Painting PVC

repoman · Thu May 17, 2007 3:49 pm

Hello all, first post, but I've been studying this site for awhile. I have a question and I've already searched for the answer. It sounds like about the only thing people use is the Krylon Fusion paints.

I'm working on a cannon that might finally be decent enough to post up here but I can't seem to find any of this Krylon Fusion I've heard so much about. Tried all of my local stores. What I have been able to find is a primer for plastics. I think it's by Rustoleum. Anyone tried this, I'm wondering if I can give it a couple good coats of this before I try with another type of paint. The paints for plastics are bright enamels and that's not what I'm going for.

Thanks for any help in advance!

Pete Zaria · Thu May 17, 2007 4:49 pm

I've used the Rustoleum "Paint for Plastics" on ABS and it worked great. I'd think it'd be fine on PVC, too.

As to priming and then using another kind of paint, I'd be worried about the primer softening the PVC and impacting its pressure-holding abilities. Look into it before you use it. Find out what's in the primer, maybe?

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

repoman · Thu May 17, 2007 4:55 pm

Thanks for the reply Pete, but I may not have made myself completely clear. It's just paint for plastic primer, not PVC primer. Although I didn't look at the ingredients of the paint and I guess that wouldn't be a bad idea but I can't imagine they would make paint for plastics that would weaken them.

rna_duelers · Thu May 17, 2007 9:02 pm

Well I have found a good way is to use a really fine sand paper,I mean really fine.Just to take that shinny finish off the PVC works well for me and you don't need to spend money on special paints.

VH_man · Thu May 17, 2007 10:56 pm

yeah, i used rna_duelers light sanding method on my homade Airsoft AEG silencer, and its seen over 18 skrimishes and only lost paint where it got shot point blank with my friends Gas blowback pistol.

repoman · Thu May 17, 2007 11:09 pm

Thanks for the info people. I think I have it under control now. Well, I guess I'll know more tomorrow when I get a chance to use it. Have it painted and it's drying as I type.

rna_duelers · Fri May 18, 2007 12:15 am

Which way did you go?The light sanding or Rustoleum paint?

repoman · Fri May 18, 2007 5:14 am

Went out to every store within 5 miles last night because I was bored and in search of some ammo. Wondered into a little mom and pop hardware store, didn't know they even had those anymore. And behold, Krylon Fusion. I had 2 colors to choose from, but that's still two more choices than I had.

Again, thanks for the help!

VH_man · Fri May 18, 2007 6:39 am

haha you should paint a cannon hot pink.........

jimmy101 · Fri May 18, 2007 9:50 am

I believe the type of paint isn't as important as people think. Any paint that is designed for plastic is probably OK. I've gotten good results that don't chip or flake off using cheapo Kmart generic paints

The most important thing is prepping the plastic before painting. I've had good luck with scrubbing the pipe down with a green "scotchbrite" pad and liquid dishsoap. A bit easier, and I think it does a better job, than fine sandpaper. The scrotchbrite will remove all the markings from the pipe (but not purple primer

) and removes the shinny surface glaze. A thoroughly Scotchbrited piece of pipe is actually a pretty nice finish all by itself.

The soap makes sure all the oil, greese and dust is removed as well.

crazyfreak0075 · Mon Jun 04, 2007 8:36 pm

Man what ever happened to Krylon Fussion. I cant find it in any of the stores around me. Oh well. I used the Rustoleum Flat color and it kind of rubs off.

Velocity · Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:23 pm

I don't use Krylon Fusion, but I use another type of Krylon. It still says that it is OK for plastics though.

My painting method is as follows:

1) Sand everything down with 220C sandpaper
2) Wipe the whole thing down with lacquer thinner; the pipe should feel really smooth and dull.
3) Paint