How to Seal Acrylic Paint On Plastic?

If your plastic garden furniture has faded a bit and you don’t like the way it looks anymore, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to throw it away! Perhaps, you might want to paint it instead.

However, since plastic is a bit tricky to paint and keeps the paint longer on the surface, we are here to share a couple of handy tips with you.

From this article, you will learn more about sealing acrylic paint on plastic furniture and other objects. And in addition, we will answer a few common questions regarding this subject, for example, whether it is mandatory to seal plastic and whether this material will accept sealants easily.

How to Seal Painted Plastic. A Step-By-Step Guide?

Since plastic is a bit more complicated in terms of painting on it in comparison to other surfaces (for example, wood), you might face certain difficulties when trying to seal it. People often complain they end up having a freshly painted plastic surface with a ruined coat of paint on it – just because they failed to apply the sealer correctly.

How to Paint on Plastic

So in order to help you avoid such a scenario, we want to remind you of the proper way of sealing plastic surfaces that have been recently painted. Very soon, you will see a step-by-step guide to sealing your painting.

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But first, you should get all the tools and supplies ready:

• Acrylic sealer
• Cup
• Paintbrush
• Plastic surface

Now that you are ready, let’s see how a sealer should be applied.

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Choose an Acrylic Sealer

Choosing the right acrylic sealer is as important as choosing paint for your plastic object. This type of sealer will help to protect your painted surface and make it last longer. We recommend using aerosol spray sealant because it’s easy to apply and provides great coverage. Should you buy a liquid sealer, read on to learn how it should be applied with a brush.

Pour the Sealer Into a Cup

Take a cup you have prepared in advance and pour a small amount of sealer into it. As an option, you might want to opt for a bowl. You don’t need to use a lot, just enough to cover the surface of your painted item.

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Soak Your Brush With Sealer

Dip your brush into the sealer and then tap it on the side of the cup or bowl. It will help you remove any excess liquid from the bristles. Remember that you should only load your brush with a small amount of sealer at a time.

Apply the Sealer

The sealer should be applied in thin layers! It is easier to do if you have a spray sealer. But if it is liquid and you are using a brush, start by applying a thin layer of sealer to your painting.

Make sure you use even strokes and make sure that you don’t miss any spots. Once you have applied the first layer, let it dry for about 15 minutes. Remember to hold the canister around 30 cm away from the surface.

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Apply Additional Layers Of Sealer If Needed

Usually it is enough to apply one coat of a sealer. But if you are sealing your garden or patio furniture, for example, it might need extra coats of protection. So after the first layer has dried, you can apply additional layers if necessary.

However, we still recommend applying two or three layers for best results no matter what exactly you are painting and sealing. Let each layer dry for 15 minutes before adding the next one.

As you can see, sealing plastic objects is easy. All you need to do is to make sure you have all the necessary tools ready and apply the sealant correctly.

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What Can I Use to Seal Acrylic Paint On Plastic?

If you have ever tried to paint a plastic surface, you know that it can be complicated to make the paint adhere to this slippery surface. However, complicated doesn’t mean impossible!

HOW TO Paint On PLASTIC (Bottles, Pots, Jars, Etc) #crafts #artsandcrafts

Nevertheless, many homeowners face the same problem when they finish their painting project: what to use to seal it correctly?

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We recommend you opt for a clear acrylic sealer. A clear acrylic sealer will give your freshly painted plastic surface two benefits:

1. an extra layer of surface protection
2. protection of the color

Of course, you don’t have to use the sealer, but it has certain perks you might want to take into consideration.

First of all, it can help the painting results be more permanent, especially if you are painting an outdoor item. Second, a layer of a sealer will protect your plastic piece from minor damage like scratches. Finally, it will make the color last longer without fading or peeling off.

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To make the process of sealant application easier and faster, you can get a spray sealer. Also, make sure you follow a few application tips to ensure the sealant adheres properly:

• Wait until the paint cures before applying the sealer
• Spray the sealer with consistent, smooth and overlapping sprays
• One coat of sealer is usually enough, but you may want to apply more if the item is exposed to harsh conditions
• Let each layer dry before applying another

If you are using a sealant that needs to be applied with the brush, make sure you make even and smooth brushstrokes. The coating you get in the end should be even and smooth. With the right paint and plenty of time for preparation, you can achieve a smooth painted surface on your plastic items, be it your garden furniture or something else.

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Benefits Of Sealing Paint On Plastic

Some of you may wonder how essential it is to use an acrylic paint sealer when you paint your plastic furniture or any other plastic items. Well, in fact, it is not mandatory to seal those items. However, if we are talking about an object that will be exposed to weather and elements (such as rain, wind, dust, etc.), it makes sense to provide it with some extra protection.

In terms of this, a top coat for acrylic paint would be a good option, and a sealer will do the job really well! Sealing your painted plastic object can help to protect it from dirt, dust, and smudging. A coat of sealant can also make the colors stay more vibrant and prevent the paint from chipping or flaking off.

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A Few More Tips Regarding Sealing Plastic Surfaces

If you want to seal a plastic object that is constantly exposed to weather and elements, you need to seal it really well! Be it your garden or patio furniture, it needs to be properly protected from sun, rain, wind, snow, and dust. Otherwise, the paint will not be able to withstand the elements and will eventually fade or chip away.

There are two most commonly used products that you can opt for when sealing your plastic items. One option is to use a clear acrylic sealer. This is a really good option since this product can be found at most craft stores. Besides, the application process is very easy:

• Simply apply a thin layer of the sealer to your project using a brush or sprayer
• Allow it to dry completely before using or storing your project outdoors

There is another option you can use: it is a polyurethane sealer. Unlike the previously mentioned acrylic alternative, this type of sealer will provide a more durable finish, however, note that it can be difficult to apply evenly!

If you choose this option, make sure you follow the instructions carefully and apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat. And one more tip: it doesn’t matter which type of sealer you choose and use, always test it on a small area of your project first! Like that, you will ensure it will not damage the paint or plastic.

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How to Prepare Plastic for Paint?

If you decide to repaint your outdoor plastic items like garden furniture or others, you should clean the plastic surface and ensure it’s free of any dirt or debris before you start painting. It is important to do this since clean plastic will accept paint much better, besides, the coat of paint will be much more even and smoother.

Luckily, plastic doesn’t need any complicated cleaning procedures. You can use a mild soap and water solution or a commercial plastic cleaner to clean the surface. Once the surface is clean and dry, you will need to sand it down. This will create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Finally, once you have sanded the surface, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust.

Well, now you know how to seal acrylic paint on plastic surfaces and what sealants are best to be used for this purpose. In addition, you learned a few handy tips and life hacks regarding the sealer application process.

With all that in mind, you will be able to seal your plastic items correctly and make them last much longer which is wise since you won’t have to buy new ones all the time!

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