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So I've gone all in on my Frank Green collection. I love my Frank Green bottles, I tell everyone I know to buy a Frank Green bottle. But there has always been a problem. The bottles are too big for cupholders, like comically too big (which isn't to say a bad thing, because it's exactly what I wanted for a bottle).
So when a certain TikTok video went viral, I was onto the second I could to get down to Bunnings and stock up on some PVC adapters.
But there was one problem. Aesthetically, PVC doesn't really gel with the interior of a car, so it was time to roll up my sleeves and get into some D.I.Y.
Products Used:
Now all of these products can be purchased at your discretion, however to have the cupholders steady you do need to purchase the specific taper size listed below
PVC 100 x 65 Taper Level Invert (cupholder): https://www.bunnings.com.au/holman-100-x-65mm-pvc-dwv-taper-level-invert_p4750181
Black Spray Paint: https://www.bunnings.com.au/white-knight-310g-flat-black-squirts-spray-paint_p1560604
P2 Face Mask: https://www.bunnings.com.au/safecorp-p2-carbon-valved-respirator-2-pack_p0401344
Safety Glasses: https://www.bunnings.com.au/safecorp-clear-anti-scratch-safety-glasses_p0401339
Garden/Safety Gloves: https://www.bunnings.com.au/cyclone-invisigrip-tough-gardening-gloves-medium_p2970730
180 Grit Sandpaper: https://www.bunnings.com.au/flexovit-115mm-x-1m-180-grit-painted-surface-sandpaper-roll_p1210524
Acetone: https://www.bunnings.com.au/diggers-250ml-acetone-cleaning-solvent_p1567255
Bag o' Rags: https://www.bunnings.com.au/white-rags-paint-partner-1-5kg-white-rags_p0105941
Step 1 - Let's sand some PVC
Now your mileage may vary, but after Youtubing some videos around how to paint PVC the clear recommendation was to sand down the PVC and apply some acetone to remove any remaining dust etc. The theory of this is sound due to the fact that PVC generally has a coating to stop things like water from adhering to the PVC.
Just remember to use your gloves and safety glasses at this point to avoid any acetone contact on your skin/eyes!
That being said, If I had my time over, I would probably avoid this step as the use of spray paint probably made this step redundant as the spray paint was fairly forgiving.
Step 2 - Get sprayin'
It's time to start spraying the PVC at this point. It's highly recommended to make quick sprays across the surface from around 15-20cm away from the surface.
I was pretty happy with this method and the final finish is pretty good for a first timer! I ended up going with about two coats as this particular product had a 10 minute drying time so it was easy to apply a few coats.
A few of my initial sprays were a bit too close to the PVC which caused the paint to run, so the 15-20cm distance is highly recommended for a quality finish.
Step 3 - These bottles ain't going anywhere
This final step took some trial and error, but I really wanted to make sure that the bottles wouldn't move around too much in the PVC when driving. So using some furniture surface protector felt that I had lying around the house I cut off 3 fairly thin strips that I then stuck into the inner part of the taper fitting.
Now the first run of this was not ideal, this made the bottle far too tight and when lifting it out of the car cupholder, the bottle came out still connected to the fitting. So a quick trip to Bunnings and some thinner pieces of felt have absolutely done the trick.
Step 4 - Enjoy all the water in your car!
After a quick and simple bit of D.I.Y. I've now got my trusty 1L Frank Green bottle in my car finally!
Hi @maknilsin,
What a great way to start off 2023 with a fun DIY project that has enhanced the adventures in your car! I also love my large water bottle and found that it would constantly end up on the floor. Thank you for creating this handy step-by-step guide for creating the perfect (and stylish) cup holder from PVC, I will need to give this one a go.
Katie
Hello @Former Workshop member
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.
Let me tag @maknilsin to make them aware of your kind words. If you wish to have a snug fit, I suggest using Syneco Assorted Self Adhesive Felt Pack on the inside and outside of the cup holder.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
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