How to Paint a Cooler
Acquire a cooler., Choose a cooler without wheels for the easiest painting., Survey your cooler., Fill in the indentations with spackling paste and a putty knife., Follow package directions when using putty., Use a heavy grit sandpaper to smooth the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Acquire a cooler.
Look for a beat up cooler at a thrift store or garage sale.
As long as it seals at the top, paint can cover other superficial damages.
Buy a cooler at a box store, such as Walmart or Target.
Plastic coolers range from $20 to $100. -
Step 2: Choose a cooler without wheels for the easiest painting.
The more flat surfaces, the better, since you will be able to apply paint directly.
A cooler with a flat surface is better than a cooler with a ribbed surface. , If you have dents or an indented logo, you will want to follow this step. , This paste is available at most home improvement stores, just like primer and other painting tools. , Wait approximately 12 hours for it to dry. , Sand all the surfaces that you plan to paint. ,, Then, wash it with a mild soap.
Rinse well and allow it to dry. ,, You will want to do all of the priming and painting outdoors.
For best results, try a primer especially made for uneven plastic surfaces.
Look for Rustoleum Fusion for Plastic or a similar product.
The spray paint allows for easy and fast application. , Apply 2 coats, if recommended by the manufacturer. , You can print out stencils and logos. , Copy the design over to the tracing paper if you have printed out designs. , You can also draw freehand onto the cooler with a pencil, and use the lines to guide your painting. , You can also buy a bulk paint, like Gesso, and mix your own colors. , Outlines and small illustrations are much easier with these pens. , Take your time to ensure you fill out the design completely.
Use blue painter's tape to form straight lines.
Put the paint onto the primed surface.
Then, take it off afterward and paint the outline of the tape. , Do not tilt the cooler onto painted sides, while the paint is still curing. ,, Make sure you apply an even coat. , Apply 1 to 2 more coats.
The care you take with sealing your painted cooler will determine how long the paint job lasts. -
Step 3: Survey your cooler.
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Step 4: Fill in the indentations with spackling paste and a putty knife.
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Step 5: Follow package directions when using putty.
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Step 6: Use a heavy grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the cooler.
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Step 7: Follow up with a medium to fine grit sandpaper.
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Step 8: Hose the cooler down.
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Step 9: Apply a plastic primer to the surface of your clean cooler.
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Step 10: Move the cooler outside.
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Step 11: Allow it to dry well.
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Step 12: Find a design on the Internet
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Step 13: if you do not already have one in mind.
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Step 14: Buy tracing paper.
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Step 15: Hold the tracing paper onto the cooler and trace
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Step 16: leaving lines where you will paint with different colors.
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Step 17: Buy acrylic paints in the colors of your choice.
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Step 18: Buy paint pens to complete small details and wording.
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Step 19: Apply the paint to your cooler
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Step 20: making sure it is thick enough to cover the surface.
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Step 21: Paint 1 side at a time.
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Step 22: Let the cooler dry for 24 hours when you have completed your design.
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Step 23: Apply a coat of polyurethane sealer
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Step 24: such as Minwax Polycrylic.
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Step 25: Allow the coat to dry completely.
Detailed Guide
Look for a beat up cooler at a thrift store or garage sale.
As long as it seals at the top, paint can cover other superficial damages.
Buy a cooler at a box store, such as Walmart or Target.
Plastic coolers range from $20 to $100.
The more flat surfaces, the better, since you will be able to apply paint directly.
A cooler with a flat surface is better than a cooler with a ribbed surface. , If you have dents or an indented logo, you will want to follow this step. , This paste is available at most home improvement stores, just like primer and other painting tools. , Wait approximately 12 hours for it to dry. , Sand all the surfaces that you plan to paint. ,, Then, wash it with a mild soap.
Rinse well and allow it to dry. ,, You will want to do all of the priming and painting outdoors.
For best results, try a primer especially made for uneven plastic surfaces.
Look for Rustoleum Fusion for Plastic or a similar product.
The spray paint allows for easy and fast application. , Apply 2 coats, if recommended by the manufacturer. , You can print out stencils and logos. , Copy the design over to the tracing paper if you have printed out designs. , You can also draw freehand onto the cooler with a pencil, and use the lines to guide your painting. , You can also buy a bulk paint, like Gesso, and mix your own colors. , Outlines and small illustrations are much easier with these pens. , Take your time to ensure you fill out the design completely.
Use blue painter's tape to form straight lines.
Put the paint onto the primed surface.
Then, take it off afterward and paint the outline of the tape. , Do not tilt the cooler onto painted sides, while the paint is still curing. ,, Make sure you apply an even coat. , Apply 1 to 2 more coats.
The care you take with sealing your painted cooler will determine how long the paint job lasts.
About the Author
Marie Fisher
Marie Fisher specializes in arts and creative design and has been creating helpful content for over 2 years. Marie is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.
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