Looking to paint my plastic cube chairs for my classroom next school year – any advice on preventing peeling or flaking?
Asked by Lauren Porter 
4 months ago
Last Updated: May 26, 2024
I’m thinking about painting my plastic cube chairs a neutral color for next school year. Do you have any advice on how to make sure the paint sticks without peeling or flaking off? Any tips on supplies or ideas?
I’ve had good experience with Krylon spray paint. It really sticks well to almost anything!
Hey , thank you so much!
There’s a special spray paint made for plastics. If you prefer brushing it on, I believe it’s called Duramax and you can find it at Lowe’s.
Hey , thank you so much!
Is the plastic type labeled? You can look it up online to find out which primer works best on it.
I’m not completely certain. Let me check and then do some research. Thanks!
I’m just wondering, why is that? Kids seem to really enjoy bright and different colors.
Have you noticed the new trend? Gray seems to be everywhere 😒
Oh you better believe I have a ton of color in my classroom. But I work with special needs pre k kids and sometimes it can be too much for them. I want to have color, just not an excessive amount!
Yep, I recently purchased a house
Just a mom here 😬 I wouldn’t want my children sitting on a spray-painted chair, especially if they are young and it starts to flake.
Yeah, I totally understand. Safety is key, especially when working with special needs pre-k students. The last thing you want is for them to accidentally ingest paint that might flake off.
Kids really wear things out, so the best spray paint will need maintenance annually. It seems like a lot of work for you. As a mom, I wouldn’t want my child sitting on spray-painted plastic because she tends to pick and scratch at things, like many other kids. Personally, I think they look good as they are. Just a friendly suggestion 😊
If there’s any chance of flaking, count me out!! I work with special needs pre-k kids and the last thing I want is for them to ingest paint!
For sure! Always best to test a small area before committing to a full paint job haha
Give one a try today!
Hmm. No matter which paint you choose, it’s bound to start peeling off at some point. 🙂 You can’t really paint plastic and expect it to hold up, especially with kids around. 🙂
That’s exactly what I was worried about.
Oh , yeah, I totally get it. I’ve tried everything and sooner or later, it starts to peel. I experimented with various primers and paints but nothing seems to stay on for long. So, personally, I wouldn’t invest in them, especially if they are for kids. You’ll just end up wasting a lot of money and eventually have to buy new ones anyway.
I’m thinking of doing the same thing with my cube chairs!
Isn’t there a Rustoleum spray paint made specifically for plastic, like this kids’ outdoor furniture?
To get the job done, you’ll need to apply spray primer, spray paint, and a protective coat (most likely Rustoleum). It will require a significant amount of prep work (scuffing the surface, removing gloss) and time (making sure each coat dries completely before applying the next one). It might be easier to make or find some covers instead.
You hit the nail on the head. Those chairs are actually made of polypropylene, so it will be quite challenging to prevent the paint from peeling. Additionally, they won’t be as easy to clean or as durable after painting. Getting fabric covers would probably be the better choice, as you could simply remove them for cleaning purposes.
Are you familiar with All-in-One Heirloom Traditions Paint by any chance?
Do you think using semi-permanent vinyl would be a good alternative? Maybe on the sides and backs to prevent students from peeling it off?
How do you feel about peel and stick wallpaper?
Krylon has a spray paint specifically designed for plastic surfaces. However, kids can be tough on items so it might not hold up well.