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Paint Type?

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:35 am
by jalgroovy
Just wondering if there was any particular type of paint you're supposed to use when painting PVC. I've been told that certain things can eat away at the PVC and/or weaken it, are there any paints that can do this?

Thanks,
Jalgroovy

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:42 am
by mark.f
No paints will significantly weaken the PVC (unless you are using some real exotic stuff based on MEK or Tetrahydrofuran).

I would use Krylon Fusion by itself using the printed instructions on the can, or you could use standard enamel or poly paints in an 'automotive-type' application of a few layers of primer, then several layers of paint, and a few layers of 'clear-coat' (varnish). I haven't personally tried this on PVC (only metal parts for vehicles and bondo), but it should hold up fine.

I would just use the Krylon Fusion, though.

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:49 am
by jalgroovy
Okay...thanks buddy

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 12:20 pm
by jimmy101
The most important thing isn't the type of paint (though the paint does matter).

It is absolutely critical that you scrub with liquid dish soap and a Scotchbright pad before painting. Some prefer fine grit sandpaper and soapy water instead.

PVC is pretty grubby from the store and is usually coated with a thin layer of oil. Try to paint over that and the paint will flake off regardless of what type of paint you use.

The only really good paint for PVC, in terms of strength and resistance to scratching and flaking, is PVC Purple Primer. (I wonder if you dissolved a dye, like an aniline dye, in acetone and sprayed a couple light coats if that would be as good as Purple Primer. The acetone will dissolve a bit of the surface of the PVC and let the dye penetrate.)