This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to paint PVC pipe to look like metal. Get the -how to- along with links to products, tips and tricks to make the process easier and hassle free. Do you have a project in mind? The possibilities are endless!
If you’ve spent any time reading this blog, you may already know how much I like projects using plumbing pipe. A few cuts, some twists and turns, and in many instances, no tools! So, when my niece approached me to make a pretzel pipe stand for her wedding reception I jumped at the chance to play with pipe again.
She said she wanted the pipe to be gold. Because the stand was not meant to hold anything heavy, I decided to learn how to paint pvc pipe to look like metal and save my niece some cash.
How to paint PVC Pipe to Look Like Metal
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| Materials Needed |
| 3/4″ PVC Pipe and joining pieces ( see step 5 for details on this)
Metallic Spray Paint (Here is the gold color I used) |
Step 1: Cut Pipe to Size
Measure and cut the pipe for your project. I used 3/4″ pvc pipe and was lucky enough to have the nice guy at the plumbing store cut mine for me at no charge! You can try and coerce your way into this service, or you can easily cut your own with a hack saw.
Step 2: Sand the Outside Surface of the PVC
Using 220 grit sand paper sand the outside of the pipe to roughen the surface. You can accomplish this pretty quickly if you put a large piece of sandpaper in your hand and wrap your whole hand around the pipe and sand until the shine is gone.
Step 3: Apply Spray-on Primer
Once the pieces are sanded and assembled (see step 5 for tips on assembly) give the piece two coats of white spray primer. Make sure the first coat is completely dry before adding the second one. Below is the primer I used. If you use a different brand, be sure it can be used on plastic.
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Step 4: Apply Spray Paint
Now it’s time for the good stuff. This is the gold color I used. I applied 3 coats making sure each coat was dry before applying the next.
Step 5: Enjoy the Final Product
Such a simple project! The paper bags had pretzel bites in them and the name of the bride and groom on the front with the phrase “We Tied the Knot”. How cute is that?
Some Helpful Tips:
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- Flanges (the bottom round pieces that support the pipe) typically only come in metal so make sure you buy this adapter to join the pipe to the flange.
- You may have noticed the longer piece is bowing a little in the center. This happened after a few hours. To avoid this I would recommend adding another vertical stand in the center for pieces wider than 4 feet (mine was 6 feet wide).
I hope you enjoyed learning how to paint pvc pipe to look like metal! If you like pipe projects check out my other pipe projects!
I would love to see your pipe projects, too! Tag me on instagram so I can see them and share them with everyone.
If you have other tips or questions, leave them in the comments. And if you like simple scrap wood and DIY projects for the home be sure and sign up to receive my email with new projects.I don’t email often and I promise I won’t share your email address with anyone!
Happy pipe painting! Don’t forget to pin!
You mentioned ysing a saw to cut the pipe… would you not be able to cut a 3/4 pipe with a pvc pipe cutter?
Also, was the 3/4 able to not bow over time? Would you think it would have held more weight?
I like the color that it came out… definitely looked like metal!
Hi JC,
I’m sure you could use PVC pipe cutters. I think the reason it bowed was because of how long it was. The shorter the horizontal piece, the straighter and I think if it was shorter it would hold a little more weight too. But remember PVC is very light. It depends on what you want to hang from it.
Thanks for stopping by and I’m glad you liked the color!! Good luck!