Would a white plastic laundry tub be degraded by UV if I install it outside in the garden?

Question

I want to use this to wash my vegetables before I bring them into the house. Would painting the plastic help to protect it?

The laundry tub is not just a basin. It has a faucet, taps and a drain. I would connect a hose to it. The tub would be brought into the house during the months with freezing temperatures.

The idea is to keep the mess out of the house and let the used water (greywater) go right back into the garden.

Answer 1

From your description I think you are talking about a sink (tub) made of fiberglas. If so you will see what look like hairs scattered through the material. They might be an inch long or so. If that is the material it is indeed plastic, but it is a different type of plastic than the bottles and and other household products you are familiar with. It is the same basic material that the Corvette sports car is made of and it is strong and resisitant to abuse. HOWEVER, all plastics do deteriorate when exposed to the sun and temperature extremes. This particular plastic CAN be painted with a good acrylic paint or enamel, such as Rustoleum or Krylon Fusion Paints, all of these can be found at WalMart, ACE Hardware, etc. and painting will help preserve the finish and make it more resistant to the environment. I think it is still a good idea to tyr to keep it in the shade as much as possilbe simply to extend its life.

Answer 2

Rubbermaid trashcans stand the time outside.... i don't see why it would not work... although, after time, it may start to fall apart... anything Rubbermaid will withstand the time... what about a nice milk crate??? or uh... how bout a nice colander? if all else fails, a nice sheet of screen mesh stuff.... or uh.... who knows. tub. i would keep it turned upside down when not in use.... i still think anything Rubbermaid. haha.

Answer 3

anything put out side in the sun will degrade.
The real problem will come with the temp changes that the plastic will go through.

Answer 4

I wouldn't paint it, it would just come off and make a mess. It should work fine.

Answer 5

Yes, eventhough you paint it. Actually painting it would make plastics more brittle.

Answer 6

I would use something stronger or built for outdoor use. What about a small galvanized tub like this one.

http://www.marshallgrain.com/marshall/product.asp?s%5Fid=0&dept%5Fid=3058&pf%5Fid=KCIIDBEONPNEDNDA&