Rubber-like any other durable material that you can use to decorate your home or use on your art can be painted.
Painting of rubber largely depends on the type you are working with as there are plenty of options available to use.
However, before painting your rubber, make sure you select the best painting material as making the wrong choice will be much more costly as your paint will end up peeling and chipping in a short time.
This article will guide you on the best painting materials to use for your rubber and the steps to follow when preparing your rubber item for painting
Type of painting materials for rubber
1. Acrylic
Acrylic is one of the best and easiest painting materials to use on rubber surfaces due to its versatile nature.
Indoor rubber materials are the best options for this particular paint as they are less subject to wear and tear as there will be less touching and moving of the materials unlike in the outdoors.
However, this rubber painting material is more decorative and not durable as those rubber items that you will use frequently.
Frequent items painted with acrylic will disappoint you, as the paint applied on them will start peeling and cracking within a short period.
Steps on how to use acrylic paint:
Wipe the surface of your rubber with a warm soapy rag including the tiny cracks you may come across.
Secondly, rinse your rag and use it to wipe off the entire surface to remove all the soap residues.
Allow your rubber to dry for like 15 minutes before applying your paint. Acrylic paint will not stick well on a wet rubber surface.
When the rubber is completely dry, use a painting brush and apply the first coat of acrylic paint and allow it to dry for 20 minutes or more.
After the first coat is dry, again apply the second coat of the paint and allow it to dry too.
The last step is to cover the rubber with your paint sealant to prevent the paint on your rubber from damaging or cracking.
2. Removable rubber coating
If you want to repaint your rubber, removable paint will be the option and is easy to apply as they are in spray form.
However, the coat from your rubber surface will only start separating after you have started peeling it off.
Removable paint is durable as it can stay on an object for a long time until when you are ready to repaint.
Steps on how to apply removable rubber coating:
The first step is to clean your rubber by wiping the entire surface with your wet spongy rag.
Clean your soapy rag and rinse it thoroughly, wipe off the rubber surface to remove the entire soap residue.
Allow the rubber to dry for 20 minutes later apply the first layer of your paint on the surface by spraying the entire surface. Ensure the paint enters all sides including the curves and cracks.
Immediately the first layer of the paint on your rubber has dried, spray the second paint on the surface and allow it to dry for 30 minutes but do not cover it with anything as doing so it will make it hard for the paint to be removed when repainting.
Exterior paint
Exterior paint is the most suitable paint for the frequently used rubbers and any other outdoor art materials. the paint is designed to withstand natural elements such as wind, sun, and rain.
Like removable paint, exterior paint is applied by spraying with a brush and a roller will be necessary. However, you should not use any sealant after using this paint, use a primer as it is durable.
Steps to follow when applying exterior paint:
Wash the surface of your rubber and the cracks with a wet soapy rag.
Rinse your soapy rag and wipe off the entire surface to remove the remaining soap, apply a layer of primer to cover the rubber surface and allow it to dry for 20 minutes.
After the primer on the surface of the rubber is dry, apply your first layer of exterior paint on the entire surface and allow the rubber to dry.
When the first layer of the paint is dry, apply the second layer and allow it to dry completely, and set it as a display.
4. commercial –grade marine paint
Commercial marine paint is another durable paint that you can opt to use on your rubber surface. This paint is largely used on boats and swimming pools due to its ability to resist cracking and fading.
Conclusion
Painting your rubber should always be your priority, always ensure you pick the best painting material to avoid having faded rubber surfaces.
Also, make sure your rubber surfaces are clean before applying any layer of the paint. Also, remember some painting requires multiples layers to be effective.
Develop a habit of reading the directions of every painting before using it.
