Rust-Oleum on styrene? - FineScale Modeler (2025)

Rust-Oleum on styrene? - FineScale Modeler (1)

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Peoples Socialist Democratic Republic of Illinois

Posted by Triarius on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 6:07 PM

Yes, it will work on styrene, and it is essentially compatible with enamels and oil washes. However…Rustoleum in a spray can is formulated to produce a very thick coating so that it can be sanded to produce a very smooth final finish when topcoated. It will obscure fine detail. I have a test piece of styrene that I coated with gray Rustoleum primer to test clear coats. I then sanded it to various degrees: 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, and 2000 grits. I never sanded through to the plastic, and I removed a lot of paint.

Ross Martinek Rust-Oleum on styrene? - FineScale Modeler (2)A little strangeness, now and then, is a good thing… Rust-Oleum on styrene? - FineScale Modeler (3)

Rust-Oleum on styrene? - FineScale Modeler (2025)

FAQs

Can you use spray paint on styrene plastic? ›

All types of model paints can be sprayed directly on polystyrene. Acrylic paints such as those made by Badger or Tamaya can be directly applied to the polystyrene following a cleaning of the surface using alcohol.

Can you use Rustoleum primer on plastic models? ›

Yes, it will work on styrene, and it is essentially compatible with enamels and oil washes. However… Rustoleum in a spray can is formulated to produce a very thick coating so that it can be sanded to produce a very smooth final finish when topcoated. It will obscure fine detail.

Will rust-oleum paint stick to plastic? ›

Rust-Oleum® Specialty Paint for Plastic is designed to renew the appearance of indoor and outdoor plastics. No primer is required. These sprays are ideal for use on polypropylene, polystyrene, resin, PVC, fiberglass, and vinyl plastics such as chairs, tables, and planters.

Which rust-oleum is best for plastic? ›

Rust-Oleum Universal and 2X Ultra Cover spray paints are both designed for use on plastic.

What type of paint to use on styrene? ›

You will have much better results using Vallejo or Citadel paints. The old Polly S line were also very good. I only use water soluable paints for brush painting, and I threw away all my Model Master Acrylics ages ago. 3) You need a brush suitable for model work.

What kind of spray paint will stay on plastic? ›

ColorBond LVP is great for spray painting plastic that is hard or soft and provides a durable and long-lasting finish.

What paint sticks to plastic models? ›

Water-based acrylic paints are the most popular type of paint used by modellers. These paints are non-toxic, odourless, and dry very quickly so you don't have to wait a long time between coats.

Does rustoleum 2x work on plastic? ›

Rust-Oleum® Painter's Touch® 2X Ultra Cover Satin Sprays contain technology that provides twice the coverage on wood, metal, most plastic, wicker and more when compared to other matching colors of Rust-Oleum general purpose paints: Painter's Touch, SPRAY N GO, Quick Color and Touch 'n tone.

Can I use Rustoleum satin protective enamel on plastic? ›

Universal® Satin Enamel Sprays are versatile all-surface paints that provide a durable protective coating with excellent resistance to rust, and excellent resistance to abrasion, fading, chipping, and dulling. Universal Satin Enamel Sprays are suitable for use on metal, wood, plastic, wicker and aluminum.

How to prep plastic for Rust-Oleum spray paint? ›

SURFACE PREPARATION

For new plastic surfaces, thoroughly wipe down surface with paint thinner to get best adhesion. For aged or weathered surfaces, remove loose material with a dry brush, clean with soap and water, rinse and let dry. If mildew is present, wash with a solution of water and bleach, rinse and let dry.

How long does Rust-Oleum primer take to dry on plastic? ›

Dries to touch in 20 minutes, to handle in 1 hour, and is fully dry in 24 hours. Apply a second coat anytime. If top coating a new finish, recoat within 30 minutes or after 48 hours. NOTE: On plastic, maximum paint adhesion and durability is achieved in 5-7 days.

What is the best spray paint to stick to plastic? ›

“The best way to apply spray paint to a plastic surface is to always clean first and then lightly sand the piece if there are loose debris. Then, use Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint for the best adhesion!”

What is the best paint for plastic that won't peel? ›

Many artists declare that FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylic paint or DecoArt Americana Acrylic Multi Surface paint are the best for plastic, although there are numerous other choices available. Multi-Surface paint has a smooth and 'creamy' consistency that is easy to use.

How many coats of spray paint should I do on plastic? ›

Most items will benefit from at least two coats of spray paint. When the first coat has had time to dry, apply a second coat. Use the same side to side or up and down sweeping motion as you spray to ensure a thin and even coat.

What primer for plastic? ›

Another option is spray primers for plastics, such as SP/1895, a product suitable to repair patches and/or small surfaces. It is also easy to apply and allows good adhesion to different types of substrates.

Can you spray paint acrylonitrile butadiene styrene? ›

A: There is a fairly new product in spray cans formulated for painting plastics. If you are really painting ABS, it should work. Again, there are some plastics that are practically unpaintable and others that require special pretreatments that are unavailable outside industrial settings.

How do you polish styrene plastic? ›

  1. Clean the plastic surface with a damp cloth, rubbing in a circular motion around the scratch. ...
  2. Apply a mild abrasive, such as toothpaste, furniture polish, baking soda or plastic polish to the scratch. ...
  3. Wipe a clean cloth over the paste you have added in a circular motion.
Apr 24, 2021

Is spray paint safe on plastic? ›

Most general-purpose spray paints work on plastic, but care must be taken to prepare the surface before painting. For the sake of convenience, you may wish to use a spray paint labeled as being specifically meant for plastics, like Krylon Fusion for Plastic or Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray.

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