team when painting metal, we were impressed with how easily the paint attached to the plastic material without any need to re-spray.
Krylon is a Philadelphia-based business that has been making spray paints since 1973 and is the leading brand in this space, along with Rust-Oleum.
The Krylon Fusion range of spray paints provides an all-in-one product that includes paint and primer and can be used outdoors and indoors. It’s dry to touch in 25 minutes and fully dry in two hours. There are 53 different colors, but you must choose the Metallic option if you want metal colors.
Our testing shows this is currently the best option for spray painting plastic. With an RRP of $13.30, it’s a bit pricer than other spray paints but worth it if you want an easy-to-use paint that dries quickly.
2. Best for Auto Use: Rust-Oleum Paint for Plastic
This spray paint can work on many automotive plastics, including polypropylene, polystyrene, resin, PVC and fiberglass.
This is a great option to provide auto as it can work well up to temperatures of 250F and is an excellent way of renewing plastic. Many users said it looked like new plastic after letting it dry.
It was easy to spray but a little trickier to get smooth than the Krylon fusion, so it didn’t make our top pick overall.
We also found the price to be higher on average per 11-ounce can, which might be worth it when using on your car but might be overkill for other materials you want to paint.
Each can of paint is estimated to cover 8-10 sq. ft per can.
3. Best for Metallic: Rust-Oleum 262662
Another spray paint from Rust-Oleum can work on any material, including plastics. This option provides over 19 different metallic colors and we like that it has a safety button on the trigger so you don’t accidentally spray it.
For those wanting to bring metallic color to plastic, then this is the spray paint we would pick. In our test, the metallic gold color quickly attached to the plastic material and was touch dry in under 10 minutes.
It is a little pricier than generic spray paints, but it is worth it if you care about the final look.
Each can is estimated to provide at least 15 sq ft per can, and as this is universal, you can use it on pretty much any material including all types of plastic. It has a very different trigger than standard spray paints, which could be very useful when spraying trickier surfaces like taps for the sink.
It’s fully dry in 30 minutes, but we found it to be quicker than that but worth leaving it that long before moving.
4. Best for Gloss: Rust-Oleum Gloss Protective Enamel
For those looking for a gloss look, this spray paint from Rust-Oleum provides many gloss color options and is attached to a plastic well without needing an extra coat of paint.
But overall, it is a better option for wood and metal.
It takes a little longer to fully dry, with up to 2-4 hours recommended, and one should provide coverage of 15 sq ft—a good option for use outside as it provides a ton of protection beyond just the paint.
5. Best for Budget: Rust-Oleum 334017 2X Ultra Cover
According to Rust-Oleum, you can cover up to 12 sq. ft per can, and it dries in only 20 minutes. This is good spray paint for wood, metal, wicker and plastic materials.
At only just over $6 a can, it’s one of the best choices for those wanting to paint a lot of plastic areas. Many customers had great success with this on their car bumpers but recommended at least 2 cans to cover the whole region.
When we tested this on plastic, it took well to the material and was touch dry in the 20 minutes they quoted.
How to use spray paint for plastic
Unless you choose an all-in-one spray paint that includes both a paint and a primer, like our number one choice, the Krylon Fusion, you will need a primer before adding your final color.
Before you add the primer, you will also want to get the material ready by cleaning the surfaces, as any dust or dirt will create a poor hold for the paint.
Use high-grade sandpaper to sand the area so the paint can stick more easily.
One good tip is to use isopropyl alcohol to guarantee you have removed any materials or dirt from the surface before spraying.
How to spray:
Before shaking vigorously, spray paint as otherwise; you will not get a smooth surface.
After spraying, get into the habit of shaking to keep the pressure high and the final coat smooth.
Try to spray a light spray and then go over with more coats instead of spraying once with a thick coat. When spraying heavily, you will likely suffer drips and look worse.
Be sure to spray from the side across the object – don’t start the spray paint directly on top, as the spray can often be uneven when it just starts. The same is true when finishing; stop the spray paint once you have passed the object you want to spray.
Most spray paints will tell you exactly how far away you need to be, so stick to this and make sure not to be too close, as this will also lead to excess amounts of paint and a poor finish.
As with anything, spray painting plastic gets easier with practice.
| Be safe when spray painting All types of spray paints contain solvents that create VOCs and other chemicals, so be sure to paint the plastic in a well-ventilated area or, if possible, spray outside. |
Plastic Spray Paint FAQs
What is the best type of spray paint for plastic?
Based on our testing, the most accessible spray paint for plastic is the Krylon Fusion, as it needs no primer and in our tests, it was easy to create a smooth coat on plastic.
Do you have to sand before spray painting plastic?
You don’t have to sand, but if you do the final coat of spray paint, it will attach more quickly and form a higher-quality finish.
Does spray paint dry on plastic?
Plastic is like metal; it has a soft surface but is non-porous. Luckily, many spray paints are designed to be used on plastic and can dry in under 20 minutes
Is Krylon suitable for plastic?
Based on our testing, the spray paint Krylon Fusion was very effective when used on plastic.
Does spray paint for plastic really work?
I am happy to report that all five spray paints we bought for testing worked at adding paint to plastic material.
Why should you trust 911 Metallurgists?
Our team of experts in material science has spent hours researching the best spray paints for use on plastics to identify the top five performing spray paints but didn’t just stop there. We tested each of the spray paints to see for ourselves how well it applied to a plastic material. Be sure to let us know if you have any questions about our process or use a paint that you think we should include in future updates.
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