How to Paint a Plastic Golf Cart Body
by Bridgette Ashmore
Golf carts are typically painted in green or off-white colors. These hues are fine for the run-of-the-mill golf course rentals, but if you own a golf cart, you may want it to stand out. Add a touch of creativity and show your style with a new paint job. Not only can you change the base color, but you can add flames, racing stripes or checkerboard patterns. Your creativity is your only limit.
Step 1
Sand the body of your golf cart with a fine-grit sandpaper. Use a circular motion and firm pressure over the areas you intend to paint. This process, known as 'roughing the finish,' provides grooves in the surface for the paint to adhere to, thus making the application easier.
Step 2
Use a hose to wash off the dust caused by the sandpaper. Allow the cart to air dry completely or towel dry it if you're in a hurry.
Step 3
Use masking tape and plastic bags to seal off areas you don't want painted. These areas may include the seats, steering wheel and controls. You also can use tape to cover specific areas on the cart's body to create a pattern.
Step 4
Prime the golf cart with a thin coat of primer spray paint. There are paints on the market designed to adhere to plastic surfaces. If the coat looks too thin, add a second coat 20 to 30 minutes later. If you are painting a light color over a darker color, it likely will need an extra coat. Allow the primer to dry.
Step 5
Paint the golf cart in the color of your choice with an acrylic or plastic fusion spray paint. You may need to apply several coats to achieve the desired depth of color. Allow time in between coats to allow the paint to set--about 30 minutes is usually sufficient. Allow additional drying time in humid environments.
Step 6
Protect your new paint job with a coat of sealant, which is readily available at home improvement stores. Sealant is applied like any other coat of paint. It will help preserve the glossy finish of your cart.
Step 7
Remove the masking tape and the bags. Let your cart sit for at least 24 hours to dry. If you're making a pattern on the body, let the paint dry completely before taping off the next section, otherwise the tape will pull the paint off.
References
Tips
- An alternate choice to painting is applying a body-wrap to your cart. Specialty companies produce these vinyl wraps in hundreds of designs, and the peel-and-stick application makes them easy to use.
Things You'll Need
- Sandpaper
- Hose
- Masking tape
- Plastic bags
- Plastic primer spray paint
- Acrylic or plastic-fusion paint
- Sealant
Warnings
- Paint in well-ventilated areas to reduce inhaling toxic fumes.
Writer Bio
Based in CT, Bridgette Ashmore has been writing on a variety of topics since 1996. Her articles have been published in trade publications such as "LibraryScope" and "24/7" as well as topic-specific magazines like "ATV Rider" and "Side by Side." Ashmore has received numerous academic awards and possesses several college degrees—most recently a Master of Business Administration from the New York Institute of Technology.
