Things to Paint
Painting objects
Everyday objects often combine several materials, so the right paint and preparation depend on both what an object is made from and how it will be used.
Compare painting objects
Start with the object, then identify its actual surface materials before choosing a coating system. Flexible, washable, handled, and outdoor objects usually need different paint properties.
| Object | Common materials | Paint options | Preparation focus | Main decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycle | Steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, rubber, and existing factory coatings | Spray Paint, Enamel Paint, Acrylic Paint, and other systems specifically compatible with the frame material | Disassemble or mask carefully, remove grease and loose coating, treat corrosion, and use the primer required for the actual frame material | Frame material, outdoor exposure, abrasion, flexibility, corrosion protection, and whether the finish must tolerate frequent cleaning |
| Shoes | Leather, synthetic leather, canvas, fabric, rubber, foam, and plastic components | Leather Paint, Fabric Paint, Acrylic Paint with a suitable medium, and material-specific paint markers | Identify each material, clean without leaving residue, test adhesion and flexibility, and avoid coating areas that must stretch or grip | Flexing, abrasion, moisture, breathability, washability, and whether different parts of the shoe need different coatings |
| Jeans | Usually cotton denim, sometimes blended with elastane or other fibers | Fabric Paint, Acrylic Paint with a suitable fabric medium, and textile-compatible Paint Markers | Pre-wash when appropriate, avoid fabric-softener residue, dry fully, stabilize the fabric while painting, and follow curing or heat-setting directions | Stretch, softness, washability, color coverage, cracking resistance, and how the painted area will wear during normal use |
| Guitars | Wood, lacquer or polyurethane finishes, metal hardware, and plastic components | Lacquer Paint, Polyurethane Paint, Enamel Paint, Spray Paint, and compatible instrument finishing systems | Identify the existing finish and material before sanding, sealing, priming, or refinishing | Compatibility with the existing finish, film build, appearance, and wear |
| Skateboards | Plywood or wood decks, aluminum trucks, steel hardware, and plastic accessories | Acrylic Paint, Spray Paint, Enamel Paint, and material-compatible coating systems | Prepare each material separately and keep paint away from threads and close-fitting mechanical areas | Abrasion, impact, flexing, and coating adhesion |
| Flower Pots | Terra cotta, glazed ceramic, plastic, and concrete | Acrylic Paint, Ceramic Paint, Masonry Paint, Spray Paint, and surface-compatible systems | Clean thoroughly and account for porosity, glaze, plastic type, curing, and moisture conditions | Moisture exposure, porosity, adhesion, and outdoor durability |