Customizing Playsets?

[StillandSilent]

What is the best way to customize a playset?  Would putting down a layer of spray paint as a base give regular paint something to hold on to?
I have two G3 playsets that I would like to do something with, but I'm not sure where to start

[Ponybookworm]

Sandpaper, lots of it. G3 playset plastic has a glossy quality to it which doesn't take paint well, so sanding down the whole thing is essential to start with. I'm busily sanding down a spare ice cream van I have so I can Customise it.

[StillandSilent]

Thanks for the tip!  What grain do you use?

[Ponybookworm]

Several different ones. A coarser one can take off things you don't want, while a finer grain gives a good finish. It's going to smell & be dusty so do take precautions re that (masks, ventilation)

[StillandSilent]

After you sanded (boy, do those face masks come in handy!)  did you put down a primer or spray paint or something else, or do you think it matters?

[Ponybookworm]

I haven't finished sanding my van yet!!!

[RoseNoire]

I'm customizing one piece of g3 furniture, though the project is on hold for now. I've used a few coats of Gesso so I can get a nice and blank surface to paint on. It works really well ! That saves on tedious sanding, scratches and plastic dust getting everywhere.^^
When it's done, I will be adding a few coats of clear and matte varnish.

[StillandSilent]

I ended up spraying on a coat of primer, since I wanted to take the castle from garish purple and pink to a light green.   It's so white right now!
The primer also makes it much easier for me to visualize what I want to do with it.
I'm going to spray down the beach playset tomorrow.   There are so many darling little accents that were molded but never painted in the original!

[Ponybookworm]

They're going to be gorgeous!!! And nothing wrong with a white base to paint on.

[Snapdragon]

I'm going to attempt to do this soon, so ... good luck!! I can't wait to see what you make!