Painting Pelican cases

[GregS]

So I'm building a car first aid/trauma kit. I like the idea of putting it in a waterproof plastic case like a Pelican case. Have any of you come up with a fool proof way to paint this type of case and have the paint actually stay put?

I imagine that primer and paint would hold up, but maybe not.

 

[mpollan1]

If it is going to live in your car, primer/paint should be just fine. Maybe an epoxy type paint. Point of curiosity though, why are you looking to paint it?

 

[Ecestu]

Why not just buy the color you want?

 

[King Chicken]

So I'm building a car first aid/trauma kit. I like the idea of putting it in a waterproof plastic case like a Pelican case. Have any of you come up with a fool proof way to paint this type of case and have the paint actually stay put?

I imagine that primer and paint would hold up, but maybe not.

I've read elsewhere sanding with a finer grit helps the paint/primer stick better.
If you use the 'ol laundry bag stencil method or any other complex camo id love to see the results!
Might want to start with a coyote and not black case so when it wears it will wear like a fine whoowine.

 

[Rambler]

Getting good bonding, especially on plastic, is all about surface prep. Clean with isopropol/rubbing alcohol. Sand with fine grit and clean again with alcohol. Krylon makes paint specifically for plastic as well as primers for that. check out their website.

 

[slsc98]

So I'm building a car first aid/trauma kit. I like the idea of putting it in a waterproof plastic case …​

I’m confused; WHY any need to paint anything when they are already - readily available in ….

EMT Orange … ​

and a multitude of different sizes … (?)

3800 Weatherproof Protective Case, Large, Orange

Amazing deals on this Lg Weatherproof Protective Case Orange at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[ironpony]

OP if you would like to paint your Pelican then go right ahead. I second the use of Krylon.

 

[dannyp]

Getting good bonding, especially on plastic, is all about surface prep. Clean with isopropol/rubbing alcohol. Sand with fine grit and clean again with alcohol. Krylon makes paint specifically for plastic as well as primers for that. check out their website.

this is your answer .

 

[ToBeFree]

I have used the Krylon paint for plastic on outdoor projects. Cleaned and the painted. Lasted a very long time. Good stuff.

 

[Bullfrog]

this is your answer .

Nah. I think @Ecestu and @slsc98 had the answer.

Apache cases at Harbor Freight:

Available in black, green, orange, tan, yellow. (Not all sizes have all colors).

 

[Inigoes]

I use a dry bag.

Why use a hard pelican case, when you can use a dry bag that can double as a back pack?

 

[Bullfrog]

I use a dry bag.

Why use a hard pelican case, when you can use a dry bag that can double as a back pack?

Good point. Also can be fit into a wider variety of spaces due to flexibility, if you have to load up your trunk with something and need to move things around.

 

[N3uka]

Found this posted on another site. Couldn't find on the Pelican site so take it for what it is worth.

From Pelican website:

"What adhesives and/or paints can be used on the cases?
Due to the nature of the polypropylene being chemically inert, very little will attack the material. That also means that very few adhesives and paints will adhere satisfactorily. For an adhesive, we have found that 3M’s DP-8005 two-part adhesive works very well with our case material. It has also been reported that “Shoe Goo” works very well. For paint, Krylon has a product out called Fusion that they claim will adhere to polyolefin-based materials like polypropylene."

 

[BFMIN]

this "Krylon has a product out called Fusion"

 

[ToolAA]

this "Krylon has a product out called Fusion"

I’ve used it before and it’s pretty solid. I’ve also used Aluma-Hyde which works really well especially if you can cure the paint inside of an oven at a relatively lower temp.

Brownells - Serious about firearms

Developed by Brownells, Aluma-Hyde II is a unique finish offering increased resistance to cleaners, solvents, and other chemicals. Aluma-Hyde is the perfect choice for gun enthusiasts who want to protect and keep their firearms looking great for years to come.

www.brownells.com

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ironpony]

I missed the part where OP said he wanted a yellow or orange box . Did I?

 

[Markpixs]

Don't forget reflective tape, so it's easier to spot at night. Use a red reflect for the cross and a line around the case - 3Mtape

 

[Markpixs]

tape options

 

[GregS]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will likely buy a Pelican-like case from Harbor Freight. I was planning on the smaller one, which only comes in black. I'm planning on painting it red, which is not available on any of the sizes.

 

[Bullfrog]

I missed the part where OP said he wanted a yellow or orange box . Did I?

He did not, until recently when he said he wanted it red.

However, many kits are marked or colored in a way that makes them stand out quickly, ie, white, safety orange, etc.