How long will acrylic paint last outdoors?

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HotRodder_Sam57

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I'm working on a project and I want to paint a plastic Rubbermaid mailbox, but it has to last forever (well, a long time) outdoors, specifically, in a wooded foresty camp area. Will that acrylic paint that comes in the little bottles that you can get at Michaels last long on plastic outdoors? I'm also using a spray paint, but I don;t have much of that, and I need some more colors. So, should I buy colored spray paint or will the acrylic last as long?
 
The paint you buy at a craft store is probably not intended for exterior use. Read the label or check the manufacturer's web site. Exterior house paint will last and you might be able to get 2 ounce sample cans for a couple dollars each. The worst case scene would have you buying quart cans. Acrylic house paint will stick to most weathered plastic but sometimes won't stick to new plastic. Spray paint will stick and last but it's expensive.
 
Nothing will last forever on plastic. Acrylic is not your best shot. Key the plastic with wire wool and apply two coats of good quality oil-based gloss, the second coat within 24 hrs of the first.
 
Acrylic is water based, so out doors is not a good idea, if you must use it then a coating of clear varnish may help, but I would go for the oil based paint that's meant for out doors, cheaper in the long run.
 
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