How to Paint Polypropylene Vent Frames

Paint Polypropylene Vent Frames with ease and great results using the following methods.

Yes, all of our EZRvents can be painted with newer paints that have been formulated for plastics (Polypropylene). EZRvent frames can also be painted with a good quality exterior house paint if properly prepared.

We should emphasize that it is Equally and most important Prior to priming, is to clean and prepare your vents for painting by Flame Treating and wiping with alcohol; -or - lightly sanding the surfaces with sand paper and wiping with alcohol. Surface tension and residual mold release may otherwise affect your results even if the paint manufacturer does not specify this. Flame Treatment may sound scary, but is easy and fast to do.

We have tested and found best and most forgiving results with Krylon Fusion, or Rust-Oleum Specialty Paint For Plastic with a strong preference for the Krylon Fusion 5x. If using  Krylon Fusion 5x, you can use the same paint for the Primer layers. Many of our installers do this with great long lasting results.

We also have also have good results painting EZRvents with good quality exterior house paint if properly prepared with Flame Treatment or other prep as outlined below. Then Followed with 2-3 coats of Krylon Fusion Primer for plastic, Krylon Fusion 5x, or Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer. Both the Preparation and Primer for Plastic step is important for proper adhesion.

1. Clean and Prepare your vents

Choose one of the following options a, b, or c - (listed in order of preference)

• a. Flame Treat & Alcohol wipe (preferred method for professional results)
  1. Pass a propane torch oxidizing blue flame lightly over the surface of the frame until it just has a slightly wetted appearance. (It does not take much.  Keep the flame moving and do not dwell on an area to not over heat and melt the plastic frame. )
  2. Clean by Wiping with Denatured or IPA Alcohol
  3. Repeat above two steps
  4. Mask Mesh area
• b. Lightly Sand the surfaces with 100 - 150 grit sand paper and wipe with IPA alcohol twice. Then Mask Mesh area.
• c. Clean with polyvance SUPER CLEAN Plastic Cleaner, Mask Mesh area and follow with polyvance PLASTIC MAGIC

This is the most important step to ensure proper adhesion. Flame Treatment of Polypropylene is our preferred option as it is the easiest/ least effort and provides the best surface preparation. Flame Treatment may sound scary but is easy and fast to do. This is how professionals paint Polypropylene auto body bumpers and other parts. Flame Treatment with a blue flame oxidizes the plastic changing the surface chemical structure, surface tension, and raises the glass fibers on the surface of EZRvent glass-filled polypropylene frames. Flame Treatment also allows impregnated mold release agents to be released and come to the surface so that they can be cleaned away with the Alcohol wipe step. Once properly flame treated, water and paint will sheet on the plastic surface vs beading up.

2. Prime with Primer for Plastic  

Choose one of the following options a, b, c, or d - (listed in order of preference)

• a. Krylon Fusion Primer for Plastic  (preferred)
• b. Krylon Fusion 5x (preferred)
• c. Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer
• d. Polyvance PLASTIC MAGIC (if prepped with polyvance SUPER CLEAN)

Then:

1. Primer Paint 2 Coats with one of above options. Hold can 4-6" from the surface and apply with even strokes to fully wet surface. This will deliver all the solvents to the plastic surface and provide a good bite. Do dust the surface or apply from a higher distance then 6" as solvents in primer will dissipate before etching into the Polypropylene Plastic.
2. Allow to flash off 5-10 min between coats and proceed to Paint if using spray paint.
3. If using house paint, allow the primer layers to cure a full 24 hours or more depending on environmental conditions.

3. Paint Vents with 2 – 3 coats of good quality paint

Choose one of the following options a, b, c, or d.  (All options a-c have been tested and provide good results with prior Prep and Prime steps)

• a. Krylon Fusion 5x (preferred)
• b. Rust-Oleum Specialty Paint For Plastic
• c. Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior House Paint
• d. Or - other high quality Exterior House Paint

Spray, Brush, or Roller application all work well. Roller application provides an orange peel or slightly hammered texture. It is important to not dilute your paint if applying by brush or roller. If you need to thin your paint for spraying, use Benjamin Moore Paint Extender (518), or similar product from your desired paint manufacturer. Paint extenders are typical 100% acrylic and will not affect paint adhesion if used per paint manufacturer instructions.  - Do Not thin your paint with water; this will cause your paint to not form an effective bond.

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