I Need To Spray An Acrylic Plastic Box

[undertaker]

I have been asked to paint one of those learner driver roof boxes which is made from white acrylic plastic. It needs to be sprayed black.

Obviously it sits on the roof of a car and is going to be outside in all weathers too so needs to be durable. Once dried it will have cut vinyl lettering applied to it.

I am thinking an etch primer and then straight on with the flat gloss black?

I need some guidance on whether to sand the acrylic before putting on the etch primer or not? Also whether you sand between the etch primer and colour coat as I was under the impression you sprayed the colour when the etch was just dry (still tacky underneath)?

I've not done much painting and hate it

Any advise please?

 

[Mr shiney]

Krylon for plastic is about the only stuff that will last in that job.

 

[richie00boy]

Etch primer is for metal and not suitable for plastic.

Scuff or sand the plastic with P120 to key it then wash it down thoroughly with a Fairy liquid solution and rinse well and dry thoroughly. Then on with normal grey primer. Within a couple of hours put your topcoat on, no sanding is needed. If more than a couple of hours you will need to sand the primer with P400 to create a key for the topcoat. If you plan on having to sand the primer then put 4 coats on, I'd get two cans of primer and two of topcoat to be sure.

Flat gloss black is an oxymoron, it's either flat or gloss.

If the box is not acrylic, but something like polypropylene then you will need an adhesion promoter before the primer. This is a clear spray and should not be sanded after.

Make sure you don't touch surfaces to be painted, wear nitrile or latex gloves.

 

[steveo3002]

i would red scotch pad it , or 240 dry

plastic prime..let it dry for a bit then straight on with the black

idealy want 2 pack products to last well ...rattle cans will never be ideal