Can I paint a mannequin?

Have you ever purchased one of the cheapest mannequins for sale from Valentino’s Displays and then decided it just doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of your brand fittings? Perhaps you’ve even considered returning it, but the price is just too good to give up. 

When you see a store mannequin for sale for a price that is too good to pass up, don’t worry so much about the colour – this is something you can change yourself if you have the time and inclination. 

With a quick spray paint, you will soon have your mannequin in shop and ready for retail use. 

How to paint clothes mannequins

There are three main ways you can paint your shop mannequin. 

• Look for a mannequin repair store near you: Breckland Finishing is a great national company in the UK, but you might be able to find someone local who can have your retail store mannequin painted and sent back to you even quicker.

• Consider a car painting factory: if you buy mannequin made of fibreglass, this could be an option for you, as car livery designers are used to working with this material.

• Grab some fibreglass paint and do it yourself: You can’t buy mannequin paint specifically, but you can buy the right paint for the material you are working with.

Why paint mannequins for retail stores?

It’s not just about branding – sometimes your mannequins need a little refresh. Perhaps you went for a white design and it’s gotten a little grubby over time. Or maybe you just want to redesign your whole store and painting your store window mannequin is a better option than throwing it away and buying a new one. 

Whatever the reason, read on for our top tips on getting your paint job right. 

Painting your shop window mannequins

There are many guides on the internet about how to do this properly. We took advice from Mannequin Madness, and this is how we would paint your mannequin for sale cheap. 

Start by gathering your materials. You’ll need old newspapers or a dust sheet to protect your floor and your choice of spray paint. You’ll need a paint gun, rags, water, and soap, plus gloves and a face mask to keep yourself clean and safe from chemical inhalation. 

Step 1: Put on your gloves and mask and place your mannequin on top of the newspapers or dust sheet. Make sure your protective base layer has a wide enough surface area to catch paint no matter how far it goes. Ensure there is plenty of ventilation too, by opening doors and windows. 

Step 2: Give your mannequin a thorough scrub down using the rag, soap, and water. Not only will this ensure a clean surface to start from, but it will also help the paint to better adhere to the cheapest mannequins for sale. 

Step 3: Make sure your mannequin is completely dry before painting. You may need to help the process with a dry towel. 

Step 4: Now for the fun bit! Spray paint your store mannequin for sale. You’ll want to keep your gun about two inches away from the mannequin and move fluidly, not lingering too long on any one spot so that you don’t end up with visible paint drips. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding a second layer, making sure to cover the mannequin completely. 

Step 5: Leave the mannequin overnight to completely dry and gently test a spot that will be out of sight to customers with your finger. If it is dry, you can put your mannequin in shop and start adorning it with your garments and accessories! 

What colour should you paint your shop mannequin?

This is a matter of preference, brand design, and paint availability. Ideally, your mannequin should be aligned with your brand colours, so that your customers subconsciously link the mannequins to your store. But if this is not possible, neutral colours for your retail store mannequins, like white, black, and nude are usually best, as they won’t distract from your garments. 

Remember the golden rule, however, your clothing should never blend into your mannequins for retail stores, as they won’t have a positive impact on your customers. So, you might want to have a variety of colours to ensure you always have a contrasting mannequin to hand. 

Do you just want to buy mannequins in the right colour?

Of course, it is always easier to just buy your store window mannequin in the colour you want it to be in the first place. That is one of the best things about shopping from Valentino’s store supplies. Our bespoke supplies service means you can order any of our shop window mannequins and ask us to paint them in the right colours for you. 

This service does mean delivery will take a little longer, but you’ll have a product that perfectly matches your store design, without any extra effort on your part.  

Refresh your mannequin for sale cheap!

Whether you paint your own or order the cheapest mannequins for sale from us, you are sure to get the finish you want. You don’t have to be a professional artist or spray painter to create the mannequin in shop you are imagining in your head – just a little time and patience. 

The best thing about creating a bespoke design is that no other store will have the same clothes mannequin as you. It will help you stand out in a crowded retail space and allow you to bring old shop mannequins back to life without spending much money. Which is better for the environment and for your business budget. 

If you need any more advice on how you can create the retail store mannequin of your dreams, get in touch! The friendly team at Valentino’s Store Supplies would love to help.