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

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

<ul>
<li><p>To coat the polystyrene object, use gesso (or another acrylic primer), plaster, a polystyrene-safe primer spray paint, or even white glue.</p></li>
<li><p>Now you can safely apply the fake stone layer. <strong>You can opt for a spray paint that's suitable for outdoor use, or use your current spray paint, and coat it afterwards.</strong></p></li>
<li><p>After the recommended amount of drying time, you can protect your creation with, for example, a clear acrylic coating spray.</p></li>
</ul>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-10T03:54:31.943Z
I was wondering if you've done this before, will it still look like stone with a clear protective coating?
user174174
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-10T06:49:24.277Z
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
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-09T17:50:39.087Z
2019-04-09T17:50:39.087Z
Joachim
<p>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? </p>

<painting>
Spray-painting polystyrene for outdoor use
G Lane
# Spray-painting polystyrene for outdoor use

(Asked by: username_0 on 2019-04-09)

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?

**Tags:** painting


---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2019-04-09. Score: 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.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: I was wondering if you've done this before, will it still look like stone with a clear protective coating?  
> **username_1**: 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.  

---

