Little Tikes ‘Cosy Coupe’ Glow Up

If you’ve got a well-loved Little Tikes Cosy Coupe hanging around in your garden or playroom, don’t rush to replace it just yet. With a little creativity, you can transform a basic toy car into a unique and fun vehicle to keep your little one busy for hours!

Step 1: Prep, Prep, Prep!

The most boring step, but the most important!

Start by giving the car a thorough clean. Remove dirt, sticky residue, and any old stickers. Warm soapy water and a sponge will work wonders! If your Cosy Coupe is well loved, give it a light sand with sanding paper.

I recommend disassembling the car as much as possible to get paint in all the little gaps, remove the roof, wheels, steering wheel, and any accessories you can. OR if you’d rather not disassemble, tape and cover areas you do not wish to paint.

Step 2: Tape & protect your area

Decide which parts you want white and which will go rose gold. Typically, the body looks great in Rust-Oleum Rose Gold and the roof really pops in Rust-Oleum White!

Use masking tape and sheets to cover areas that won’t be painted in a particular colour. I sprayed onto old gravel so did not mind making a mess!

Step 3: Priming the car

Spray a light, even coat of Rust-Oleum Plastic Primer (white) over all areas you plan to paint. This step is essential, plastic is notoriously tricky to paint without it peeling or cracking. Let it dry as per instructions (usually around an hour but longer is fine).

Tip: Rust-Oleum spray paints come in durable, recyclable metal packaging, which helps keep the paint fresher for longer, protects it from air and moisture, and allows for easy, even spray application. Metal cans are also endlessly recyclable, so a win for your DIY project and the environment!

Step 4: Spray away!

Apply the Rust-Oleum Rose Gold to the main body and other chosen accents. Use smooth, sweeping motions and light coats to avoid drips.

Then, spray the White Spray Paint onto the roof.

Let each coat dry before applying the next. Depending on coverage, 2–3 coats should do the trick!

Step 5: Reassemble and add accessories

Once everything is dry (ideally leave it overnight), carefully peel off any masking tape and reassemble the car.

Add any accessories you wish, I added some self-adhesive silver trim and some new Cosy Coupe stickers to give the car a fresh look but still fun!

Stand back and admire your work. You’ve just taken a plastic classic and given it a designer-level makeover! And the best part? By using spray paint in metal packaging, you’re choosing a product that’s more sustainable and better for storage due to its durability. Metal cans don’t degrade or leak like other materials might, meaning your DIY supplies stay safe and sealed- ready for the next project, or if your can is completely empty just pop it in your recycling bin!