Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years...Read more
Plasti Dip is a special type of rubber coating used on various surfaces, including cars, wheels, and home tools. Its main draw is its ease of application and removal. Plasti Dip is a rubber-based coating that you can spray or paint onto a surface.
People like it because it’s not permanent. You can peel it off whenever you want. This feature makes Plasti Dip a favorite for temporary vehicle color changes or protecting surfaces.
What is Plasti Dip?
Plasti Dip, a unique type of paint, behaves more like rubber than conventional paint. When applied by spraying or brushing, it dries into a flexible, rubber-like coating. This coating distinguishes itself from regular paint due to its impermanence, allowing you to peel it off without compromising the underlying surface. This characteristic makes Plasti Dip well-suited for temporary projects.
It is used to alter the appearance of cars, wheels, and even smaller items like tools, Plasti Dip stands out for its user-friendly nature. No special skills are required for its application; simply spray or brush it on. It dries rapidly and boasts enduring qualities.If you have a change of heart regarding the color or desire to revert to the original look, effortlessly peel it off.
Can you put Paint over Plasti Dip?
Absolutely, you can paint over Plasti Dip. Plasti Dip is a unique rubber coating that can be applied to various surfaces, including cars and furniture, using spray or brush techniques. Its popularity stems from its ease of application and the ability to remove it at will. If you decide to alter the color or style, simply paint over it. Achieving optimal results requires selecting the appropriate paint and thoroughly preparing the Plasti Dip surface.
When you decide to paint over Plasti Dip, you need to think about two main things. What kind of paint you use matters a lot. Not all paints stick well to Plasti Dip’s rubbery surface. Some may not hold on well, and others might not look good or could even damage the Plasti Dip.
You must prepare the Plasti Dip surface before painting. This means cleaning it well and maybe lightly sanding it. This helps the new paint stick better and look smooth.
How Plasti Dip Works
Choosing the Right Surface
For Plasti Dip to work well, you need the right surface. It sticks best to clean, dry, and non-oily surfaces. You can use it on metal, glass, plastic, and even wood. Before you start, make sure the surface is free from dust, dirt, and grease. A clean surface ensures that the Plasti Dip adheres properly and lasts longer.
Preparing the Surface
After choosing the right surface, you need to prepare it. If it’s rough, smooth it a bit with fine-grit sandpaper. Next, clean the area with a cloth and rubbing alcohol. This step removes any dust from sanding and oils that might stop the Plasti Dip from sticking.
Applying Plasti Dip
Applying Plasti Dip is simple. You can either spray it or brush it on, based on your project. If spraying, shake the can well and spray from about 6-8 inches away in even strokes. Use several thin layers instead of one thick layer. This method makes it dry quicker and last longer. Wait a few minutes between each layer.
Drying Time
After applying Plasti Dip, it needs time to dry. The drying time can vary depending on the number of layers you’ve applied. Usually, it takes about 4 hours to dry to the touch. But, it’s best to wait a full 24 hours before using the item to ensure it’s completely dry and durable.
Removal and Maintenance
A great thing about Plasti Dip is it’s easy to remove. Just find an edge and peel it. It should come off in big pieces. You can clean it like the original surface. But avoid harsh chemicals or rough cleaners, as they can damage the Plasti Dip.
What Paint Can You Use Over Plasti Dip?
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint adheres well to Plasti Dip surfaces due to its plastic-like composition. It comes in various colors and can be applied with a brush or a spray can. Apply thin layers, allowing each to dry before adding another for a smooth finish.
Acrylic paint is durable and suitable for outdoor projects, but ensure the surface is clean before painting. Test a small area first to check compatibility with Plasti Dip.
Enamel Paint
Enamel paint is another type you can use over Plasti Dip. It’s known for its hard finish, making it a strong choice for items that get a lot of use. You can find enamel paint in both spray cans and as a liquid for brushing on. This type of paint is oil-based, so it takes longer to dry than acrylic paint. But, its strong finish makes it worth the wait.
When using enamel paint, apply it in thin, even coats. Let each coat dry well. This might take a few hours or overnight. Enamel paint is tough and can resist chips and scratches. This makes it good for things like car parts or outdoor furniture. Like with acrylic paint, make sure the Plasti Dip surface is clean and try a small test patch first.
Automotive Paint
Automotive paint is specially made for cars and is a great choice for painting over Plasti Dip on vehicles. It’s designed to last long and resist weather and sunlight. Automotive paint comes in many colors and finishes, like matte or glossy. You can find it in spray cans for easy application.
Applying automotive paint is similar to other paints. Use thin layers and let each layer dry. This type of paint might need a clear coat on top for extra protection and shine. Automotive paint is strong and will keep your car looking good for a long time. Clean the Plasti Dip surface well before painting and do a small test area first.
Latex Paint
Latex paint, a water-based option, offers ease of use and cleaning. It proves ideal for indoor projects and less frequently used items. Latex paint boasts a wide array of available colors, readily accessible in stores. You have the choice to apply it with a brush or a roller, depending on your project’s requirements.
For optimal outcomes when using latex paint, ensure you apply thin and uniform layers. Allow each coat to fully dry before proceeding to the next. A notable advantage of latex paint is its rapid drying time when compared to oil-based options, which minimizes the wait time between coats.
Vinyl Paint
Vinyl paint is a special kind of paint that works well on flexible surfaces. This makes it a good match for Plasti Dip. It’s great for things that need to bend or move, like car interiors or fabric. Vinyl paint can be sprayed on, and it dries quickly.
When using vinyl paint, apply it in light coats. Let it dry between coats. Vinyl paint is flexible, so it won’t crack or peel on bendy surfaces. It’s not as common as other types of paint, so you might need to look in specialty stores. Clean the Plasti Dip well before painting.
How to remove Plasti Dip?
To remove Plasti Dip from a surface, start by finding an edge or corner of the coating. You can use your fingers to do this. Once you find an edge, pull on it gently. Plasti Dip is designed to peel off easily, so it should come away in large strips. Keep pulling slowly and carefully. If the Plasti Dip is thick enough, it will peel off in big pieces. This makes the process quick and simple.
If the Plasti Dip is thin or hard to peel, you can use a Plasti Dip remover spray. Spray it on the Plasti Dip and wait a few minutes. The spray helps loosen the Plasti Dip, making it easier to peel off. Clean the surface after removing the Plasti Dip to get rid of any residue.
FAQ
Can you primer over Plasti Dip?
Yes, you can apply primer over Plasti Dip. It helps the next coat of paint adhere better.
Can you paint on Plasti Dip with a brush?
Yes, you can use a brush to paint over Plasti Dip for detailed or small-scale projects.
How to make Plasti Dip shine?
To make Plasti Dip shine, apply a Plasti Dip glossifier or a clear coat spray over it.
Can you Plasti Dip over Plasti Dip?
Yes, you can apply a new layer of Plasti Dip over an old one for color change or touch-ups.
Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years of experience in the painting industry, Randy has become an expert in the field and is passionate about helping others learn more about painting. He has written numerous articles on the subject and is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to his readers.