Buzz
Plasti Dip offers a rubberized coating ideal for coloring and safeguarding cars, tools, and various metal objects. For larger projects like automobiles, opt for a Plasti Dip spray can. For smaller tasks such as custom car parts or tool handles, consider brushing or dipping the rubber coating onto the surface. Prior to application, ensure to clean the surface with gentle soap, water, and a microfiber cloth. With patience and persistence, you can protect and enhance the appearance of a variety of items!
Procedure
Applying Plasti Dip via Spray
Wear a safety mask before using Plasti Dip spray. When working with sprayable substances, set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area. Don a safety or gas mask to protect your mouth and nose from inhalation. Since you're dealing with a sprayable product, it's essential to avoid inhaling any rubber coating.
- Although not mandatory, wearing gloves can provide an added layer of safety.
Use painter’s tape to mask off smaller areas. Cut or tear pieces of painter’s tape and arrange them around the surface you want to protect and color. For larger areas like a car hood, use drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
- For example, when repainting a car emblem, place tape strips a few inches away from each side of the emblem. Then, cover adjacent car parts with taped sheeting or drop cloths.
- If you’re working on a large surface, skipping masking is fine.
Thoroughly shake the Plasti Dip can for 60 seconds. Hold the can and shake it vigorously up and down. Start counting to 60 once you hear the rattling sound. Proper shaking ensures a smooth and consistent application of Plasti Dip.
- Try shaking the can periodically throughout painting, especially between coats, for optimal results.
Maintain a short distance between the can and the surface. Hold the Plasti Dip can 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) away from the surface. Press the can’s top to release the rubber coating. Apply slow, overlapping horizontal strokes to cover the entire surface. Don’t worry if the original color shows through; the first coat helps the Plasti Dip adhere to metal.
- Holding the can at a distance ensures even spraying.
Allow 30 minutes after each full coat. Let the rubber coating harden and adhere to the surface before applying additional layers. Avoid touching or spraying more until at least 30 minutes have passed to ensure proper sealing.
- Always wait 30 minutes between Plasti Dip layers, even for subsequent coats.
Apply 2-3 more coats of Plasti Dip. Continue spraying the rubber coating with slow, horizontal strokes. Ensure overlapping strokes for consistent color. Wait at least 30 minutes between each coat.
- As Plasti Dip application involves waiting, consider working on other tasks during intervals.
Allow the final product to dry for a minimum of 4 hours. Resist the urge to showcase your project immediately. Instead, set a timer for 4 hours to ensure complete sealing of the Plasti Dip. If you don’t need to use the item right away, consider letting it air-dry overnight.
- If you're not satisfied with the appearance of your Plasti Dip coating, it can always be removed.
Dipping Your Item
Prepare plastic sheeting or paper beneath the Plasti Dip. Minimize mess by organizing a clean workspace. Before dipping, lay down a large plastic sheet or old newspaper on a flat surface, such as a table. Arrange the Plasti Dip and other items on this surface.
Strip away any existing rubber coating. For smaller items like plier handles, use a utility knife to cut and remove any old rubber. After clearing the surface, ensure to wash and dry the item thoroughly.
- Avoid dirt and debris adhering to the new rubber layer.
- Consider wearing work gloves for added protection if desired.
Blend the Plasti Dip in the can for a smooth consistency. Insert a long object like a paint stirrer into the Plasti Dip can. Slowly swirl the stirrer to achieve a smooth and uniform texture. Mix the Plasti Dip for at least 30 seconds or until it appears completely smooth.
- Avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent spillage.
Attach a string or wire to the item for coating. Securely loop a durable wire around the item's top or an area you won't coat with Plasti Dip. Test the attachment by lifting the object with the wire or string.
- You'll use this wire later for drying the item.
Gradually immerse the item into the can. Hold the loose wire end firmly and slowly dip the item into the Plasti Dip can. Count to 5 as you lower 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the item into the rubber coating. Repeat the process, ensuring smooth submersion of the desired surface.
- This gradual approach ensures even Plasti Dip application.
- For small objects, this process may be brief.
Withdraw the item from the can slowly. Avoid leaving the item in the coating for too long; instead, slowly pull it out. Count to 5 as you remove a 1-inch (2.5 cm) section from the rubber mixture. Continue until the object is completely out of the can.
- Ensure the dipping and removal processes are of equal duration.
Allow 30 minutes for complete Plasti Dip drying. Hang the item using the wire in a well-ventilated area. Let it dry for 30 minutes to ensure proper sealing and adhesion. After each coat, ensure sufficient drying time.
- For outdoor work, consider tying the item to a walk-behind lawnmower handle.
Apply 2-3 coats to complete your project. Once the initial coat dries, dip the item back into the can. Repeat the process, using gradual motions for immersion and withdrawal. After each coat, hang the item to dry thoroughly.
- With smaller objects, drying time between coats is less critical.
Using a Paintbrush for Plasti Dip Application
Protect your workspace with plastic sheeting. Cover your work area with a large plastic sheet. Organize your supplies, including the Plasti Dip can, plastic tray, paint roller, and the object you're painting.
- This method is ideal for painting car accessories like splash guards.
- Consider wearing work gloves for added skin protection.
Important: Ensure proper ventilation when working with paint or paint-like substances. Keep windows open and use a fan to ventilate the room.
Stir the Plasti Dip can with a paint stirrer. Insert a long, thin item like a paint stirrer into the can. Stir the rubber coating in slow, circular motions until it becomes smooth. Avoid stirring too quickly to prevent spills.
Pour a small amount of Plasti Dip into a plastic tray. Fill the plastic paint tray with less than 1 cm (0.39 in) of Plasti Dip. Start with a small amount and refill the tray as needed.
- This method is suitable for smaller objects, requiring a smaller paint tray and roller.
Dip a short-nap roller into the Plasti Dip. Submerge your paint roller into the tray, ensuring it's fully coated. Roll the roller back and forth until it's completely covered. Maintain a fully coated roller for a smooth paint job.
- Replenish the Plasti Dip on your roller by dipping it back into the tray as needed.
- If you don't have a roller, a paintbrush can be used as an alternative.
Apply Plasti Dip to your item using long, even strokes. Aim for consistency in your coating. Guide the paint with smooth, fluid motions to avoid visible roller marks.
- If using a brush, paint in one direction to prevent brush marks.
Allow the first coat to dry for 30 minutes. Leave your item on your workspace and wait for 30 minutes. This allows the rubber coating to adhere properly, ensuring a longer-lasting paint job. If coating both sides of an item, allow one side to dry before flipping and painting the other.
- To keep track of time, consider setting a timer.
Apply 2-3 additional coats for consistent coverage. Repeat the brushing process to add multiple layers of product to your item. Wait 30 minutes between coats.
- Painting both sides of an item will prolong the process compared to painting just one side.
Avoid using the item for at least 4 hours. Place the painted item in a well-ventilated area. Wait at least 4 hours for the rubber coating to fully seal and harden before using your newly coated items.
Helpful Advice
Essential Supplies
Using Plasti Dip Spray
- Respirator mask
- Plasti Dip spray can
- Gloves (optional)
- Drop cloths (optional)
- Plastic sheeting (optional)
- Painter’s tape (optional)
Submerging the Object
- Craft knife
- Paint stir stick
- Plasti Dip can
- Length of wire
- Gloves (optional)
Applying Plasti Dip with a Brush
- Paint stir stick
- Plastic paint tray
- Short-nap paint roller
- Plasti Dip can
- Gloves (optional)
- Paint brush (optional)
