I recently had to paint some plastic doors. The paint was matte paint, but the door was shiny plastic. So, I was wondering does acrylic paint stay on plastic? If acrylic paint stays on plastic, then what kind of paint would work best on plastic?
Does Acrylic Paint Stay On Plastic?
Yes, acrylic paint does stay on plastic.
Acrylic paint is a water-based paint that dries quickly and is easily removable from most surfaces. It’s also very durable, so you don’t need to worry about it rubbing off even if your plastic was put in the dishwasher or washed with harsh chemicals.
However, you should always test any paint on an inconspicuous part of your item before applying it to the entire surface. If you’re using a new type of paint that you’ve never used before, it’s best to test it out first. Therefore, you can be sure it works well with your project and doesn’t leave any residue behind when it dries.

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If you’re going to use acrylic paint on your plastic, it’s best to use a brush. Acrylic paint is water-based. So if you just pour it onto your item and try to spread it around with your hands, it will smear and leave streaks of color behind. It also dries quickly. So there’s no time for second chances!
How to paint plastic with acrylic paint
Here are the steps:
- Prep your surface by giving it a good cleaning and removing any dust or debris.
- Select an acrylic paint color that will work well with the color of your plastic.
- Apply primer to the surface of your plastic. This will protect it from absorbing too much water from the acrylic paint and keep it from peeling off later on down the line. It will also help the paint stick better than if you were to skip this step and who wants their artwork to fall off? No one, that’s who.
- Use a roller brush or an old (clean) sock to apply a layer of paint over the top of the primed area in smooth motions.
- Let dry overnight before handling again so that everything has had time to set properly!
Tips for Acrylic Painting on Plastics
Acrylic paints are great for painting on plastic. Here are some tips for making sure your acrylic painting on a plastic surface turns out well.

- Before you start, make sure the surface is clean. If you have any dirt or grease on your plastic, it’s best to wash it off with warm water and dish soap before getting started.
- Use enough paint. You need to cover all of the areas where you want your paint to be. Don’t be afraid to use more than one coat!
- Let each layer dry completely before applying another coat of paint (and make sure the first two layers are dry before applying a third). If you don’t let each layer dry thoroughly before applying another, your final product will look streaky or blotchy. Because the wetness can cause some areas of earlier layers to bleed through onto later layers.
- Make sure that you’re using acrylic paints and not oil paint or other types of paints that may require different techniques or preparation steps before painting them onto plastic surfaces!
Final Word
So, can acrylic paint stay on plastic?
Yes! It’s true! We’ve confirmed that acrylic paint will stay on plastic if you use it properly.
We hope this has been helpful to you and we look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Jessica Olson is a talented painter known for her evocative and vibrant artwork. Her paintings eloquently capture the beauty of the natural world and the depth of human emotion. With a keen eye for color and form, Jessica’s art invites viewers to embark on a visual journey that resonates with the soul. Through her work, she seeks to evoke contemplation and emotional connection, leaving an indelible impression on all who experience her art.