Painting jugs

[Outlawmws]

OK now that I have your attention!

I got some food sale 7 gallon jugs, (blue plastic, had food grade oil in them, I've cleaned them and will use them for water transport for camping)

They are marked 02 (inside the recycle triangle) and PE-HD under that.

I want to paint the lower section so they are better heat absorbers, (because I like warm water for washing with) and I've hit a potential snag.

Neither masking tape, nor Electrician's tape will stick to the stuff...

Will the Fusion spray paint that is intended for plastics work? Do I need to clean it with say Denatured alcohol? before painting?

 

[Mickey O]

www.marthastewart.com

 

[theoldwizard1]

They are marked 02 (inside the recycle triangle) and PE-HD under that.

More commonly written HDPE, High-density polyethylene.

Never tried this so don't blame me !

From what I have found with Google, run an open flame across the surface. (How long ?) Spray it with water so that it cools quickly. Dry. Wipe down with alcohol and most any spray paint should work.

 

[GN4WHLN]

This isn't about *****? I feel cheated...

 

[Mickey O]

Wonder if you could use something like saran wrap that would cling to the plastic through static electricity?

 

[Hundojoe]

How about trying some black "plasti-dip", the same kind of stuff thats on handles of pliers and other tools. Im not sure if it will stick to that type of plastic but you could try calling the manufacture and ask them. You can buy it in an aerosol or in the can and brush it on, just my 2 cent, hope this hops and good luck.

 

[tfreer85]

I'm fairly certain that plastic milk jugs are HDPE, might be worth practicing on. I would:
1) Prep it with rubbing it with alcohol.
2) Do a good scotch pad scrubbing, so you can get the paint to "bite."
3) Clean it again with rubbing alcohol
4) Paint with a plastic rated primer
5) Top coat or second coat, etc.

 

[p_mori7]

This isn't about *****? I feel cheated...

The title would then have been '*****'...

 

[Cougar]

Roll on truck bed liner?

 

[softailgarage]

^^^ I was going to suggest spray on bedliner. Home Depot has it.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

Take the bucket outside, wear appropriate gloves, and wash it down with Methyl-Ethel-Keytone (MEK), then tape and any spray paint rated for plastic should work fine.

 

[RECox286]

Where are the naked ladies ? Did eye miss sumthin' ?

Uncle Bob

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm fairly certain that plastic milk jugs are HDPE, might be worth practicing on. I would:
1) Prep it with rubbing it with alcohol.
2) Do a good scotch pad scrubbing, so you can get the paint to "bite."
3) Clean it again with rubbing alcohol
4) Paint with a plastic rated primer
5) Top coat or second coat, etc.

Take the bucket outside, wear appropriate gloves, and wash it down with Methyl-Ethel-Keytone (MEK), then tape and any spray paint rated for plastic should work fine.

Confirmed on the milk jugs, and I think this is the basic game plan initially.

Do a test with both and see how it works...

Thanks guys!

 

[signcrafter]

I thought dynabill was back for a minute when I read the title!

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you want the water warm, why not paint the entire jug ?

 

[Outlawmws]

If you want the water warm, why not paint the entire jug ?

Once you start using any water, it's down off the top, so I was going to leave the blue showing up top, plus, I was going to tape a "W" so it would be reverse stenciled in (H2o being altogether too much work! ). Better for visibility esp at night, (I've had one water tank driven over in camp...)

 

[Nowater]

Water stored in those jugs will be fine for washing, but I am not sure about using the water for drinking. Some plastics (like milk jugs) allow oil molecules to migrate into the plastic structure itself. Later that oil goes rancid or supports bacteria growth. Google it.

Restaurants are forbidden from reusing milk jugs just for that reason.

 

[Outlawmws]

Reuse

An example of a plastic container that can reused is No. 2 plastic. These containers are made from high density polyethylene, known as HDPE. Most milk containers are HDPE. Instead of recycling every container, look for uses around the house. As long as it is properly cleaned the No. 2 plastic is safe for reuse. Other types of containers with HDPE include butter tubs and juice bottles. Reusing plastic containers instead of purchasing new containers conserves plastic by preventing its use in the first place.

I've been using HDPE vegetable oil jugs for at least 15 years without an issue. These are the same materiel, just heavier duty. The old set were the type that came in cardboard boxes as the are ultra thin and I always left them in the boxes to protect the jugs from chafing in transit. Worked great, and packed MUCH better than round jugs. These are still rectangular, but a lot more durable, and hold 7 rather than 5 gallons.

As to what the water is being used for, in general its washing only, but I would not hesitate to drink or cook with it it in s pinch. I generally bring the 2-1/2 gallon water containers for drinking and cooking but that is a matter of convenience, not concern for safety.

I have a 30 gallon round container that I keep on hand with emergency water and its the same material and deal. I add a teaspoon of "real" bleach (Not the "special **** they generally sell these days, it's hard to find...) or chlorine to it and change is annually. (the bleach/chlorine is to purify/kill any microbes so it is not growing things in the tap water).

Reusable water containers they sell are also HDPE so its clear this is a non issue unless you don't properly clean them.