If you've got a stack of old records that don't play anymore, you might be wondering what to do with them. Instead of pitching them, turn your records into custom pieces of art! Think of the vinyl as a totally unique canvas that just needs a little paint and creativity. You don't need many supplies to paint a vinyl record, but if you have questions about materials or the painting process, read on.

Question 2 of 7:

Do I need to prime the record before I paint it?

  1. Yes—paint will peel away from the vinyl if you don't prime it first. Fortunately, it's super easy to prime a vinyl record. Lay the record on a flat surface and dip a paintbrush or foam brush in gesso. Brush the gesso across the area of the record that you wish to paint and let it dry for at least 1 hour.[2]
    • Gesso is a paint mixture that fills in your painting surface so it's smooth. It also gives the acrylic paint something to stick to so it doesn't peel away over time.
    • It's true that you can try to paint the record without priming it, but your paint will probably curl at the edges and peel up over time.
Question 3 of 7:

What kind of paint do you use on a vinyl record?

  1. 1
    Use acrylic paint to paint the record. In general, go for acrylic paint so it sticks to the primer on your vinyl record. Acrylic paint also dries fast so you can quickly enjoy your vinyl artwork.[3]
  2. 2
    Get spray paint if you want quick, even coverage or a bold, edgy effect. Pick up a few cans of spray paint in any color you like. If you're planning on painting a solid background color before going in with a paintbrush, just spray the entire surface of the record with spray paint and let it dry. For a cool effect, spray the paint onto a few spots of the record—these are great for painting planets or giving a starry sky effect.[4]
    • For example, spray paint the entire surface in matte black spray paint. Then, spray a circle shape in orange-red spray paint to represent a planet.
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Question 4 of 7:

What are some painting effects I can try?

  1. 1
    Use a paintbrush or foam brush to apply an even base coat. Dip a 2 in (5.1 cm) flat paintbrush into acrylic paint and brush it smoothly across the surface of the record if you want a solid background color. You could also use a foam brush to paint small areas of the record like the foreground of a landscape that you plan on doing.[5]
    • This works great for making a sunset or ocean scene on your record. Want to make a cloudy sky? Apply a pale blue base—once it dries, you can go back with a foam brush and make white clouds.
    • Experiment with fun abstract designs! Brush splashes of color on the record and add a few spritzes of spray paint for a unique design.
  2. 2
    Dip a small round paintbrush in paint to apply tiny details. Want to paint flowers, words, or exquisite designs on your record? Get out a variety of small, round paintbrushes that have fine tips. This way you have more control when you paint these details.[6]
    • For example, paint a vining plant with tiny flowers across one side of the record or paint song lyrics from the album on the record.
    • You can use the pointed wooden end of the paintbrush to apply paint, too! Dip the end in acrylic paint and dab it onto your record to make a bold dot. You can arrange these dots in a gorgeous geometric design.
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Question 5 of 7:

How do I pour acrylic paint on a record?

  1. 1
    Cover the hole in the record and set it on a rack to contain the mess. If you don't want paint falling through the middle of the record, stick a piece of painter's tape on the underside of the hole. Set the record on a wire rack with a container underneath to catch the paint.[7]
    • Feel free to cover as much of the center of the record as you like. For instance, you might put tape over all of the album info so you can still see the artist and album name once you've painted it.
  2. 2
    Combine pouring medium with your choice of acrylic paint so it's thinner. Put 1 cup (240 ml) of pouring medium into a cup and stir in a 2  fl oz (59 ml) tube of acrylic paint. If you want to use more than one color, repeat this with another color in a separate cup.
    • To make a pouring medium, mix 4 cups (0.95 L) of floetrol, 1 cup (240 ml) of craft glue, 12 cup (120 ml) of liquid pouring medium, and 14 cup (59 ml) of water.[8]
  3. 3
    Pour the thin acrylic paint over the vinyl and swirl it to cover the record. There's no right or wrong way to pour the paint—you could overturn the paint cup onto the center of the record and let it slowly flow out or you could pour the paint in a circular motion around the grooves in the vinyl. Then, pick up the record by its sides and gently tilt it to get a swirled effect that covers the whole surface.[9]
    • Although the record will probably be dry to the touch within a few hours, it's best to wait overnight so the paint can really harden.
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Question 6 of 7:

How do you seal acrylic paint on vinyl?

About This Article

Jessica Gibson
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Jessica Gibson is a Writer and Editor who's been with wikiHow since 2014. After completing a year of art studies at the Emily Carr University in Vancouver, she graduated from Columbia College with a BA in History. Jessica also completed an MA in History from The University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 46,357 times.
47 votes - 98%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: August 25, 2021
Views: 46,357
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