Painting Vinyl Shelves

Vinyl is not normally painted because you can buy it in a variety of colors. However, if you want to give it a new look or add a pattern, you'll need to properly prepare it, or the paint will slide right off the slick surface. Make sure to cure the paint properly between coats or it won't stick as well to the surface.

Fine sandpaper
Trisodium phosphate
Bucket
Sponge
Vinyl primer
Paintbrushes
Acrylic paint

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the shelving with fine sandpaper to roughen up the surface. Use a fine sanding block or electric sander.
- 2
  Wash the shelves using trisodium phosphate, a bucket and sponge. Rinse with clear water and dry thoroughly. TSP is designed to clean even the residue from previous cleaners, leaving an unblemished surface.
- 3
  Apply a primer designed for use on vinyl. These are available in spray cans or you can paint it on with a paintbrush. Allow the primer to cure according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- 4
  Paint the shelf with a 100 percent acrylic latex paint. The best type of paint has Emulsabond added to it, which allows the paint to stick better. Spray the paint onto the shelves or use a paintbrush. Allow it to cure according to the package instructions and then apply a second coat.

How to Darken Finished Stained Furniture

How to Restore an Old Hutch

Other Furniture