Painting Surface
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a tough transparent or opaque engineering plastic used in glazing, guards, housings, lenses, and molded parts. Incompatible paints or thinners can cause stress cracking and reduce impact performance.
Polycarbonate paint compatibility
Use only coating systems known to be compatible with polycarbonate, because unsuitable solvents or rigid paint systems can promote stress cracking or reduce impact performance.
| Paint | Compatibility | Preparation | Primer or ground | Finish | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approved flexible coating | Best when the paint manufacturer explicitly approves polycarbonate | Use plastic-safe cleaning methods and remove dust, grease, and residue without aggressive solvents. | Use only the primer or adhesion system specified for polycarbonate. | Flexible systems are preferred where the sheet or part may flex or experience impact. | — |
| Acrylic paint | Formula-specific | Clean carefully and test the exact paint on scrap or a hidden area before broad application. | A polycarbonate-compatible primer may be needed depending on the system. | Choose a film that does not become excessively brittle on flexible parts. | — |
| Spray paint | Only when the aerosol formula specifically suits polycarbonate | Check solvent compatibility first; unsuitable thinners can cause crazing or stress cracking. | Product-specific. | Apply the complete approved system rather than mixing unrelated primers and topcoats. | — |
| Paint markers | Formula-specific | Use only marker chemistry that is safe for polycarbonate and test before marking a visible area. | Usually none when the marker is explicitly approved for the substrate. | Clear or transparent parts can show scratches, solvent attack, and uneven opacity more readily. | — |
Sources: SABIC LEXAN sheet painting guidance and SABIC LEXAN polycarbonate properties.