Hi, Im hoping to pant some plastic future but ill need to apply plastic primer first and my question is what primer to use. Trying to find the right one for polyethylene
The plastic material is high density polyethylene material.
Welcome to the Bunnings WOrkshop community @katielisamorris12. It's fantastic to have you join us and many thanks for your question on painting plastic.
Painting high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is difficult because it naturally resists adhesion. It has a very smooth, non-porous surface, so paint and primer struggle to bond and tend to peel or flake off over time, especially with flexing and outdoor exposure.
Even specialty plastic primers, like https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-300g-plastic-primer-spray-paint_p0782798 , often state they’re not suitable for polyethylene, as the material simply doesn’t allow proper paint adhesion.
You could try a small test section, but results aren’t guaranteed. If you do, it helps to key the surface first by lightly sanding with around 120-grit sandpaper to create a slightly rough finish for better grip. Remember to wear a face mask and safety glasses when sanding and spraying the furniture.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
