If you have car floor mats, you might wonder if you can customize them. Most of them are plain black, which can get boring to look at every single day.
So, can you spray paint car floor mats? Yes, you can, with varying results. You’ll want to prime the mats, let them dry, then use the spray paint and seal your work. Otherwise, the color will wear off quickly as people step on it.
You can paint your mats however you want. Many people use letter cutouts and designs to make them truly unique. Everything you’ll need to know is in this article, so let’s keep reading!
How To Spray Paint Car Floor Mats
First, you’ll want to choose a quality spray that won’t wear off. We’ll talk more about this further in the article. Then, ensure you do this project outside or in a well-ventilated space so you don’t breathe in the paint fumes.
Next, set up some newspaper to keep the paint from sticking to the ground. Spray the mat with a rubber exterior primer to prep the surface for paint. Your paint job won’t last very long if you forget to do this. Let the primer dry before you handle the mat.
Now you’re ready to paint! Give your paint can a good shake and spray it over the mat. You mustn’t layer the color on too thick so it can dry. Once it does, you can add another layer of paint. You should repeat this process a few times to make the paint coating more durable.
Finally, use a high-quality sealant over the floor mat to protect the spray paint. Since people step on car floor mats with dirty shoes, you’ll want to use a water-resistant seal so you can wash them. The seal also ensures that the paint doesn’t quickly wear off.
Can I Spray Paint My Car Carpet?
You can also spray paint your car’s interior carpet to make it look brand new! Over time, the carpet can fade, so you’ll want to make sure you choose a darker color than what you already have. Most people prefer black spray paint to make their car look clean and refreshed.
Start by cleaning the carpet and letting it dry while paying more attention to any stained areas. Vacuum the carpet well, too, since you don’t want to seal any debris with the paint. After deep cleaning, you’ll want to ensure you have a suitable vinyl and fabric spray paint. Dupli-color is one of the best choices.
Shake the can well, then spray the carpet in an even layer with the paint. Since you’re using dark fabric spray paint, it dyes the rug, so you won’t have to worry about it coming out any time soon. Depending on the size of your car, you’ll probably need at least two cans for full coverage. However, some larger cars need more.
Spray paint makes a huge difference, especially with older carpets! You shouldn’t have any issues trying this out at home if you choose a spray that can bind with fabric.
Can You Spray Paint Plastic Car Mats?
You can also spray paint plastic car mats, although you’ll first need to coat them in a rubber primer. If you don’t, you’ll have problems with the paint coming off. It’s usually best to do this with older mats that no longer have a warranty.
For example, WeatherTech floor mats will void any warranties with the company if you apply paint to their products. Plus, the color can wear out the material of these special weatherized mats.
However, painting your plastic car mats is usually not a problem. You can easily create fun designs or use the paint to make them look brand new again. It’s up to you!
What Spray Paint Will Stick to Rubber?
If you don’t want to use a primer, you’ll need to choose a spray paint that can stick to rubber surfaces on its own. A good option would be most acrylic spray paints, although you’ll still want to apply a seal when you finish. Since the mats can bend easily, the paint will crack and chip otherwise.
I highly recommend using Montana Spray Paints, if you’re looking for a high quality brand.
Most spray paints can stick to rubber. Although, you can make them last much longer by appealing a primer and seal. That said, you don’t want to use just any craft acrylic paint because it will rub off almost immediately.
Krylon, Rust-Oleum, and Dupli-Color all make high-quality products that can stick to car floor mats. You’ll want to check out their colors since they each have an extensive range of shades.
You can help the paint stick from there by working in even layers. Most people who spray paint their car mats recommend at least two to three layers of spray paint, but adding a few more can ensure your project lasts as long as possible.
Best Spray Paints for Car Floor Mats
There are tons of brands that create spray paints that work great with car floor mats. You’ll want to think about your mat’s material before buying anything. Is it made of plastic or fabric? The answer will change what type of spray paint you buy.
For plastic or rubber mats, you can choose acrylic paints. However, you’ll want to stick with the vinyl and fabric sprays for a fabric mat. These are the best spray paints for a plastic car floor mat:
- SEM Color Coat
- Hi-Tech Vinyl, Plastic, ; Carpet Dye
- Krylon
- Rust-Oleum Rubber
And these are the best ones for a fabric car floor mat:
- Hi-Tech Vinyl, Plastic, ; Carpet Dye
- Rust-Oleum Fabric ; Vinyl
- Dupli-Color Vinyl ; Fabric
Final Thoughts
To summarize, you can spray paint car floor mats. There are many reasons to paint them, including decorating your car interior or freshening up an old-looking floor mat. You can customize the mats and even the car’s carpet and get outstanding results.
This project is simple, so why not give it a shot? You’ll want to ensure that you do this in a well-ventilated area and take care not to stain your clothes with spray paint.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your spray paint project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!
