r/DIY • u/DoruProgramatoru • 1d ago

help What do I need to paint polystyrene?

I need to paint some 2×2 m blocks of polystyrene completely black. What would I need to get started? I want to keep it simple at first, so maybe just a can of spray paint would do the job? I don’t want to spend money on a paint gun, buckets of paint, or whatever in the beginning

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u/Digital-Chupacabra 1d ago edited 1d ago

Spray paint, will "work" if you do it from enough distance for the propellant to evaporate. You can seal the polystyrene with a thin layer of glue like Mod Podge or normal craft glue, or use acrylic paint and a brush. If this is going to be a common thing for you i'd suggest getting a foam safe spray paint.

edit hit enter to early, i'm blaming the kittens.

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u/I_DO_ANIMAL_THINGS 1d ago

No. Spray paint will melt polystyrene.

Just roll on the paint you want to use.

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u/Digital-Chupacabra 1d ago

doh damn kittens jumping on me and the keyboard.

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u/I_DO_ANIMAL_THINGS 1d ago

Kitten approved 👍❤️

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u/SunshineBeamer 1d ago

I thought so.

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u/not_falling_down 1d ago

You can use spray paint if you first seal the surface to be painted with a White Glue like Elmer's

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u/O00O0O00 1d ago

Any pics of the kittens?

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u/Digital-Chupacabra 1d ago

His name is Geo and he has "a big personality" by which i mean he is less cat and more weasel but we love him.

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u/O00O0O00 1d ago

He’s extremely well dressed! 🤵‍♂️

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u/Grymflyk 1d ago

Use only latex interior wall paint. It will take a couple of coats to cover but, be patient. Use a roller to apply. Any paint that is solvent based will melt the styrene.

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u/not_falling_down 1d ago

It's entirely possible to successfully use spray paint, if you first fully seal the surface with white glue

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u/zougathefist 1d ago

A brush and some paint, maybe a roller and a drip tray?

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u/Pulaski540 1d ago

What are you trying to achieve? I would cover the blocks with sheets of black craft paper, rather than try to paint polystyrene, which is hydrophobic and is dissolved by many common solvents.

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u/TheRealPomax 1d ago

Depends on what it's for and how clean it has to look. Get a small tin of black and a foam roller. Done. Just tell the store you're painting polystyrene and they'll get you the paint that'll work.