Spray Paint on Plastic

spyralout

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There is a product that allows for better adhesion of spray paint onto plastics such as plastic totes (Lowes Commander Yellow Top or similar). This plastic is Polypropylene and can be tough to get paint to stick on it. Regular light sanding can work but I have found this method to work quite well.

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Available at O'Reilly Auto Parts for about $8/can. One can, using two coats, can cover one 27-gal Commander Tote Yellow Lid (or two of the smaller 5-gal Commander "Square" Tote Yellow Lids). Auto Zone doesn't carry them, they might have Bulldog, which is a similar product but costs 4x as much. IDK if it's better, because this stuff works and it's cheaper. No, Blowes, Dome Hepot, Wally - none of them carry this stuff, WTF?

Spray 2 light coats of the Plastic Adhesion Promoter with even swiping coats. Wait about 5 min between coats. Wait about 15 minutes then spray the lid with black spray paint (matte is probably best, a paint specifically made for plastics may be even better) in the same sweeping motion. Let dry for at least 30 min before handling.

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I tried scratching it with my thumbnail on several areas, and the paint stayed on. Why does this work? Apparently the spray has a chemical that kinda "roughs up" the plastic, giving it "teeth" and a place for the paint to "grab" onto. Another advantage is if you're trying to spray something that is not easily accessible or awkward to sand.
 

spyralout

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Exactly! I mean do people really use these totes & lids for anything but growing? :ROFLMAO::LOL::ROFLMAO:
LMAO! So...I was at Harbor Freight today. Guy in front of me had a bigass generator in his cart and reeked of fresh flowering weed. I thought I was the only one that was nose blind enough to waltz into stores buying something that's :unsure: on the reg ? ? ?

Another note, I bought a couple of Blowes Yellow Lid Commander 5 gal square buckets :unsure:;);)
Cashier says, "Oh I didn't know we had these. They look HEAVY DUTY."

I said, "Yes. Yes they are." Didn't wanna tell her that they'd be full of roots n water ?

Blowes has this 64gal with a black lid ?

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spyralout

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That 64 gal looks like it would make a good res....... And I've never seen a 5 gal bucket either. That's awesome, square things stack and fit places so much better ?.
Square FTW. Flat sides = better mating surface for bulkhead gaskets = less chance of leaks. I've found the tote style plastics to not bow as much and stay leak free.

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FWIW - the Craftsman has latches and is $1 more but the lid was not as rigid and the walls had more give than the Commander.
 

Bruno8437

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Blowes has this 64gal with a black lid ?

1582192351070.png

That tote with lid flipped over looks deep enough for a F&D setup.
 

HydroRed

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Square FTW. Flat sides = better mating surface for bulkhead gaskets = less chance of leaks. I've found the tote style plastics to not bow as much and stay leak free.

View attachment 1231
FWIW - the Craftsman has latches and is $1 more but the lid was not as rigid and the walls had more give than the Commander.
I have 2 of the 5 gal commanders. They are really nice quality and made excellent bubble cloners.
 
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