How to Paint a Phone Case?

09 Jul 2021
How to paint a phone case?

Phone cases are essential to protect your device's exterior from damage but they also showcase your unique style sense.

Custom phone cases purchased from a store can be basic and expensive.

Unleash your inner Picasso and decorate your phone case by following our impressive phone case painting guide.

Solid color and best clear  phone cases are affordable. Choose a solid, neutral color or clear plastic phone case to paint over and unleash your creativity. 

We recommend customizing your phone case by making use of 5 different painting techniques that we explore below. 

Regardless of your skill level, you'll be able to find a case here that is both reasonable and that you can completely DIY.

Follow the guidelines below on how to paint an aesthetically pleasing and durable case.

What you will need 

Customizing your phone case by paint is fun and simple. The supplies needed are cost-effective and easy to find.

  • Neutral color or Clear Plastic Phone case.
  • Rubbing alcohol for cleaning the phone cases before painting.
  • Primer 
  • Acrylic paint.
  • Puffy paint.
  • Painting brushes.
  • 3 different colors of nail polish.
  • Clear topcoat enamel.
  • Paper
  • Watercolor 

Abstract art phone case with Acrylic Paint

How to paint a phone case?
  • Wipe down your clear plastic phone case with rubbing alcohol and allow it to dry. The rubbing alcohol will remove any dirt and allow the paint to stick firmly on the case.
  • Prepare the case with a white painting primer using a clean paintbrush. The primer allows your paint to pop.
  • Once the primer is dry, let your creative juices flow and choose your favorite colors.
  • Abstract art is fun and easy. Place dots of your chosen colors and follow your heart with light brushstrokes.
  • Use your non-dominant hand and blend your paint using a  small paintbrush.
  • When you are happy with your results, allow the paint to completely dry on your phone case. This can take up to several hours. 
  • Add the clear topcoat enamel to protect your paint from wear and tear. 

Mandala phone case with puffy paint

how to paint a plastic phone case

A mandala is any circular figure with different symbols. If you do not like mandalas you can choose anything that you like such as a flower or butterflies.

  • Use any solid color case, ideally a solid white plastic or silicone phone case. 
  • Decide the size and color of your mandala with your puffy paint.
  • Puffy paint is vibrant, inexpensive with a lot of color variations. It creates a distinctive raised texture on your phone case and will improve gripping.
  • Check online for inspiration for your mandala paint or use designs that have meaning to you.
  • Add patterns, symbols, and colors that bring meaning to you to create your Mandala.
  • Allow your raised Mandala to dry and seal with a clear topcoat.

Spray paint on lace phone case

This will result in a very chic and opulent-looking phone case.

  • Prepare your phone case by cleaning with rubbing alcohol.
  • Choose a dark color such as black, brown, or navy and spray paint all over the case.
  • Cut out your favorite lace to cover the phone case with, Ensure that it is overlapping on the phone case.
  • Choose a light and /or metallic spray paint. Spray it over the lace-covered phone case generously.
  • Lift the lace to reveal the spectacular lace pattern design. The lace acts as a beautiful stencil with a precise design.
  • Allow to dry over long hours and seal with a clear topcoat enamel.
  • The top coat acts as a sealant to allow the spray paint to be durable.

Nail polish marble or tie-dye effect phone case

This is the most affordable and quick, yet beautiful phone case painting method. Nail polish is readily available.

how to paint a cell phone case
  • Choose two or three nail polish colors that complement each other.
  • Purple, lilac, and white would make a stunning phone case.
  • Add a few ounces of warm water to a bowl.
  • Add drops of your nail polish colors.
  • Swirl the bowl around to create a marble effect.
  • Choose your phone case color. Ideally, the phone case color should match one of the nail polish colors you have used.
  • Gently place your phone case in the bowl. Drip it so it takes the marble color.
  • Remove the phone case, allow the excess water to drip off. 
  • Allow drying for at least an hour.
  • Decide what type of finish you like. Matte or glossy? If you prefer a glossy finish, add a glossy nail polish top coat. For a matte finish leave as is.

Watercolor paper paint phone case

For those who are intimidated to paint directly on the phone case, this watercolor method is excellent.

  • Use white paper and dip your paintbrush in water.
  • Place a puddle of water droplets in your paper.
  • Pick up a tiny bit of your pigment and mix it in your droplets on the paper.
  • Stroke and brush until you are happy.
  • Use different colors and follow the same technique. 
  • Cut out the watercolor paper and stick it on your phone case. 
  • Cut out the paper in patterns or flowers if you prefer.
  • Seal with clear topcoat enamel and allow to dry. 

Tips for Painting your Phone Case 

  • Avoid painting on a silicone phone case because paint does not adhere well to silicone. Use plastic phone cases instead.
  • If you can not find a plastic phone case and you only have a silicone phone case sandpaper it before painting on it. Getting rid of air bubbles in liquid phone case might help you much. Rubbing sandpaper on a silicone phone case makes the paint adhere better. 
  • Allow the paint to completely dry overnight before applying your clear topcoat. This will ensure your paint lasts longer and doesn't peel away.
  • Use paint primer to make the colors to be more vivid and last longer.
  • If you do not have a paint primer, use a clear plastic case and paint inside the case so that your design is protected.
  • Customize and paint your phone case with what inspires you.
  •  Reflect on your unique style, interests, and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Customization of phone cases by painting is a fun and relaxing activity. There is a painting technique to suit anyone.  

Whether you want to dedicate 15 minutes or 24 hours there is a creative way you can spice up your phone case to protect your most loved device.

Check out our article that explores other cute ways to customize your phone case. 

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