Can You Use Acrylic Paint on AirPods Case?

The default design of an Apple AirPods case is very sleek and simple. However, the blank white casing can start to feel a little bland and boring after a little while.

You can try customizing an AirPods case by purchasing a case cover, but these covers are often bulky and take away from the case’s original sleek aesthetic. 

So, if you want to add a fun and personalized touch to your AirPods case without affecting its shape and size, you can paint it with acrylic paint. 

Can You Paint on AirPods Cases with Acrylic Paint?

Apple uses polycarbonate plastic to make its AirPods cases. This material is sleek and smooth, so not many things can stick to it. 

Acrylic paint is just one of the few types of paints that will permanently stay on these cases. This type of paint works on almost any kind of surface as long as there isn’t any oil or wax coating on the surface. 

Painters often use acrylic paint on glass, plastic, metal, stone, fabric, and leather. So, this versatile paint will definitely stay on the glossy surface of an AirPods case. 

How to Paint an AirPods Case Using Acrylic Paint

If you’re interested in using acrylic paint to decorate your AirPods case, you’ll need some cleaning materials, an acrylic paint set, and paint brushes. 

Clean Your AirPods Case

The first thing you want to do is clean your AirPods case. One of the best ways to clean it is to use a soft lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol. 

Use the cloth to do an initial wipedown of the case to remove dust and debris. Then, pour a small amount of the isopropyl alcohol on the cloth. The cloth should feel slightly damp, not wet. 

Wipe the entire surface of the AirPods case with the dampened cloth. Pay special attention to spots that may have oily finger prints on them. 

You can check for fingerprints by going to a well-lit area and turning the AirPods case around in the light to look for faint traces of fingerprints. 

The goal of cleaning the AirPods case thoroughly is to completely remove all traces of debris and oil from the surface. 

These things will ruin the texture of your painting and can also prevent the acrylic paint from sticking to the case. 

Once you’ve wiped off all fingerprints from the AirPods case, let it airdry completely. Never start painting while the isopropyl alcohol is still wet. 

The alcohol will change the composition of the acrylic paint by diluting it. If you use diluted acrylic paint, you’ll end up with uneven application and paint that won’t stick to the Airpods case.

Prime the AirPods Case

Since the surface of the AirPods case is so smooth and glossy, apply a paint primer made for plastic surfaces. 

The primer will help the acrylic paint adhere to the case, which enables you to have better control of the paint. 

You can either use a traditional primer that requires a brush to apply to the case. Another option is a spray paint primer. 

The spray paint primer is much more convenient than the traditional primer. You can apply it rather quickly, and you also have an even coating on the surface. 

Wait for the primer to dry completely before painting. 

Paint the AirPods Case

There are two ways you can paint AirPods cases with acrylic paint. First, you can use tubes of acrylic paint and paintbrush to create your design. 

If you want to do a simpler project, you can use acrylic spray paint to paint your AirPods case a different solid color. 

You can also use painter’s tape or masking tape to cover up different spots on the case to make simple designs or geometric patterns. 

Once you’re satisfied with how your AirPods case looks, set it down and let it dry completely.  

Seal the Acrylic Paint

Sometimes, acrylic paint will start to peel off the case. If your paint won’t stick to the case, you can try using a sealant to keep the painted designs in place. 

Wait for the acrylic paint to dry completely before spraying on the sealant. After you apply the sealant, set it on a smooth surface, such as paper, cardboard, or a silicone mat. 

Leave your AirPods case to dry for at least one full day. 

If you touch wet sealant, you can end up leaving your fingerprints permanently over your design. 

You can also smudge the acrylic paint, making all your hard work go down the drain. 

How To Remove Acrylic Paint Off AirPods Cases

If you make a mistake or want to completely remove your painted design, you can use rubbing alcohol. 

Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth or cottonball and gently rub it against the acrylic paint. You may need to use several applications of rubbing alcohol before the paint starts to come off. 

Let your AirPods case dry completely before working on painting it again. Once they’re completely dry, don’t forget to apply a new layer of primer. 

You can also use a paint scraper to chip away at the acrylic paint. However, this method can be very risky because you can easily damage the AirPods case. So, make sure to work slowly and patiently to remove the paint. 

If you’re using a paint scraper, start scraping the edge of the design you want to remove. Take your time, and don’t apply any sort of pressure on the scraper. Light scraping will help you to avoid scratching the AirPods case. 

Wrap Up

Acrylic paint typically works well with AirPods cases, and you can use it as a fun way to decorate and personalize your own case. 

Just make sure to use a primer before painting, and apply sealant afterward to prevent the paint from peeling off. Also, use rubbing alcohol or a paint scraper if you make any mistakes as you paint.

With a little time and patience, you’ll have a cool design that’ll make your AirPods case stand out from the rest.