Spray-Paint Your Cooler: No Sanding Or Priming Needed!

Painting a cooler can be a fun and creative project, but it's important to prepare the surface correctly if you want your artwork to last. While many guides recommend sanding and priming as essential steps in the process, it is possible to paint a cooler without these steps – for instance, by using a COOLERSbyU™ cooler, which has been specifically designed to be painted, with no logos, indentations, or glossy coatings. However, if you're using a standard cooler, you may need to put in a little extra effort to get a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Choose a cooler that's ready-to-paint, like COOLERSbyU

Painting a cooler can be a fun project, but it can also be a lot of work. If you're looking to skip the sanding and priming steps, your best bet is to choose a cooler that's designed to be painted, like COOLERSbyU™.

COOLERSbyU™ coolers are unique because they were created specifically to be painted, personalised, and customised. They have no logos or indentations, unnecessary textures, or glossy coatings, and they come in a flat white colour. All sides are flat, leaving you with the perfect blank canvas to express your creativity. With a COOLERSbyU™ cooler, you can skip the tedious steps of filling in indents with spackle and sanding the surface to create a grit that will help the paint adhere.

The COOLERSbyU™ Paintable Cooler is available on Amazon and comes in a 26-quart size. It's a great option for those who want to jump straight into the fun part – the painting! You can use acrylic paint pens, markers, or brushes to create your desired design.

Once you've chosen your ready-to-paint cooler, the next steps are simple. First, decide on your design. If you're using a complex design, you can use carbon paper to transfer it onto the cooler before painting. Then, apply your paint of choice – acrylic paint is a popular option that comes in a wide range of colours.

After your paint job is complete and has dried, you can finish your cooler with a sealant to protect your artwork. Two coats of Mod Podge followed by a thin layer of polyurethane will do the trick. And that's it! You've successfully painted a cooler without the need for sanding or priming.

Clean the cooler and let it dry

To prepare your cooler for painting without sanding or priming, it is important to start with a clean surface. This will ensure that your paint adheres properly and that there is no dirt or debris on the cooler's surface that could affect the final result.

First, use a hose to rinse off any visible dirt, dust, or debris from the cooler's surface. If there are stubborn areas or built-up grime, use a mild detergent or cleaner and a brush to scrub the surface clean. Pay special attention to any crevices or indentations, as these areas can collect dirt and need to be thoroughly cleaned.

Once you have scrubbed the entire surface, give the cooler a final rinse with the hose to remove any soap residue. It is important to ensure that the cooler is thoroughly rinsed, as soap residue can affect the paint's adhesion.

After rinsing, allow the cooler to air dry completely. You may place it in a sunny spot or use a dry cloth to wipe down the surface and speed up the drying process. It is crucial that the cooler is entirely dry before you start painting to avoid any issues with paint adhesion and to achieve the best possible results.

By following these steps, you will have a clean and dry cooler that is ready for the painting process. This preparation will help ensure that your paint job is smooth, even, and long-lasting.

Use a plastic spray primer

Painting a cooler without sanding or priming is possible, but it is important to note that priming helps paint adhere to the surface of the cooler, and without it, your paint may not stick to the plastic surface. If you are set on skipping the sanding and priming steps, you can use a plastic spray primer to help your paint adhere to the cooler's surface. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Work Area:

Before you begin, make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area. Place your cooler on a tarp or sheets of newspaper to protect the surrounding surfaces from the spray primer. Gather your materials, including the plastic spray primer, painter's tape, and protective gear, such as gloves and a respirator.

Clean the Cooler:

Wash the cooler with water and a brush to remove any dirt, dust, or gritty powder. This step is crucial, as any residue left on the surface can cause the primer and paint to chip later on. Allow the cooler to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Tape Off Areas You Don't Want Painted:

Use painter's tape to cover any parts of the cooler that you do not want to be painted, such as handles, wheels, or the top portion. Make sure to press down the edges of the tape firmly to create a clean line and prevent primer from seeping through.

Apply the Plastic Spray Primer:

Following the instructions on the product, apply the plastic spray primer in light, even coats. Hold the can about 10-12 inches away from the surface and use smooth, sweeping motions to avoid drips and overspray. Apply two to three coats to each side of the cooler, waiting at least 15 minutes between each coat, as suggested by some sources. Allow the primer to dry completely before removing the painter's tape.

Let the Primer Cure:

Once you have applied the final coat of primer, allow it to dry and cure for at least 24 hours. This extended curing time ensures that the primer forms a strong bond with the plastic surface, providing a better base for your paint.

Paint and Decorate Your Cooler:

After the primer has cured, you can start painting your cooler with your chosen paint colours and designs. Acrylic paint is a popular choice for painting coolers, as it adheres well to primed surfaces. You can freehand your design or use carbon paper, stencils, or tissue paper to transfer your chosen design onto the cooler before painting. Allow each coat of paint to dry before applying additional coats or colours.

Remember that while using a plastic spray primer can help with adhesion, the best results for painting a cooler usually involve some level of sanding and priming. If you are looking for a more durable and long-lasting paint job, you may want to reconsider including these steps in your process.

Apply acrylic paint

Painting a cooler without sanding or priming is possible, but it requires some preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply acrylic paint to your cooler:

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Before you begin painting, ensure that the cooler's surface is smooth and clean. Use a hose and cleaner to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Allow the cooler to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Choose the Right Primer

Priming is essential when painting on plastic surfaces because it provides a base for the paint to adhere to. Acrylic paint is not designed for direct application onto plastic, so a primer is necessary. Look for a plastic or multi-surface primer, such as Krylon Fusion or Valspar Plastic Primer. These primers will ensure that your paint job lasts and doesn't chip or peel off.

Step 3: Tape Off Any Areas You Don't Want to Paint

Use painter's tape to cover any parts of the cooler that you do not want to paint, such as handles or wheels. This step will help create clean lines and protect these areas from accidental paint splatters.

Step 4: Apply the Primer

Apply the primer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, you will need to spray two to three coats of primer on each side of the cooler. Wait at least 15 minutes between each coat, and make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Allow the primer to dry for about 24 hours before proceeding.

Step 5: Choose Your Acrylic Paint

Select the desired colour of acrylic paint for your cooler. You can choose from a wide range of colours available at any craft or hardware store. Consider the design you want to create and plan the colours accordingly.

Step 6: Paint Your Design

Once the primer is dry, you can start painting with acrylics. Apply at least two coats of paint for adequate coverage. You can use brushes, rollers, or spray paint, depending on the finish you desire. Allow each coat of paint to dry before applying the next. If you're creating a complex design, you can use carbon paper to transfer your design onto the cooler before painting.

Step 7: Seal and Protect Your Work

After the final coat of paint has dried, you can apply a sealant to protect your artwork. Mod Podge is a popular choice, and it comes in various finishes (glossy, matte, or glitter). Apply two coats of Mod Podge, allowing each coat to dry before proceeding. Finally, apply a thin layer of polyurethane to make your cooler waterproof and give it a professional finish.

Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety instructions on the products you use. With these steps, you can transform your cooler into a unique and personalised work of art!

Seal with Mod Podge and polyurethane

To seal a painted cooler with Mod Podge and polyurethane, follow these steps:

Firstly, Mod Podge is a decoupage medium that acts as a glue, sealer, and finish. It is water-based and acrylic, making it non-toxic and suitable for use with children. It is available in various finishes, such as gloss or matte, and can be purchased from craft stores or online. Before using Mod Podge, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the process by watching tutorials or reading guides.

When sealing a painted cooler, it is essential to compare Mod Podge with other sealants like polyurethane, varnish, acrylic sealer, and shellac, to determine the best option based on the desired finish, durability, and protection needed for your project. Mod Podge provides a smooth, glossy finish suitable for indoor use but may not be as durable or water-resistant as polyurethane. Polyurethane offers a more robust protective layer that is water-resistant and suitable for high-traffic areas.

To seal your painted cooler, apply two coats of Mod Podge to the surface, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. The drying time for Mod Podge can vary, but it is recommended to let it dry for at least 24 hours to ensure it is completely dry. After applying the Mod Podge, follow up with a thin layer of polyurethane to add extra protection and waterproofing to your painted cooler.

By combining Mod Podge and polyurethane, you can achieve a decorative and protected finish on your painted cooler. Remember to always prepare the surface properly, apply thin coats, and allow adequate drying time between each layer for the best results.

Frequently asked questions