Can You Paint Black Plastic Pipe?

By: team@kitchenandbath

Introduction

Exposed piping can be eyesore, especially if it is not the same color as the surrounding walls or fixtures in the bathroom or kitchen. Black plastic pipe such as Polypropylene (PP) or Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) can be painted but extra steps are needed in making sure that the paint adheres to the surface and the pipe material does not react with the paint.

Steps to Painting Black Plastic Pipe

Polypropylene is a plastics used for P-Traps as they are lightweight, durable, and chemical resistant. ABS is a type of plastic typically used for drainage, wastewater, and venting. It is also a lightweight, durable, and chemical resistant plastic. With these properties, painting without preparing the surface will create a weak bond between the paint and the plastic. Before painting any pipe, try the paint process on a spare or separate piece of pipe prior to painting your indoor plumbing. Wear adequate protection equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, or a respirator.

Polypropylene (PP)

As Polypropylene has a glossy surface, primer should be used to have the paint adhere more effectively to the pipe.

  1. Clean the Surface With Soapy Water or Denatured Alcohol
  2. Allow the Surface to Dry Completely
  3. Roughen the Surface with Fine Grit (200+) Sandpaper
  4. Clean the Surface with Soapy Water or Denatured Alcohol
  5. Allow the Surface to Dry Completely
  6. Apply Paint to Cleaned Roughened Area
  7. Let Paint Dry
  8. Scratch Test Area for Adhesion
  9. Apply Paint Evenly over Surface
  10. Let Paint Dry
  11. Apply Two or More Coats as Necessary Repeating Steps 9 – 10

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

  1. Clean the Surface With Soapy Water or Denatured Alcohol
  2. Allow the Surface to Dry Completely
  3. Roughen the Surface with Fine Grit (200+) Sandpaper
  4. Clean the Surface with Soapy Water or Denatured Alcohol
  5. Allow the Surface to Dry Completely
  6. Apply Paint to Cleaned Roughened Area
  7. Let Paint Dry
  8. Scratch Test Area for Adhesion
  9. Apply Paint Evenly over Surface
  10. Let Paint Dry
  11. Apply Two or More Coats as Necessary Repeating Steps 9 – 10