How to Color or Paint Flexible PVC

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Things You'll Need

  • 180-grit sandpaper

  • Tack cloth

  • Blue painter's tape

  • Heavy-duty fabric drop cloth

  • Acrylic latex primer

  • 2- to 3-inch polyester paintbrush

  • Acrylic enamel

Sand the PVC to promote adhesion.

If you need to paint a flexible polyvinyl chloride surface, consider some important points before getting started. PVC is a nonporous synthetic material, ill-suited for paint. Encourage adhesion by abrading the PVC, prior to application. Once the polyvinyl chloride is conditioned, it will accept a painted finish. Choose a particular enduring paint, engineered with elastic qualities that will allow it to move along with the underlying flexible PVC.

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Step 1

Stimulate adhesion by abrading the flexible polyvinyl chloride. Sand the flexible PVC with 180-grit sandpaper until it feels gritty.

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Step 2

Wipe the polyvinyl chloride with a tack cloth to remove residue from sanding.

Step 3

Use painter's tape to cover portions of the flexible polyvinyl chloride that are to remain unpainted. Spread a heavy-duty fabric drop cloth over the ground.

Step 4

Coat the sanded flexible polyvinyl chloride with an acrylic latex primer, using a two-to-three inch polyester brush. Apply gentle pressure to prevent sagging. Allow the flexible PVC to dry for two hours.

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Step 5

Wash the paintbrush with clean tap water.

Step 6

Coat the primed flexible polyvinyl chloride with an acrylic enamel with a polyester brush. Apply gentle pressure to prevent sagging. Allow the flexible PVC to dry for two hours.

Warning

Never prime unsanded flexible polyvinyl chloride, or the primer with not adhere.

Never paint unprimed flexible PVC, or the paint will peel.

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