goodngrubby
Active VIP Member
Yes, the only way to truly colour plastic is to dye it, otherwise the paint will just peel. If you are desperate you could colour the whole thing with jiffy marker, this will stain the outer plastic a little, but not like a true dye.
You can buy some kits aftermarket for dying vinyl and plastic. Sorry, don't have a link.
I think this would be your best bet. I marked a couple jerry cans "premium" "mixed", etc. a few years ago with a black sharpy. It's still there as prominent as day one. It would take an hour or so, but you'd be better off versus painting it.