How To Paint On Vinyl Records

Things Needed

  • Cotton rags

  • Hot water

  • Dish soap

  • Primer made for plastics

  • Spray paint made for plastics

Tip

If you find that the primer is not sticking, you may need to lightly sand the records with a 400-grit sandpaper to create a better surface for paint to stick to. This is not always necessary.

Remember that multiple thinner coats of paint are better than a single thick, heavy coat.

Warning

Apply all paints and primers outdoors or in a space with a lot of ventilation.

Vinyl can initially seem hard to paint, but that is often because we treat vinyl like a wall. Acrylic paint cannot stick to plastics like vinyl unless they are appropriately primed with a primer that is made to adhere to plastics, which are widely available at national home improvement stores and even online. After the application of this material, painting a vinyl record is as easy as painting anything else in your home. Just put on a smock and get ready to paint.

Step 1

Remove all dust and dirt from the records with a rag soaked in soapy hot water. Let the records dry or wipe them down with a separate clean rag.

Step 2

Prime the records with a spray primer for plastics. Apply a single, thin coat, following the direction listed on your chosen product. Let the records dry for at least an hour, and apply a second coat.

Step 3

Apply a spray paint made for plastics. Apply in long, even strokes across the surface of the records. Let it dry for about an hour and apply a second coat if necessary.

Recommended