Painting surfaces may not, at first, seem like a terribly complicated DIY task.
However, the choice of paint differs depending on the project. Interior woodwork shines best with a satin or gloss finish which is different to walls, while exterior masonry paint needs to contain weather-shielding elements to ensure it stays looking good come rain or shine.
But what of plastic? Whether you’re trying to transform laminate-wrapped flatpacks, spruce up plastic window frames or want to give an on-the-way-to-the-skip toy or appliance a last-chance makeover, the right plastic paint can help the cause.
We spoke to B&Q’s Head of Décor, Gill Baker for her expertise in this area.
What's the best way to prepare plastic surfaces for paint?
“Make sure the area you're painting is clean, dry and free from dirt, dust and grease. Sand the area to give an even finish and good adhesion. For best results, sand with fine sandpaper, wash the surface with warm soapy water, rinse and leave to dry thoroughly before painting. Make sure the surface is smooth; any damaged areas will need repairing before painting.
If you're painting over previously painted uPVC and the paint is in good condition, give the surface a light sand for good adhesion. If it’s flaking or cracked, you’ll need to sand it first, clean up any dust and wipe with a damp cloth.”
What paint formulas are best for plastic?
“uPVC paints are specifically formulated for plastics in the home such as windows, doors and cladding.
This type of paint offers excellent durability and a long-lasting smooth finish, resistant to peeling and cracking once dry. B&Q has recently launched Valspar Premium Exterior UPVC Composite Multi-surface Satin Paint Base, which can be applied directly to the uPVC surface without the need for a primer. This product can be mixed into any colour of your choice. B&Q is also launching a range of ready mixed colours with Rust-Oleum in February, another product that doesn’t require a primer.”
What's an easy makeover project for plastic in the home?
“If you’re looking to take on a smaller project, why not try updating or refreshing tired garden pots or garden furniture using plastic-friendly paints suitable for outdoor use?”
Feel ready to make your plastic fantastic? We’ve rounded up the top tins of paint to help below.
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Zinsser B-I-N Primer & Sealer 1L
Laminate is a notoriously challenging material to paint and with most flatpack wrapped in the stuff, it usually means you’re stuck with the colour you’ve got. While vinyl wrap is one route to transformation, paint can still be an option thanks to Zinsser.
The brand is namechecked by every DIY blogger and enthusiast for laminate furniture. Simply clean, sand and clean your surface before adding Zinsser’s fast-drying primer in a thin layer. After it dried, apply the coloured paint as normal. Bosh!
Buy now £27.63, Amazon
Rust-Oleum Garden Paint All Green Matt Multi-surface Garden Paint, 125ml Tin
Famously weatherproof, this paint is ideal for outdoor spaces like the porch, patio and garden.
Drying to a matt finish, the water-based formula requires no surfacing sanding nor a topcoat once you’re done and you don’t have to varnish or apply wax meaning maintenance is pretty much non-existent. It can be used on a host of surfaces from brickwork, plaster, wood and stone and works a treat on rigid surfaces like plastic too, covering everything from picnic tables and the garden gate to outdoor furniture - you’ll get a lot of mileage out of one tin.
Colours are on the earthy, subdued side - no neons here - but if you’re looking for a classy, tasteful update there’s plenty of choice on offer.
Buy now £19.00, Amazon
Rust-Oleum Pink Champagne Matt Multi-surface Garden Paint, 400ml Spray can
Painting with brushes and rollers is great when you need to cover large surfaces, but for smaller jobs with angles that are tricky to reach, a spray can works wonders. Thankfully Rust-Oleum offers its multisurface paint in point-and-spray topcoat form too, with 400ml packed into each can.
The pink champagne hue promises to leave your furniture and surfaces with a dainty injection of colour and while it is designed to be used on wood, B&Qs Baker recommends this for plastic materials too.
Buy now £15.00, B&Q
Ronseal uPVC Paint Black Satin
Ronseal has built a reputation for bringing hard-wearing paint and varnishes to market. If you're hoping to give exterior plastic - window frames and ledges, say - an update, its uPVC paint is the can to buy.
This mould- and stain-resistant option is flexible enough to cope with cracking, won't flake and doesn't need a primer. It also dries super quickly; expect surfaces to be touch dry in 60 minutes leaving behind a refreshed glossy surface.
Buy now £22.14, Amazon
THE ONE Paint Gloss Finish 2.5L
It's expensive, but for the variety of surfaces you can cover with The One's paint, we think it's worth the sting.
Available in a range of colours, the water-based formula needs no primer or topcoat and can transform practically any surface, from masonry and brick to uPVC, glass, metal, plastic, wood and more. See to your window shutters, front door, planters and outdoor furniture with one tin.
Finishes vary: there are matte, satin and gloss to choose from, allowing you to fine-tune the level of shine for each project. The paint can even be applied by a spray machine for ultra-fine layers, accelerating the drying time and leaving behind a professional-looking, streak-free finish.
Buy now £47.99, Amazon
Spray to Plastic Paint Professional Finish
Patio set starting to show its age? Turn back the clock with this can of paint which offers a glossy finish that makes it remarkably durable against the elements. It’s also perfect for sprucing up flowerpots, windowboxes and other garden ornaments.
Buy now £5.14, Amazon
PaintNuts uPVC Window & Door Paint
Create sharp lines and graphic edges with PaintNuts’ paint-in-a-can, available in earthy colours as well as neutral black and white.
The weatherproof and UV-resistant formula dries to a matte finish (although satin or gloss are also available) with each thin layer drying quickly to get your project completed in next to no time. It’s best used on windows and doors so pick a rain-free day if you plan to makeover exterior fittings.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Valspar Premium Exterior uPVC & composite Multi-surface Satin Paint
With fast coverage and sublime protection (up to 10 years!), Valspar's uPVC & Composite paint comes professionally recommended.
The formula doesn't need a primer and is showerproof after an hour - good news if you're up against the clock with dark clouds looming.
Add resilience with a second coat and if you're covering dark colours, you may find a third coat is required. It's worth the effort for the flake and crack-free results you'll enjoy for years afterwards.
This option comes in white with a satin finish, but Valspar is famous for mixing any shade so if you’ve got a certain hue in mind, the company can make it in a plastic-appropriate formula.
Buy now £30.00, B&Q
Frenchic Hornblower Lazy Range
As well as an Al Fresco range for painting garden furniture, Frenchic offers this aptly named Lazy Range. The formula all but paints itself: not only is it self-priming and self-sealing, but the wax infusion means it is self-levelling too, so you shouldn’t see many brush marks.
It works on a range of surfaces including wood, laminate and metal yet is gentle enough to use on kids' toys and furniture. Bravo.
Buy now £21.95, Frenchic
