Painting tips for HDPE plastic

[TK9120]

My barber has a sign he wants me to letter. It's a sandwich board type sign mad of HDPE. I drew the words out and was going to use some of those cheap acrylic paints form Michael's. The first coat streaked. When I started the second coat the paint almost came off. I used a wet paper towel and the paint cam right off.

Is this not going to be as easy as hand painting these letters on? I know this plastic is difficult to work with. Maybe that's why the board was found in the trash. :lol

On the previous sign I used stick vinyl and cut letters from it. Those seem to hold up well. Maybe it would be better if I did it that way again. I'm wondering how well they would stick to the HDPE. It's obviously going to stay outside so it need to hold up to the elements.

Any suggestions?

 

[leafman]

Did you give it a coat of primer or are you painting straight on the plastic? You may also want to wash it with hot soapy water to remove any oils that may be plastic's surface. If all else fails give it a coat of adhesion promoter then paint. That's from my experience with action figure customizing, other people who have worked with HDPE (replica storm trooper helmets) might have more specific suggestions.

 

[division 6]

I'd sand, primer, paint.
If it's for outdoor use then enamel or lacquer based paints.

Cut vinyl graphics would probably take less time and last a decent amount of time depending on type/brand and where it will be displayed.

 

[TK9120]

I was painting straight on the plastic.

I think I may go with the vinyl letters. They worked last time. But that was on plexiglass.

 

[division 6]

Should work fine.
I used to work at a sign company many years ago and we used that type of plastic a few times.

 

[TK9120]

Do you mean plexi? I'm not using that this time.

 

[epilepticsquirl]

A good premium cast vinyl such as Avery 900 should give you a 9 year life depending on conditions.

 

[TK9120]

Where is that sold? I think I got the other vinyl from Michael's or AC Moore.

 

[epilepticsquirl]

Its pricey, but quality usually is. hhsignsupply.com should set you straight.

 

[TK9120]

Cool. Thanks for the help.