Will Paint Adhere To Vinyl?

Vinyl is a popular plastic product for home goods, but it can fade with time and exposure to light. A coat of paint can freshen things up, as long as you choose the right paint for the job.

Vinyl is a plastic material used for home siding, fence overs and even couches, when it's made into a fabric covering. It is resistant to most types of paint, because it is based on plastic. Most paint is not formulated to adhere to something as smooth as plastic.

Paints formulated to adhere to vinyl are made from 100 percent acrylic or urethane and acrylic resin blends. Most paint companies offer these types of paints, labeled as "exterior paint." If you are painting vinyl siding, color is also important. Vinyl siding expands and contracts with temperature, and darker colors absorb more heat than the siding is designed to hold. This can cause the paint to peel off faster. Using a exterior paint in a light color can prevent this.

Paint will not stick to a dirty surface. Be sure your vinyl is clean before applying paint, by washing it with soap and water and rinsing well. You can also use a primer between the vinyl and the paint. If your vinyl surface is clean, the paint or primer will adhere to the vinyl, rather than the dirt, and you will have a longer-lasting finish.