Advice for re-painting a doll sized Big Wheel

[HardyGirl]

Hi guys,

Yeah, I know, not Mego related, but still toy related.

I've wanted my "70s" 18 inch dolls to have a Big Wheel for a long time. And I found one on Ebay that looks like this (only the back isn't broken):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cabbage-Patch-Kids-1-985-Doll-Tricycle-Big-Wheel-Arm-Bands-Place-For-Feet-/181728089855?hash=item2a4fd696ff:g:V6IAAOSweW5VOoxF

I want it to look like a classic 70s Big Wheel. I don't really do well w/ spray paint. Should I just treat it like painting a Mego head and use acrylic paint w/ matte? Or is there some other and/or better way?

Any advice?

[LonnieFisher]

Spray paint. Best way to do it is light coats from a foot away. Then you don't get runs.

[HardyGirl]

Spray paint isn't an option. I have asthma and even w/ a mask, it messes w/ my breathing.

[daz71]

when i've painted plastic with acrylic paint it never takes well even when i prime it first .mego hands seem to work ok but things like belts never work well.so it probably depends on the plastic.