The same smooth surface that makes plastic so attractive also presents challenges when it comes to painting this surface. Special preparations must be made in order for the paint to adhere to plastic.

First, the plastic item to be painted must be completely free of dirt, oil or grease. Wash the surface with soap and water, rinse and dry completely.

Your next step is to remove the shine from the plastic surface you want to paint, because this shine will resist the paint’s adherance to the surface. Fine-grit sandpaper usually does the trick. You don’t have to rub too hard, just enough to dull the surface and create a more textured surface on the item that the paint can adhere to.

If you only want to paint a portion of a plastic surface, then it’s best to use liquid sander sparingly onto those areas where you need paint adherance, leaving the rest of the plastic in its natural shiny state. Sketch an outline of the area you want to paint lightly in pencil so you won’t be guessing exactly where the shiny surface needs to be dulled. Apply the liquid sander with a thin paintbrush, being careful not to go outside your guidelines. After a few minutes, wipe away the liquid with a clean cotton cloth, being careful to blot it up rather than smear it across areas that you do want to remain shiny.

For completely painting large objects such as chests or patio chairs, apply a plastic primer after sandpapering to help the paint adhere. Add a plastic flex agent to your topcoat of paint to account for the plastic item’s flexibility; otherwise your paint will flake off when dry.

It’s best to apply several thin coats of paint when painting plastic rather than one thick coat to achieve a better looking, longer-lasting paint finish.