From funky herb planters to wine racks and wall-mounted organizers, PVC pipes are ideal for all projects. In addition, these durable plastic plumbing pipes are easy to cut. Developed for plumbing purposes, Polyvinyl Chloride Piping, or PVC, can help with all your DIY projects.
Hence, learning how to paint them is an essential step that simplifies the maintenance and repair of these pipes. Read on to find out more about it!
Can You Paint Black Plumbing Plastic Tubes?
Yes, you can paint black plumbing plastic tubes. You can apply any color to these tubes. Using enamel-based oil paint is an alternative for primers. Even metallic paints are an excellent option to provide a colorful metallic texture to the pipes. However, a gloss black color is more suitable for plastics, primarily if you use oil-based paints.
Can You Spray Paint Black On Plumbing Pipes And Plumbing Plastic Tubes?
Using typical off-the-shelf paints is troublesome to paint PVC pipe. Due to its molecular structure, most liquids cannot bond on the surface of the pipe. So, when you try to paint PVC, it usually rubs off or flakes. However, it is possible to paint PVC pipes black. Recently created spray paints can bond chemically with all forms of plastics. You may require both paints and a primer for your project.
Using black is a brilliant choice to paint PVC pipe. Painting pipes like that can help to hide it. It may also reduce any undesirable effects. You can also use a brush to apply the coats.
Types Of PVC Pipe Paints
Plastic Specific paints
Painting using these specific paints is suitable for PVCs. They have a unique formulation to help them stick on the surface of the pipes. Krylon Fusion is one such famous product used for painting.
Non-Plastic Specific Paints
These paints may have some other formulation that can inhibit them from sticking to the surface of the PVC pipe. If you still try to use them, it may result in peeling, flaking, or scraping. Non-plastic Specific paints usually peel off or flake. It may also create an uneven surface.
How To Paint Black Plumbing Plastic Tubes?
You can follow these steps to apply spray paint to your plastic plumbing tubes.
Arranging Materials
After you wear safety materials, you can arrange for PVC painting equipment. In addition, one must ensure they have the appropriate tools before they start painting PVC.
Preparation
Planning to paint PVC on a low-humidity day is brilliant. First, select an area that is wind-free but well-ventilated. Also, keep the acetone from heat sources as it is highly combustible.
Cleaning The Pipe
You can dampen a clean rag with acetone to wipe the surface of the pipe. One should use rubber gloves while performing this step.
Sanding The PVC Pipe
You can take 220-grit sandpaper to rub the pipe’s exterior. To avoid an unwanted grooved surface, one should rub the sandpaper in all directions.
Applying Acetone
The acetone helps to clean the surface by removing all the sanding dust and helps the outer layer of the PVC swell, making it more porous for painting.
Covering The Surrounding Areas
You can lay drop cloths, plastic sheeting, or old newspapers to cover the floors and walls. Doing this step will prevent paint splatters on these areas.
Applying Multiple Coats
The paint needs 20 to 30 minutes to dry, after which you can apply a second coat. Finally, you can take the spray paint and spray it onto the plastic tube with a sweeping motion. You need a minimum of two coats of spray paint for all-over skin.
Letting It Dry For 24 Hours
One should allow the paint to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before using the PVC pipe.
While spray paints are a standard, most painters use epoxy-based paints for PVC pipes.
Why Do You Need To Color Code Pipes?
Plumbers can get critical information if your pipes are color-coded. The individual colors help to follow it from start to end around a house. In addition, it is faster when the plumber tries to locate the problem in the pipes as the scope of an inspection narrows down to specific causes indicated by the pipe’s color.
The American National Standards Institute approves the following color codes to maintain safety standards:
- White lettering on Red for Fire Hazards
- Black lettering on Orange for Toxic Fluids
- Black lettering on Yellow for Flammable Substance
- White Lettering on Brown for Combustible Substances
- White lettering on Green for Potable Water
- White lettering on Blue for Compressed Air
What Should You Not Use While Painting PVC Pipes?
While other paints may look like they stick to a PVC pipe, using them is not recommendable.
Unsuitable paints may overlap and create an uneven surface on the pipe. One should avoid the following types on their PVC-
- Latex paints
- Acrylic paints
- Water-based paints
- Epoxy-based paints
How Do You Paint Metal Pipes?
Metal pipes require painting to make them look more artistic. You can start by washing them with a soap solution. You may have to remove the priming- especially if the pipes are new or contain surface debris. You can apply the first coat of paint right after the primer dries. You can wipe away the excess paint before adding a second coat. One should try to minimize spraying on the wall while they paint PVC pipe. A fresh coat of primer is a good idea before you start to paint.
Final Words
Picking a paint or a primer for your PVC pipe is significant. Whether an expert painter or a beginner, one should keep the mess as less as possible.
Unlike furniture-grade PVC fittings, plumbing-grade PVC is not solid white. Therefore, property owners should use only specific paints designed for PVC pipes and plastics.
Painted pipes can improve your home’s décor as you can match them with their surroundings.
