While many artists are familiar with watercolors and acrylic paints, the world of gouache paint can be something completely new to them. Surprisingly, most professional artists claim that gouache is their first choice when it comes to painting a masterpiece. It’s a water-based paint that is extremely versatile and has some of the most vivid shades. In a sense, it’s more of a heavy-duty watercolor with an opaque finish.
So, can you use gouache paint on plastic? You can with special preparation, but many artists advise against it, because the paint can run when it gets wet again. However, if you do love the opaque appearance of gouache paint there is a way to paint on plastic.
There’s an easy secret to being able to paint on plastic with gouache paint and the good news is, you probably already have this ingredient on your kitchen counter. All you have to do is add a few drops of dish detergent and mix it into the gouache paint and then you will be able to paint on plastic surfaces.
In this article I go over everything you need to know to use gouache paint on plastic, how to prime it, and much more! Let’s get to it!
How To Prime Gouache Paint On Plastic
Gouache paint isn’t designed to go on plastic, so if you want it to hold you will need to use a primer. A primer will create a smooth surface on the plastic for the paint to go onto. Many plastic surfaces have grooves and bumps on them, and the use of a primer will help to smooth that out and create a foundation for the paint to stick to.
I always use Mont Marte Gesso for my primer. Not only does it work for gouache paint, but you can use it on oils and acrylics as well.
Before you apply a primer to the plastic, it’s important that you sand and clean the item. It’s important that the plastic you paint on has a nice clean surface to start off with. This will ensure the paint doesn’t have bubbles or bumps when it dries. It will also help to prevent the paint from peeling.
Give the plastic item a good scrub with a sponge and soapy water. Make sure to get off any debris or gunk that is stuck on it to get the surface as smooth as possible. Let it dry off completely before you lightly sand the item. The paint will stick to the surface much easier if you rough the plastic up a bit.
However, you’ll want to make sure you don’t create any gouges or dents in the plastic. This is why you should just lightly rub the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. When doing this, you should put most of your focus on the shiny areas of the plastic because that is the smoothest section. After you sand the plastic, rinse it off and allow it to dry completely.
Once it’s ready, apply your primer in even amounts on the plastic surface. If you are using a spray primer, make sure to hold the can at the same distance from the plastic for each layer. Once you are finished priming, allow the plastic to dry fully before applying any paint.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Gouache Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
How To Seal Gouache Paint On Plastic
To ensure that gouache paint sticks to your plastic surface, you will need to seal it. Luckily, plastic is versatile enough to hold several different types of seals. You likely won’t have problems getting the gouache paint to adhere to plastic if you use any of the following clear coats after painting the surface:
- Varnish
- Clear spray paint
- Mod Podge
- Clear acrylic sealer
While all the above mentioned sealant are great, I always use Krylon Sprays to seal all my painting projects. I like Krylon because it protects the paint from flaking and chipping, as well as UV rays from outdoors. You can also choose form a glossy or matte finish!
It’s important to use a sealant once you complete your painting because it will help to add a layer of protection so your painting can stay permanent.
When people are painting on paper or canvas, they often skip out on sealing their work because it isn’t always necessary. However, since gouache paint isn’t typically used on plastic you will need to use a seal to ensure it sticks.
Can You Layer Gouache Paint?
The reason people love gouache paint is that it has a velvety matte finish in some of the most beautiful colors. It consists of many different pigments, which is why each layer stands out so nicely. Gouache paint can be layered and actually has a very eye-catching opaque appearance when it does get layered.
One of the things that makes gouache paint such a unique medium to work with, is that each layer will be separate from the one applied before it if the previous layer has dried. You can still apply a layer of gouache paint to a wet layer, but it takes very precise speed and skill to make it work.
To achieve your desired look, you can layer the gouache paint. However, make sure not to apply too many layers, or else the paint will easily chip and peel. Even a strong seal may not be able to save it.
Before you add an additional layer, always take a few steps back from your piece and slightly squint your eyes. This will give you a better idea of its contrast.
Working with Gouache Paint
Since gouache paint isn’t typically used on plastic, there are some things you will need to keep in mind when using it. The value of the paint changes with time, so you may notice light paint begin to darker while the darker paints begin to lighten up.
This mostly happens on larger surfaces, so make sure you mix plenty of paint to cover these areas.
If you are painting on a hot and dry day then the gouache paint will dry much quicker. After squeezing some paint out, you should spritz it lightly with a bit of water in a spray bottle.
When painting outdoors on a sunny day, it’s a good idea to work in the shade. Many people like to shield their paint with an umbrella so it doesn’t dry up too quickly.
When you have plans to paint a design, it’s okay to draw it out on the surface before you start. This is because gouache paint can cover up any underdrawings.
The best way to approach it is by starting with more transparent paint and then building up the opaque’s as you add more layers.
Also, one tip for making sure you get the best outcome is to avoid cheap quality paint and pick a premium brand of paint. You may have to experiment with using a few different brands before starting a big project so you know which paint you prefer to use.
Final Thoughts
Gouache paint is a lot trickier to work with on plastic, but if you use the right products it should hold nicely. When you paint a plastic object with gouache paint, make sure you always use a primer and then seal it after. Since gouache paint is known to run or smudge when it gets wet, it’s important to use a good quality seal to protect your painting.
Don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!