Painting Over Vinyl Paint

Planning

• 1

  Select a primer compatible with the surface you are going to paint. Look for a primer that is compatible with final or plastic surfaces. One type of primer known as "liquid sandpaper" works very well with vinyl or plastic surfaces because it softens the surface and enables the paint to penetrate and adhere.

• 2

  Select a paint that will give you the desired finish. For painting over glossy surfaces such as vinyl, latex or alkyd paints will give good results as long as the surface is properly prepared.

• 3

  Test the primer and paint on a small area first. Follow the preparation and application steps below, then allow the paint to dry completely. Test the painted area by lightly scratching it with a fingernail. If the paint adheres after scratching, then you are ready to begin painting.

Preparation

• 4

  Clean the area to be painted. If the area to be painted is in a kitchen, begin cleaning with an ammonia-based cleaner that will cut through the grease. After degreasing, clean the surface with a trisodium phosphate substitute. Allow the surfaces to dry completely before proceeding.

• 5

  Lightly sand the surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper. This step is optional and may not be necessary depending upon the primer you select. Wash the surfaces with trisodium phosphate substitute again after painting.

Application

• 6

  Apply a thin coat of primer to the surface according to the directions on the can. You can use a brush, roller or rags to apply primer depending upon the area to be covered. Allow the primer coat to dry completely before proceeding. Ideally, you should allow the primer coat to dry for 24 hours before applying the paint.

• 7

  Apply the paint with a roller or brush. Remember to use multiple thin coats of paint instead of a single thick coat. If you are applying multiple coats, check the instructions on the paint can to determine how much time to allow between coats.

• 8

  Allow the paint to dry completely before allowing any objects to come into contact with the wall.