2

I want to make false stone looking planters from polystyrene heads. I bought the stone spray paint to use, but reading the instructions it says it's for indoor use only! I want to put my heads outside, what other type of product can I use on them?

Joachim
  • 10,957
  • 5
  • 20
  • 52
G Lane
  • 21
  • 2

1 Answers1

5

First of all, using regular spray paint on polystyrene will melt the material, damaging it significantly!

So, before anything else, I'd suggest either coating your polystyrene head, or using a polystyrene-safe spray paint.

  • To coat the polystyrene object, use gesso (or another acrylic primer), plaster, a polystyrene-safe primer spray paint, or even white glue.

  • Now you can safely apply the fake stone layer. You can opt for a spray paint that's suitable for outdoor use, or use your current spray paint, and coat it afterwards.

  • After the recommended amount of drying time, you can protect your creation with, for example, a clear acrylic coating spray.

Joachim
  • 10,957
  • 5
  • 20
  • 52
  • I was wondering if you've done this before, will it still look like stone with a clear protective coating? – user174174 Apr 10 '19 at 03:54
  • I have not done this before, no, but I think that will depend mostly on the finish, whether it's matte or glossy. You can also add a little texture to the polystyrene with gesso, so it won't look as polished once the coating is applied. – Joachim Apr 10 '19 at 06:49