14 Best Paints For Plastic Toys In 2023

Buying more plastic toys for our children can lead to more wastage and pollution in the environment. So, we have created a list of the best paints for plastic toys to minimize wastage by painting the old plastic toys in new colors and reusing them. You can renew your toys with a fresh coat of colorful, fun paints.

From glitters to neons, these colors allow your child to unleash their creativity and give the toys a personal touch. They are also safe for children, environment friendly, and lead-free. So, take a look at our list to choose the right paints for your next art project.

In This Article

Tips For Painting On Plastic Toys

Here are a few things to remember when painting a plastic toy.

  1. Trial:Test your paint on an unseen part of the figure before using it to verify if it’s working well.
  2. Preparation:Clean the toy well with soapy water before painting and let it dry thoroughly. If your toy contains moving parts, dismantle them carefully first to avoid sealing the joints with paint and making them immovable.
  3. Protection:You can protect the toy against paint damage with a clear spray coating. It is best applied as a spray, but keep in mind that it might make your item appear shinier than the original figure.
  4. Base Coat:Start with a base coat if you plan to repaint a toy completely. Use a black base coat for a dark-colored toy and a white base coat for a light-colored one.

14 Best Paints For Plastic Toys

1.Best Easy-To-Clean:Funzbo Forest Animals Painting Set

4.2

The Funzbo crafting set includes seven different animal models made of durable ABS plastic that can be painted with the bright paint colors included in the set. Let your child’s creativity grow as they add details to their favorite animals using these easy-to-clean, water-based paints. There are five large animals and two smaller animals to complete a zoo or forest-based project.

Pros

  • Non-toxic material
  • Includes three brushes
  • Includes mixing palette
  • Suitable for cooperative play

Cons

  • Paint may rub off eventually
  • Paint may dry quickly

protip_icon Pro tip
To maintain a tidy workspace while painting, cover your workstation with old newspapers or magazines. This will help prevent any potential spills from soiling your work area.

Price at the time of publication: $11.98

2.Best For Beginners:Apple Barrel Promoabi Matte Finish Acrylic Craft Paint Set

The flexible acrylic paint kit’s bright, bold colors are simple to use and provide sufficient coverage. They can work on various surfaces, including terra cotta, wood, plaster, Styrofoam, and more. These 18 vibrant colors may be used to sponge,brush, or stamp the toy. You can also checkthis YouTube videofor a complete idea about the product.

Pros

  • Suitable for beginners
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Non-toxic

Cons

  • Might require multiple coats
Price at the time of publication: $30.27

3. Best Premium:Benicci Acrylic Paint Set

4.5

Benicci优质丙烯酸涂料是一个comprehensive collection of 24 vibrant and high-pigmented colors. The set is ideal for budding artists and professionals. The paints are made with high-quality pigments and have a smooth consistency, making them easy to mix and apply. Moreover, the color chart and paint-guide help artists find the perfect shade and color combinations.

Pros

  • Suitable for use on various surfaces
  • Long-lasting
  • Non-toxic and safe to use
  • Provides excellent coverage and color saturation

Cons

  • Paint may dry quickly
  • May not be compatible with some brush types
  • Consistency of the paints may be slightly thick
Price at the time of publication: $18.97

4.Best Compatible:Neon Nights Glow-In-The-Dark Paint

3.9

Neon Nights’ paint fortoysglows brightly in the darkness but can be seen clearly in the light, making any arts and crafts creation attractive. These eight-piece bright and self-luminous neon paints recharge under the sunlight for a dazzling glow. They are compatible with materials such as metal, canvas, plastic surfaces, or wood. If you want to know more about the results, take a look atthis review on YouTube.

Pros

  • Highly pigmented
  • Easy to use
  • Blacklight-activated
  • Beginner-friendly

Cons

  • May have a thin consistency

protip_icon Quick tip
Sand the surface of the toy with sandpaper after it has been properly cleaned and dried, to enhance the adherence of the paint to your plastic toy.

Price at the time of publication: $6.99

5.Best Non-Toxic:Arteza Craft Acrylic Paint

4.7

Arteza acrylic paints blend well to provide optimal surface coverage.The colors offer a matte finish as they dry.You can use them on various surfaces, including glass, canvas, rocks, wood, textiles,paper, and ceramics. They allow you to add more coats or other elements to your project. These 20-piece paints are available in two-ounce bottles.

Pros

  • Non-toxic
  • Easy to clean
  • Suitable for beginners
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • May require multiple coats
Why It's Worth Buying:About 6,575 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
Price at the time of publication: $30.99

6.Best For Quick-Dry:Caliart Acrylic Paint Set

4.6

With a creamy consistency, the colors’ rich pigment provides sufficient coverage for large and small areas. They blend easily, allowing you to add more coats or other aspects to the project easily. The kit includes 24 two-ounce bottles in classic hues. Each paint has a terrific fluid and thick viscosity that hold any brush or spatula marking, adding brilliant complexity to any project. It is simple to use and suitable for adults and kids alike.

Pros

  • Quick-dry formula
  • Versatile
  • Non-toxic
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Shades may vary depending on the medium

protip_icon Pro tip
You should always wait for the first layer of paint to dry thoroughly before applying the second layer; otherwise, the application will be uneven.

Price at the time of publication: $25.99

7.Best Long-Lasting:Magicfly Acrylic Paint Set

Magicfly acrylic paints are rich, creamy, and thick. They dry well and are easy to work with. You can use these paints with brushes, stencils, or stamps on wood, ceramics, stone, paper, and more. The kit contains 30 two-ounce colors and three brushes. They retain their vibrancy after drying and do not crack.

Pros

  • Blends easily
  • Non-toxic
  • Easy to clean
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • May dry out too quickly
Price at the time of publication: $29.99

8.Best For Indoors And Outdoors:Individuall Metallic Acrylic Paint Set

Suitable for indoors and outdoors, each metallic paint from Individuall is made of a high-quality pigment combination.You can use these non-toxic paints on various mediums, including metal, canvas, plastic, wood, and more. The set contains eight 0.7-ounce bottles of various colors.

Pros

  • Mixes well
  • Easy to clean
  • Suitable for beginners
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Paint quantity may not be sufficient
Price at the time of publication: $7.57

9.Best Easy-To-Use:The Army Painter Miniatures Paint Set

4.6
The Army Painter Miniatures Paint Set Image:The Army Painter

The Army Painter set contains high-quality paints and a highlighting paintbrush made of premium synthetic hair for intricate details on your figures and military models. It has a pointed tip for getting into the hard-to-reach areas. With ergonomically constructed dropper bottles, you can get the exact amount needed without wasting any paint.

Pros

  • Highly pigmented
  • Balanced consistency
  • Includes a painting guide
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • May not be suitable for beginners
Price at the time of publication: $31.75

10.Best Smooth Finish:Vallejo Basic USA Colors Paint Set

4.7
Vallejo Basic USA Colors Paint Set Image:Avvallejo

The model colors are made of permanent pigments for fine arts. Their consistency offers a smooth finish without any visible brush strokes.These colors’ water-based composition was created to adhere to tough surfaces,包括金属和塑料。这组16丰富的一个crylic colors measures 0.57-ounce each.

Pros

  • Lightfast
  • Easy to use
  • Opaque
  • Suitable for miniatures and models

Cons

  • Might chip off after dying
Why It's Worth Buying:The product has earned its stripes, with over 3,132 reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $24.48

11.Best Dishwasher-Safe:FolkArt Multi-Surface Satin Finish Acrylic Craft Paint Set

FolkArt’s 12-piece multi-surface paint set includes variouscolorssuitable for crafters and painters. These vibrant, high-quality acrylic paints provide a satin finish after drying. This set works on multiple materials, including wood, glass, terra cotta, fabric, canvas, ceramics, and more.

Pros

  • Dishwasher-safe once oven-cured
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Non-toxic

Cons

  • May fade in the sun
Price at the time of publication: $19.96

12.Best Low Odor:Testors Acrylic Value Finishing Paint Set

4.5

The painting set is suitable for various surfaces, including wood, metal, plastic surfaces, canvas, plaster, and more. They are water-based and non-toxic and can be brushed or airbrushed for a glossy finish. The set contains nine 0.25-ounce bottles and is suitable for artistic projects.

Pros

  • Fast-drying
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Low odor
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • May need multiple coats
Why It's Worth Buying:The tried-and-true product has earned over 1,691 good reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $28.52

13.Best Child-Friendly:Koko Aroma Window Paint Art Kit

Koko Aroma artkithelps decorate refrigerators, mirrors, and other flat surfaces with sun catchers. The DIY window stickers will keep your children occupied, allowing them to create their art pieces. This kit is non-toxic and safe for your child’s delicate skin. The window art kit has 13 emoji pictures, 12 suncatchers, 12 suction cups, eight paint tubes, one acetate sheet, one string, eight pairs of wiggle eyes, and a plastic paint pick.

Pros

  • Helps improve motor skills
  • Helps improve hand-eye coordination
  • Easy to use
  • Includes downloadable eBooks and worksheets

Cons

  • Paints may be clumpy
Price at the time of publication: $13.99

14.Best Individually Labeled Tubes:GenCrafts Acrylic Paint Set

4.6
GenCrafts Acrylic Paint Set Image:Gencrafts

The premium acrylic paints are made from high-quality, long-lasting pigments.Their creamy, smooth texture helps preserve the brush strokes’ nuances,resulting in a beautiful texture. Each color is carefully chosen to provide a broad spectrum of hues. You can blend, layer, and mix to create diverse shades. The set includes 50 bright hues and works on different materials.

Pros

  • Non-toxic
  • Suits beginners and experts
  • Individually labeled tubes
  • Dries quickly

Cons

  • Paints may be thin
Price at the time of publication: $20.97

How To Choose The Right Paints For Plastic Toys?

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the right paints for plastic toys.

  1. Non-toxic:Ensure the paints are non-toxic and skin-friendly to make them suitable for children.
  2. UV resistance:Choose paints with UV resistance for long-lasting performance. They should not fade, peel off, or wash off with use.
  3. Versatility:Choose paints that work on various materials such as wood, plastic, plaster, metal, and more for multipurpose use.
  4. Viscosity: Consider the paint’s viscosity depending on your requirement. Thick paints may provide better coverage, but thinner consistencies are more blendable.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Priti Bose writes informative yet engaging articles on toys and gifts. She has reviewed plenty of products before compiling the list of the best paints for plastic toys based on user preferences. Every product includes pros and cons and features in the description to help you compare different products. You can also use the detailed buying guide for the final selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What paint can be used on plastic toys?

Most acrylic paints can be used on plastic toys as they are easy to apply, quick-drying, and easy to wash. Depending on the brand, they could be non-toxic as well. Specific oil-based paints could also be used, but they could bestow a hard surface and may not be child-friendly.

2. What should I keep in mind when painting a plastic toy?

Ensure the paint is water-based and non-toxic and use a right brush that can help you paint on even hard-to-reach areas.

3. How do I paint over plastic toys?

Since plastic toys are smooth and non-porous, a coat of plastic-compatible primer needs to be applied first. Once painted, you could also apply a layer of non-toxic transparent sealant if desired.

Children often get bored of their old toys or refuse to use them when their vibrant colors wear off. However, paints for plastic toys allow them to paint their toys and revive their lives, making them look brand new. While choosing the right paint, prioritize safety and ensure the formula is non-toxic and skin-friendly. For long-lasting use, choose UV-resistant paints that work on various materials, including wood, plastic, and metal, for versatility. You can browse our list of the best paints for plastic toys to understand the available options and find what you need.

Infographic: Tips For Painting On Plastic Toys

Besides choosing the right colors, being mindful of other specific criteria can influence and enhance the painting process. Check out the following infographic to learn more about the nitty-gritty of coloring plastic toys with acrylic paints.

Points To Consider When Painting Plastic Toys 279 Content topics (Infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version


Recommended Articles:

Was this article helpful?
The following two tabs change content below.