Even though PVC pipes are an essential part of any house, their dingy, plastic look can ruin the aesthetic of your home. If you’re frustrated about the PVC pipes clashing with your sophisticated palette, then you’re in the right place.
Painting PVC pipes is an easy and affordable way to turn them into trendy home decor. However, the specific molecular formation of PVC prevents most paints from forming a bond with it. As a result, you end up with flaking and bubbling paint.
Therefore, the best paint for PVC pipe needs to have excellent adhesion quality to the plastic surface along with a formula that can effectively bond with PVC.
If you’re struggling to select a paint that will offer smooth application as well as durability, don’t worry. We’ve discussed everything you need to know about PVC pipe paints including the top products, a buying guide, and tips on painting PVC pipes.
So, without further ado let’s begin.
Comparison Chart For Top 5 Paint For PVC Pipe
Image | Name | Paint Type | Finish | Price |
  | Rust-Oleum 327914 Spray Paint | Spray | Glossy | |
  | Krylon K02770007 Fusion Spray Paint | Spray | Metallic | |
  | INSL-X SXA11009A-04 Stix Acrylic Primer | Urethane Acrylic | Matte | |
  | Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Spray | Rubberized Sealant Spray | Low Luster | |
  | Rust-Oleum 211339 Spray Paint | Oil-based Spray | Gloss |
Best Paint For PVC Pipe Review
1. Rust-Oleum 327914 Spray Paint
When talking about paints for PVC pipe, Rust-Oleum is one of the first brands that comes to mind. They produce the best paint to protect PVC pipe and their Rust-Oleum 327914 Spray Paint is no exception to the legacy.
This multi-purpose spray paint is suitable for more than just PVC. You can use it on metal, wood, ceramic, plaster, and more. However, it’s especially great for PVC as it comes with a formula that can bond effectively with plastic molecules. As a result, the paint will adhere exceptionally well to your PVC pipes.
Coverage is a crucial point when choosing PVC paint and Rust Oleum’s 2X ultra cover paint gives you ultimate coverage. With their advanced double cover technology, you can cover damage and enjoy a vibrant color that’ll stay immaculate for years.
Another advantage is that you can get more coverage with less paint. Hence, you can complete more projects with just one can of paint. What’s more, one spray can allow you to cover a 12 sq ft PVC surface efficiently.
That’s not all, the spray can feature a comfortable grip design. This will allow you to spray continuously without facing any finger fatigue. So, you will be able to complete projects effortlessly.
Pros
- Effectively bonds with plastic
- Prevents fading, peeling, & scuffing
- Provides 2X better coverage
- Comfortable spray tip
- Great for indoor & outdoor use
Cons
- Strong chemical odor
Product Speciality
The best part of this color is its exceptional coverage and ease of use. Its double cover formula effectively hides all the imperfections of your PVC pipes with a flawless glossy finish.
2. Krylon K02770007 Fusion Spray Paint
Krylon Inc. was the first brand to introduce spray paints and they have been producing high-quality spray paint since 1947. So, if there is one paint you can trust for reviving your PVC pipes, it’s the Krylon K02770007 Fusion Spray Paint.
This paint features a dual formula including both primer and paint. Hence, you don’t have to invest in a separate plastic primer. In addition, this paint can bond with plastic so well that you can use it for both indoor and outdoor projects.
That’s not all, you get the ultimate rust protection from this paint. The enhanced coverage shields the PVC against moisture making it the best outdoor paint for PVC pipe.
While painting PVC pipes, you need to reach a lot of tricky places. The signature big button spray tip of this Krylon paint allows you to enjoy the 360-degree effortless application. As a result, you can paint the pipes at all angles effectively and effortlessly.
Want to turn the tacky PVC pipes into chic home decor? The metallic gold finish of this paint will be perfect for you no matter if you want to paint indoor pipes or outdoor ones.
Pros
- Outstanding adhesion to PVC
- Available in versatile finishes
- Superior protection against rust
- Dual primer and paint formula
- 360-degree spray technology
Cons
- Contains strong paint fume
Product Speciality
Krylon’s all-in-one paint offers plenty of wonderful features such as superior adhesion to PVC, fade resistance, and high endurance that makes it ideal for DIY PVC painting projects.
3. INSL-X SXA11009A-04 Stix Acrylic Primer
Are you tired of paint constantly peeling off your PVC pipes? Looking for a paint that will provide better adhesion and enhanced protection? Then, check out the INSL-X SXA11009A-04 Stix Acrylic Primer.
Regular acrylic paint on PVC can not bond with plastic and as a result, they end up peeling off. But this premium INSL paint is a combination of acrylic-urethane primer and bonder. The advanced formula allows the paint to bond tightly with PVC while the primer makes sure the paint adheres efficiently even to the most tricky PVC surfaces.
Moreover, this paint can beautifully cover hard-to-coat surfaces without any extensive prep work. It’s also an excellent base color for alkyd, urethane, acrylic latex, epoxy, and more topcoat finishes.
What’s more, you can use it in your bathroom, basement, and even outdoor PVC pipes. The integrated sealer protects the PVC from moisture, mold, and UV rays. As a result, you won’t have to worry about re-painting the pipes for years to come.
On top of that, when the paint dries it turns into a hard film with a matte finish. So, you can easily clean the painted PVC with soap and water without worrying about the paint peeling off.
Pros
- Ultimate adhesion capability
- Durable matte finish
- Applicable even in low temperature
- Covers up to 100 sq ft surface
- Features vast surface suitability
Cons
- Requires multiple coats
Product Speciality
This multipurpose paint and primer features premium adhesion quality to make sure your PVC pipes retain the most vibrant color. No other plastic paint can match its versatility and longevity.
4. Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Spray
PVC pipes tend to get damaged and corroded with time and harsh weather. Sometimes the damage goes so deep that you can end up with a leak in your pipes.
Are you facing similar issues? Want to shield your PVC against more damage? Then the Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Spray will be great for you.
Gorilla Patch & Seal spray comes in with a rubberized coating that is extremely flexible. You can apply it on PVC without worrying about adhesion capacity as it’s suitable for more than 10 different surfaces including PVC.
No matter how damaged your PVC is, this spray will stop the leak and seal the pipe from further damage. It has excellent water and moisture resistance along with UV protection. As a result, your pipes stay protected from all elements of nature all year round.
Moreover, this spray is available in white, black, and clear. So, you can protect your PVC pipes while being cohesive to the home decor. In addition, you can paint over this coating as it’s compatible with both latex & oil-based paint.
What’s more, the spray can feature a controllable spray nozzle that removes the problem of overspray. As a result, you get to have complete control over where and how much you want to spray.
Pros
- Shields against water & moisture
- Exceptional UV resistance
- Ultimate protective coating
- Ensures uniform spraying
- Possesses self-leveling formula
Cons
- Requires several coats to seal
Product Speciality
If you want to give your PVC pipes the ultimate protection, go for this spray paint from Gorilla. It will protect your pipes from water, moisture, UV, and high temperature for a long time.
5. Rust-Oleum 211339 Spray Paint
Last but not least, we have another amazing paint from Rust-Oleum for your PVC pipes. Well, if you are painting your PVC pipes, why not use one that is specifically formulated for plastic?
Yes, the Rust-Oleum 211339 Spray Paint comes with a advanced oil-based formula that is suitable for all types of plastic such as PVC, polystyrene, fiberglass, resin, vinyl, and polypropylene.
So, you can use this on your PVC with peace of mind that it’ll efficiently adhere to your pipes while giving them an elegant glossy finish. What’s more, the glossy finish allow you to clean the surface easily.
This spray paint is effortless to use. You can spray about 10 sq ft of surface with one can and the paint dries within only 20 minutes. Hence, you’ll able to finish multiple projects within a day.
That’s not all, you can use this paint both indoors and outdoors. This means one can of paint will serve all your purposes.
Outdoor PVC pipes tend to lose their color due to sun exposure and weather damage. But not with Rust-Oleum plastic paint. The exceptional color retention formula keeps the pipes vibrant for a longer time.
Pros
- Outstanding adhesion to plastic
- Provides long lasting coverage
- Super quick drying time
- Exceptional color retention
- Chipping & peeling resistant
Cons
- Can’t cover up stark colors
Product Speciality
Perk up the PVC pipes around your house with specially formulated plastic paint. Long lasting coverage, vibrant color, fade resistance, and enhanced adhesion makes it one of the best spray paint for PVC pipe.
How To Choose the Best Paint For PVC Pipe?
Choosing a suitable PVC stain or paint from the hundreds available in the market can be somewhat confusing. In addition, the paint suitable for one project might not work for another.
Hence, you’ll need to consider several important factors to find out the paint suited to your PVC painting project. We’ve put together a quick buying guide to help you in making an informed decision.
1. Paint Quality
Quality paints contain more pigment and resin in comparison to solvents. This gives the paint enhanced coverage and durability. For PVC paint, having a chemical formulation that can bond with PVC molecules is extremely important. Otherwise, the paint will chip, bubble, and melt off.
Moreover, using paint specifically formulated for PVC helps you in achieving a chip-resistant smooth finish. So, go for high-quality paints that will give proper coverage and protection for a longer time.
2. Adhesion Property
PVC pipes are one the most difficult surfaces to paint on. Normal paint will smear, drip, and melt off of the PVC surface easily. Hence, you need to find a paint that can effectively adhere to the PVC surface.
Using PVC primer paint will help the paint stick better to the surface and provide a longer service.
3. Protective Features
Moisture and water can corrode the PVC pipes over time. So, you need to use paint that will shield the PVC from environmental damage such as mildew and rust.
Moisture-resistant paint is crucial for both basement, bathroom, and outdoor PVC pipes. Go for glossy paints in humid or high moisture areas as they dry in a harder water-resistant finish.
Additionally, outdoor PVC paint needs to come with UV protection as it will always face harsh sun rays.
4. Paint Finish
PVC paints come in a variety of finishes starting from high-gloss to ultra-matte. You get to choose from gloss, semi-gloss, satin, metallic, textured, matte, eggshell, camouflage, and more finishes. The choice of finish depends entirely on your preference.
However, glossy finishes are easier to clean while matte sheen is effective in hiding damage and imperfections.
5. Drying Time
This is a crucial factor to keep in mind while choosing your PVC paint. Some paints dry within 10 minutes while others take 30 minutes to an hour. Choose one depending on your project and preference.
But remember to give the paint at least 30 minutes to completely dry before applying a second coat.
How To Paint PVC Pipe?
A fresh coat of paint on your PVC pipes can completely change the look of your house. However, if you want to achieve a flawless finish, you’ll have to follow some proper steps.
We’ve described the entire process in a step-by-step manner so that you can paint your PVC pipes effortlessly. You can either use spray paint or use a foam brush to apply the paint. For your ease, we’ve explained both processes.
Step 1: Gather Supplies
Before starting, gather all the required supplies you’ll need for painting the PVC pipes. For starters, you’ll need 220-grit sandpaper, acetone, drop clothes, primer, spirit, a soft-bristled brush, or a foam brush, and a good quality plastic rated spray or tub paint.
Additionally, for ensuring your safety get rubber gloves, goggles, and a ventilation mask.
Step 2: Prepare The Work Space
First of all, if you are working on indoor PVC pipes, open doors or windows to ensure proper ventilation. Having proper ventilation not only allows the paint to dry faster but also protects you from harmful paint fumes.
Also, place drop cloths beside the pipes and cover the surrounding furniture & electronics. Use old newspapers or cardboard boxes if you don’t want to spend money on drop cloths.
Step 3: Clean The Pipe
Paint won’t stick to the dirty PVC pipe. So, clean the PVC pipe thoroughly using soap and water to remove any dirt or debris that has settled on it over time. Also, make sure to wipe it dry before going to the next step.
Step 4: Sand The PVC
Sanding is necessary to create an even surface for the paint. Use 220-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire outer surface of the PVC pipe. Don’t put too much pressure as that can weaken the pipe and produce an uneven surface.
Step 5: Apply Acetone
Acetone removes the sand grits and expands the PVC molecules to ensure better paint adhesion. Wear your rubber gloves and pour some acetone on a clean rag. Then wipe the pipe with it.
Make sure the entire PVC is coated with acetone. Moreover, it’s important to let the acetone sit for 20-30 minutes before proceeding.
Step 6: Apply Primer
Some paints include primer in their formula. You can skip this step for such paints.
However, primer is indispensable to make sure the paint sticks properly to the PVC. Apply a thin coat of primer and allow it to dry for 10-20 minutes.
Step 7: Apply Paint
Spray Paint
If you’re using spray paint, shake the paint can for 15-20 seconds. Then, start spraying in a side-to-side motion starting from one end of the pipe. Try to spray in light and consistent layers. This will help in avoiding drips.
Apply as many coats as you need to achieve the desired color. But let the paint dry for 20-30 minutes before each coat.
Brush On Paint
In case of brush-on paint, use a foam brush or soft-bristle brush to avoid getting brush strokes on the pipe. Apply the paint in smooth long strokes from one side of the pipe to the other. Rotate the pipe when you are done with one side.
Apply additional coats after the first coat dries. Avoid using too many coats as it’ll show paint drips and uneven coats.
Step 8: Allow The Paint To Cure
In the last step, allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours. The paint come with recommended cure time. make sure to follow that. You need to let the paint cure sufficiently so that it can withstand heat, scratches, and everyday damages.
How To Paint PVC Pipe To Look Like Metal?
Painting PVC pipes to look like metal makes them much more rustic and edgy. If that is the vibe you’re going for, check out our tips for turning your PVC into the metallic chic decor.
- First of all, you need to gather all the similar tools mentioned in the previous section. But this time make sure to get a white spray primer and a metallic spray paint of your choice.
- Then follow all the steps for preparing the pipes for paint. Start by cleaning the pipe properly.
- Now, sand the outer surface of the pipe with high grit sandpaper to take off the wax and shine.
- At this stage, wipe the pipe with a rag soaked in acetone. This will make the PVC surface more porous and paint absorbent.
- Wait 20-30 minutes after acetone application. Then, spray the white primer all over the PVC. After the first coat dries, apply a second coat.
- Let the primer completely dry. Get your metallic spray paint and start spraying in a slow sweeping motion. Make sure to apply at least three coats to get the true color. Also, let each coat dry properly before spraying the next coat.
- At last, let the pipes dry for at least 24 hours and enjoy the chic metallic PVC pipes.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
1. What Type Of Paint Will Stick To PVC Pipe?
Answer: Paints that are specially formulated for plastic surfaces will stick to PVC pipes. Latex, oil-based, emulsion, plastic, and spray paints are considered best as they provide better coverage.
2. Can PVC Be Affected By Paint?
Answer: Paint will not affect your PVC pipe. On the other hand, painting your PVC can protect it from environmental damage. If your PVC pipes are corroded or damaged, a coat of paint can prevent them from getting more damaged.
3. Do I Need To Prime PVC Pipe Before Painting?
Answer: Primer provides a good base for the paint. If your paint already contains a primer, you don’t need to prime PVC pipe before painting. However, if it doesn’t, you’ll need to use a good-quality plastic primer to make sure the paint adheres to the PVC.
4. What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On PVC Pipe?
Answer: You can use paint that is formulated to bond with the plastic surface on the PVC pipe. These paints are available in both spray and acrylic forms.
5. Does Spray Paint Stay On PVC Pipe?
Answer: Oil-based spray paint that can chemically bond with the plastic surface does stay on the PVC pipe. However, using a sealant always makes sure the paint lasts longer.
6. Can You Paint PVC Pipe?
Answer: PVC pipes are difficult to paint. But you can paint them using the paint appropriate for them. Sanding and priming the surface also helps in better paint application.
7. Can You Spray Paint PVC Pipe?
Answer: Yes you can spray paint PVC pipe. But you’ll have to use spray paint that’s formulated for the plastic surface otherwise the paint won’t adhere to PVC.
Final Word
If you want to upgrade the look of your home in an affordable way, painting the PVC pipes is an excellent option. What’s more, painted PVC pipes stay protected and damage-free for longer.
But not all paint adheres to PVC. Hence, choosing the best paint for PVC pipe can be quite confusing. Hopefully, our detailed discussion has cleared all your doubts and given you a clear conception of which paint you need to buy for your next PVC painting project.
So, get yourself the right tub of paint and revive the PVC pipes to give your home a bright new appearance.
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