How Long Does Plasti Dip Last? (2022 Guide)

• The answer to "How long does plastic dip last"
• How to correctly apply plastic dip
• How to effectively remove plastic dip

And much more! Scroll down if you're wondering how long plastic dip lasts.

What You Need To Know About How Long Plasti Dip Lasts

Plasti Dip is a branded rubber coating that comes in either an aerosol spray can or paint container for quick and easy protection on virtually any surface. Plasti dip is most commonly applied to automobile rims, grilles, emblems, and other body panels because it is an inexpensive, effective, and nonpermanent method for changing color.

The best part about Plasti Dip is that it literally peels off after a certain amount of time. Now, some paint enthusiasts may not be completely convinced with this product, but automotive DIYers love it because it makes the job easy.

Spray distance should be 4-5 inches away from the surface when using an aerosol can, and 6-8 inches with a sprayer.

Below are some more facts you should know about Plasti Dip:

Read Also: How To Spray Paint A Car? (5-Step Guide)

How long will plasti dip last on rims?

Plasti dipping rims is an easy way to quickly change the color of your rims, but will it hold up long term? Probably not. We estimate that your Plasti Dip job will last anywhere from 6 months to a year without starting to peel off.

For example, if you've plasti dipped your rims and you need to change the tires, the tire machine will remove some or all of the plasti dip on the edges of the wheel, so you'll need to re-plasti dip which involves the annoying removal process.

And remember, it doesn't look the same to simply touch up damaged plasti dip. You'll still be able to tell where the paint was previously chipped off. For this reason, we recommend powder coating your wheels because it's a more permanent solution. 

Will plasti dip work on all surfaces?

Yes, plasti dip works on virtually any surface, including:

• Glass
• Wood
• Metal
• Rope
• Ceramic
• Stainless steel
• Concrete
• Brick
• etc.

Supplies You’ll Need For Plasti Dip

Here's a master list of supplies you'll need for applying (and removing!) plastic dip from surfaces. 

Plasti dip product of choice

There are many different types of Plasti Dip including ones with additives (metallizer, pearlized, glossifiers, matte etc.), so we recommend visiting Plasti Dip's official website to browse their complete list of products.

Pressure washer

Taking your car through a car wash might work, but using a pressure washer is the best way to clean any exterior surface before applying Plasti Dip, and it's also a great way to remove plastic dip after applying a dip dissolver or another solvent to help break down the paint first.

Sandpaper

You might want to lightly sand a surface before applying paint for the best results. For example, if you're applying the paint to a rusted bumper, then sand all the rust off before applying the Plasti Dip.

Read Also: How To Touch Up Car Paint? (4-Step Guide)

Clearcoat

Apply a layer (or a few layers) of clear coat over the top of your plasti dip job to give it a bit more protection and a glossy finish.

Paint masker

You'll want to cover up areas like headlights and other surfaces that won't be painted. We recommend a 3M paint masker.

How to apply plasti dip?

Applying plasti dip is easily performed either by purchasing disposable aerosol cans or by using an HVLP spray gun. We don't recommend running plasti dip paint through your airless sprayer as it could damage the internal pump. 

1. Degrease/Clean surface

Cleaning and degreasing the surface is the first step in this paint transformation process. A power washer is an ideal tool for removing grease from wheels--just go to a car wash.

2. Dry the surface

Dry your project with compressed air or a microfiber towel to ensure maximum paint adhesion. 

3. Mask off undesired surfaces

Avoid tagging your tail lights by covering up the surrounding surfaces around your project to avoid getting overspray on them. Retouching isn't fun, especially when it could have been avoided by performing good prep work.

 If you're painting a wheel, you can simply remove the wheel from the car, and place index cards around the perimeter of the tire angling outward to avoid painting the tire. 

Otherwise, you'll want to use a paint masker and painter's tape/masking materials to cover all surfaces. We recommend picking up a 3M masker and masking film/tape off of Amazon for the cheapest price. 

Even if you're painting the entire car/whole car, there will still be areas like trim and windows that are easiest to cover with a paint masker.

4. Apply plasti dip

Now it's time to apply the first layer of dip. The most important part when applying plasti dip is to hold the can 10-12 inches away from the surface of your DIY project.

5. Inspect results/Apply more coats

Remember to allow 10-30 minutes of dry time between paint coats for successful results.

According to plasti dip's official website, it takes about 5 coats of plasti dip to form a strong and durable finish that will easily peel off if necessary.

Also, it's never too late to spray a refresher coat weeks or months after the fact--it's the beauty of spray plasti. 

Read Also: What're The Best Beginner Automotive Paint Guns?

How to remove plasti dip?

Removing plasti dip is easier than removing other paint products because of its elastic properties that allow it to easily peel off. And although you could get away with simply picking at the plasti dip, it's faster to use a dip dissolver or solvent (acetone, mineral spirits, paint thinner) to speed up the process. Sources even say that WD-40 is a great plasti-dip remover.

Use these steps to help you remove your plasti dip quickly and easily: 

1. Cover-up surrounding surfaces

Cover up areas like car body panels and brakes when removing plasti dip from wheels/exterior car parts. The other option is to simply remove wheels from the vehicle (make sure to torque them down to spec when replacing).

A paint masker and masking tape/plastic will help you protect areas from getting solvent/dip dissolver on them. 

2. Apply solvent/dip dissolver

Use a spray bottle to evenly mist the dip dissolver/solvent onto the dipped surface. As stated earlier in this guide, solvents like mineral spirits, WD-40, acetone, and paint thinner will all work for removal, but the video below highly recommends you use plasti dip dissolver because it is specially formulated for removing plasti dip from surfaces.

Let the dip dissolver sit on the surface for a minute or so for the chemical reaction to take place.

3. Spray off with pressure washer/Wipe-off

Now that the plasti dip has been weakened by the dip dissolver, it's time to spray it off with a pressure washer. Wiping it off with a rag is another option, but you'll definitely be more effective at removing the dip with a pressure washer. 

4. Repeat process if necessary

Remember, you may not get all the plasti dip on the first cleaning swoop, and that's where you'll have to go back and do some detailed work to ensure that it all comes off the surface of whatever you're working on.

5. Rinse with car wash soap/water

The last step in shining up a plasti dip job removal job is running it through the wash. Feel free to shine the tires, and dry those rims off impeccably with a large microfiber towel--if you want to be

See the video below for a good visual representation of how to remove plasti dip:

Questions?

Don't forget to hit the FAQ (Ask A Painter) page. We're here to answer all of your questions. You may also want to check out other resources like Plasti Dip's DYC website (dipyourcar.com)

Other Valuable Resources on How Long Does Plasti Dip Last 

Aside from helping block UV rays, plasti-dipping your entire car could be fun. Plasti dip your winter wheels black to repel winter salt in an effort to protect your car from the winter season, or you could even paint your car white to look like snow. We don't care. We just want your car to look brand new.