How to Paint PVC Pipes

Because PVC has a smooth surface, most people think it is impossible or very difficult to paint on PVC pipes. However, with the right tools and preparation, this is actually quite easy. It is true that in PVC there are some compounds that make it waterproof and non-stick with other substances, but just wipe the surface of the pipe and prime it, you can change the color of the PVC pipe to your liking.

Table of Contents

Paint PVC pipes with a spray bottle

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Prepare necessary materials. To paint a PVC pipe, you will need a sheet of fine sandpaper, a bottle of acetone, a clean towel, one or more cans of spray paint of your choice, and the PVC pipe to be painted. Try to prepare enough supplies before starting to paint.

Observe safety rules when working. Wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator that filters out dust and chemicals. ^{[1] X Research Source}
Look for paints made for use on plastics, like the brands Krylon Fusion or Rust-Oleum Plastic.

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Prepare the work area. Spread a large towel or tarp over the work area. Cover all nearby furniture and tools and electronics. Choose a workplace with good ventilation, opening all doors and windows if you work in a garage or workshop. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Work in an open, well-ventilated space. Not only will this help the paint dry faster, but it will also protect you from the toxic fumes of acetone and paint. ^{[3] X Research Sources}
Spray paint tends to spread widely when applied, so tarpaulin will help protect floors, countertops and other surfaces.
If you don’t have a tarpaulin, you can use several sheets of newspaper stacked on top of each other.

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Measure and cut the PVC pipe to the desired size. Before painting, PVC pipes need to have the correct shape and size according to the requirements of the project. Steps such as measuring, cutting and assembling need to be done first. Then all you need to do is paint and install the PVC pipes into the system. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

For example, if that piece of PVC pipe needs to be attached to an L-connector, you should connect the two before sanding and painting.

Surface sanding of PVC pipes. Use high-fine sandpaper to scrub the outside of the PVC pipe. The most effective way to do this is to place the sandpaper in the palm of your hand and wrap it around the tube with that hand. You will then sand the tube from one end to the other to achieve a uniform roughness. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Avoid excessive sanding as this can cause the tube thickness to be uneven and wear out faster.
You should use fine sandpaper with a roughness of 220 or higher. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Treat PVC pipes with acetone. Place one corner of a clean cloth over the mouth of the acetone bottle and tilt it upside down to get the acetone onto the towel. Then, apply acetone to the sanded PVC pipe. You don’t need to use a lot of acetone, just get enough to treat the PVC surface before painting. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Applying acetone will help remove the fine dust generated by the sanding action.
Acetone also causes the plastic to expand and create porosity on the surface, helping the PVC to better adhere to the paint. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Spray multiple coats of paint. Spray a thin coat of paint in a slow and steady motion along the length of the tube, making sure the paint is thin enough to not drip. After painting one edge of the pipe, rotate the tube to paint the other end. Try to spray an even layer of paint, avoiding unpainted spots or defects. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Continue spraying successive layers until the desired paint color is achieved.
The drying time of each coat is 20-30 minutes. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Wait for the PVC pipe to dry after painting. Once the paint is done and the desired color is achieved, set the PVC pipe aside to allow the paint to dry. It takes 24 hours or so for the paint to completely dry. Paint needs to be cured for enough time to be able to withstand heat, pressure and friction in civil or construction projects. ^{[11] X Research Source}

If you are going to use PVC pipes in harsh or high impact environments, the paint curing time can be up to 20-30 days.

Paint PVC pipes with a brush

Sand the PVC pipe before painting. Sand the entire smooth surface of the PVC pipe to help the paint adhere to the plastic better. In addition, you need to rub your hands evenly with steady scrubbing force to maintain a uniform thickness of the pipe wall. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Think twice before using a sander. The sander will wear down the plastic and thin the pipe wall.

Treat PVC pipes with acetone. Use an acetone-soaked cloth to wipe away the dust generated by the sanding action. Let the acetone dry for 20-30 minutes. Remember to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using acetone.

Add more acetone to finish the sanded surface.
Don’t use too much acetone. Using too much acetone will cause the plastic to corrode and weaken the structure. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Paint primer. Apply a thin coat of primer along the length of the tube. Primer is an indispensable component to increase the adhesion of the surface. You just need to apply a coat of primer is enough. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Look for a basic matte white primer. Matte white primer can help the finish stand out more vividly and vividly.

Apply the first coat of paint. You will apply the paint in a long, steady motion from one end to the other, similar to applying a primer. Rotate the tube while painting, brushing strips of paint over each other until the paint covers the entire tube. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Use a small soft-bristled brush whose width is not much larger than the pipe diameter.
Look for paints that have the same water-resistance effect as PVC, like latex or acrylic paints. ^{[16] X Trusted Source Consumer Reports Go to Source}

Apply additional coats if necessary. You may have to apply several coats to see the finished color of the paint. The paint color will become darker with each coat. After painting, let the tube dry for 24-48 hours. In the end, you will have a piece of pipe in vibrant colors to put to use in any project! ^{[17] X Research Source}

For painting work, on average, you have to apply 2-3 separate coats of paint.
Be careful not to paint so thickly that visible drops are formed.

Advice

Nowadays, one can produce PVC pipes in various colors. Before deciding to paint the pipes, you should check to see if they sell PVC pipes in the color you want.
Before using spray paint, you need to shake the paint can well.
Placing the PVC pipe against a covered wall or chair will make it easier to paint.
Plan to paint on a day with low humidity so that moisture in the air doesn’t affect the paint’s ability to stick.
Clean the surface of the PVC pipe with a damp cloth.

Warning

Vapors from acetone, paint or primer can be hazardous to health. Choose a well-ventilated workplace, and use a mask or breathing apparatus if available.
Acetone may cause mild irritation if it comes in contact with the skin. Gloves should be worn while working with acetone and other corrosive chemicals.

Things you need

Spray paint can be used on plastic
High quality sandpaper
Acetone
Clean towel
Latex paint or water resistant acrylic paint
primer
Soft bristle paint brush
Towels, plastic tarpaulins or newspapers

Steps

Paint PVC pipes with a spray bottle

Paint PVC pipes with a brush

Advice

Warning

Things you need

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