AirPods are a really great electronic, but they only come in white which can be a little plain for some people. If you are looking into decorating your AirPods and the case they come in, there are a few things you should know first.
AirPods cases are made from polycarbonate plastic, which means it is a very smooth surface. When you are dealing with smooth surfaces, you need to make sure you are using the correct paint, so it sticks to the surface properly.
So, can you use acrylic paint on AirPods case? Yes you can! Acrylic paint is the best choice for polycarbonate plastic. In this article we go over everything you need to know to paint your AirPods case with acrylic paint. Let’s get to it!
How to Paint AirPods Case
Painting polycarbonate plastic is a pretty simple process. Similar to other plastics, polycarbonate plastic has a very smooth surface that can be hard to get paint to stick to. It is extremely important to clean the surface with soapy water and an anti-static cleaner to get rid of any potential grease that is on the smooth surface.
Depending on what kind of look you are going for, you may need to sand some of your case for the paint to stick. This is only necessary if you are planning on painting your case one solid color. If you are going to be painting a design on your case, all you need to do is clean it as stated above.
For the best results, you will want to apply a primer before you start painting. I highly recommend Sargent Art Gesso Primer. Not only does it work with acrylic paint, but it’s also great for oils and gouache paint as well. When you prime the surface, it allows the paint to adherer to it better, and it creates a white background so the colors are more vibrant.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Acrylic Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
When you have applied the primer, you can start working on painting your AirPods case. Try your best to paint with very thin layers and precise brush strokes. The cleaner your painting is, the better your design will look when you are finished.
If you are painting small details on the case, I recommend these Golden Maple detail paintbrushes. This set comes with 10 pieces and they’re very durable.
After you are finished with your design and it has fully dried, you will want to use a sealant to make sure that your design doesn’t rub off, crack, or get scuffed. Below we discuss how to seal your AirPods case.
Design Ideas
One of the simplest designs you can with your AirPods case is to paint it one solid color. This will give you a quick change without taking too much time or creativity. You can enjoy the change from white without going out of your comfort zone.
Another pretty simple design would be an ombre. Start with one color on the top of your AirPods case and slowly transition to a different color at the bottom. To make this design even more custom, paint your name or add some stickers.
If you are feeling a little more artistic, you can try a small landscape design. This could be a field of flowers, a small mountain, the ocean, or even a sunrise/sunset.
If you like sparkle, you can cover your AirPods case with some glitter acrylic paint and even some little rhinestones. You can do this in just about any color, so you can choose your favorite. You could create an initial with rhinestones or just place them around the case before you seal your design.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on AirPods?
AirPods are made out of plastic, but not the same polycarbonate plastic that the AirPods case is made out of. There is a lot less surface area on your AirPods than on the case, so it can be incredibly difficult to use a paint brush and acrylic paint.
However, it might be a great option to consider using an acrylic spray paint on your AirPods. This will make it much easier to paint your AirPods one solid color while still using an acrylic paint.
Evolve Elite has a huge variety of acrylic spray paint colors to choose from. I also recommend using acrylic paint pens, if you don’t want to paint or spray paint your AirPods. This is a great alternative, but still provides the acrylic paint look.
How to Get Acrylic Paint Off AirPods Case
Let’s say you want to take off your current design so you can try out a new one. Is it possible to remove the design completely? Yes, and luckily, there are two options that you can use to get the acrylic paint off of the polycarbonate plastic.
The first option you have is to scrape off the paint with a paint scraper. You can do this by starting at any corner of your artwork. Very gently slide the paint scraper underneath the paint and start lifting it off the plastic. Be extremely patient and remain constant with your movements. Do not apply pressure.
The other option you have is to scrub the paint off with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol makes it possible to rub off the paint without having to worry about your plastic melting. Pour a little bit of the rubbing alcohol onto a rag and start to rub the case. You may need to rub the same area for a while to get the paint to come off.
Can You Paint AirPods with Nail Polish?
If you want to paint your AirPods, but all you have is nail polish, you are probably wondering whether or not you can use that for a quick design. You will be able to use nail polish to paint on your AirPods, but you shouldn’t expect it to last very long.
Nail polish is not meant to last for a long time, so even if you do paint your AirPods with it, the design will likely only stay on for a couple of weeks maximum. It is super easy for nail polish to rub off, crack, and chip and your AirPods are not an exception to this.
If you do paint your AirPods with nail polish, it is extremely critical that you avoid removing it with acetone nail polish. Acetone has the ability to melt the plastic of the AirPods and can damage them beyond repair. The best way to remove it is to peel it off or use rubbing alcohol.
How to Seal Acrylic Paint on AirPods Case
After your paint has fully dried, you will want to start off with one thin layer of the sealant. I use Krylon Sprays for all my painting projects. Sealing your paint protects it against chips, flaking, and even UV rays from the sun. You can even choose a glossy finish or a matte depending on your preference.
After you apply the first later, if you feel like you didn’t get every angle, you can apply another thin layer to the AirPods case. Keep the spray can at least 6 inches form the paint, to ensure it doesn’t run.
I recommend letting the sealant dry for atlas 24 hours before you start to use it. Also, make sure you have some ventilation or an open window when you do spray on the sealer, as the fumes tend to be pretty strong. When you spray the AirPods case, you also want to make sure you have a surface for them to rest on.
I suggest a piece of cardboard or other silicone surface. Never place your project on a paper towel, as it will dry up with your project.
Final Thoughts
AirPods are a stylish electronic accessory, but they are only sold in white. While white matches just about everything, it can be pretty boring to have only white AirPods and a white case forever.
AirPods cases are made from polycarbonate plastic, so when you paint on it you need to make sure you are using the right kind of paint. Since the surface is so smooth, acrylic is a great option for painting your AirPods case. Make sure to follow my steps and recommendations to ensure your project turns out great.
Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!