How to Plasti Dip Your Car

What is Plasti Dip? 

Plasti Dip is a relatively new product that’s basically liquid rubber in a can. When you spray or dip it on, it dries into a flexible, durable coating that protects your car’s paint from scratches, chips, and other damage. It’s not just for paint protection either — you can use it on your car’s body panels, trim pieces, and even your rims to give them a fresh new look.

One of the best things about Plasti Dip is how weather-resistant it is. It holds up well against rain, sun, and road grime. And if you ever want to change things up, it’s super easy to remove — just peel it off like a sticker, no sanding or scraping required.

Can you Plasti Dip Your Car Hood? 

Absolutely! Giving your car hood a splash of color while leaving the rest of your car as-is is a popular and stylish way to make your ride stand out without going all-in on a full respray.

Since Plasti Dip isn’t permanent, it’s perfect for making bold statements or trying out new colors on specific parts like your hood. When you’re ready for a change, simply peel it off and switch to a different shade — no hassle, no damage.

How Long Does Plasti Dip Last On a Car? 

One of the most important things when looking into how to Plasti Dip your car is to know how long plasti will last. It can last up to three years with the right care. This is done by ensuring that the first stage application is done right.  

There are other factors that play a role too. The first is how far the plasti dip spray gun is from the car and how many coats you start with. The more coats you use, the longer the application will last.  Using pre dip is key here, to getting great results that last. 

What Are Some Plasti Dip Side Effects? 

There isn’t much to find wrong with Plasti Dip, but there are a few things that should be taken into consideration and may be considered as side effects. The product itself is safe to use, as long as you take the proper precautions.  

One of the key things to keep in mind when applying Plasti Dip is to avoid spraying it over damaged paint or rust.

If your car’s paint is already flaking, peeling, or if there’s rust present, the Plasti Dip won’t properly stick to the surface. Worse, when you peel off the Plasti Dip later, it might pull off chunks of that flaky old paint or expose the rust underneath, leaving you with more work to do.

The good news is, if you take the time to properly prep your car’s surface before applying Plasti Dip, you’ll avoid these issues. That means cleaning, sanding, and making sure the surface is smooth and solid. When done right, Plasti Dip adheres well and peels off cleanly — no surprises, no mess.

So, prep is king here — spend a little extra time getting your car ready, and your Plasti Dip job will look great and last as long as you want it to.

How to Protect Plasti Dip 

Truthfully, most people don’t even worry about this, as the material used in Plasti Dip is pretty resilient, but, if you absolutely need to protect it, there are some products like Dip Coat. This is a sealant that will help protect the dipped areas of your car for a longer period of time. 

If you live in an area with tons of snow and salt or gravel on the roads, applying a Dip Coat may be a good idea. 

Does Plasti Dip Fade? 

All paints will eventually suffer from fading because of cold, heat and the sun.  But, if you have applied enough coats, you can prolong the inevitable fade of your plasti dip.

There are also some glossifiers that can protect against fading, but these create a shiny rather than the matte finish that so many people love about plasti dip.  Die-hard fans of ​Plasti Dip say that you won’t have to worry about fading of your matte parts as long as the application is done right.  

Join our Email List for Tips and Tricks!

First Name

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

Why Plasti Dip Your Car? 

You might be wondering not just how to Plasti Dip your car, but also why you’d want to in the first place. Well, Plasti Dip actually offers some pretty cool benefits and creative options when it comes to customizing your ride. Here are a few popular ways people use Plasti Dip on their cars:

Blackout projects are super popular. If you want to give your car a sleek, stealthy look, Plasti Dip is perfect for blacking out things like grilles, emblems, windows, or trim pieces. The best part is, if you accidentally get overspray where you don’t want it, no worries — it peels right off without any damage.

Want to add a pop of color inside your car? You can paint interior trim pieces to match your style or just to brighten things up. It’s a simple way to customize your cabin without spending a fortune.

Rims are another favorite spot for Plasti Dip. You can switch up colors again and again to keep things fresh and fun. It’s easy, affordable, and you can peel it off anytime you want a new look.

Thinking bigger? You can even dip your entire car. This is a fantastic alternative to vinyl wraps — it’s typically less expensive and works on any car, no matter its age or condition. Plus, it gives your car a unique matte or glossy finish, depending on the product you use.

Plasti Dip offers flexibility and creativity that makes it a favorite among DIYers who want to personalize their cars without permanent commitment.

How Hard is it to Plasti Dip Your Car? 

Though the preparation and spraying may take a bit of time when done properly, the application process is quite easy, as long as you have patience and the proper tools handy.  

What You Need to Plasti Dip Your Car 

Like with every application, there are tools you will need when looking to Plasti Dip your car. Here is a list of those tools: 

• Plasti Dip 
• ​Pre Dip (not required, but recommended)
• Rubber gloves 
• Box cutter 
• Soap 
• Sponges 
• Towels 
• Water 
• Buckets 
• Goggles 
• Newspaper/plastic shee​​ting 
• Painters tape 
• Painters mask 

The last tool you will need is a good plasti dip spray gun (though you can get Plasti Dip in cans if you want to go that route but it‘s not recommended).  

How to Properly Plasti Dip Your Car 

Like with all applications or tasks that have to do with cars, follow the steps below in the right order to get the best results. 

Where You’ll Spray

The first step is to decide where you want to tackle this project. You want a place where the car can sit without any foreign objects like leaves getting into your finish.  You might want to think about building your own DIY spray booth or maybe buying a portable or inflatable booth. 

Especially true if you plan on spraying your vehicle and/or rims more than once. 

And, since there will be fumes, you want to make sure there is good ventilation and that you wear a paint respirator. This location should definitely be indoors to keep debris from getting stuck in the plasti as it dries.  

Light is tricky and you will want a good, consistent light source so you can see everything you are doing. You also need a spot out of direct sunlight, as that could cause the ​Plasti Dip to dry unevenly. 

Preparation 

Now, it’s time to prep the car. The first thing is to give the vehicle a good washing. Be very diligent and get all the dirt off your car. Then, make sure to rinse well. Once your car is squeaky clean, let it dry completely before you start spraying. 

Now that your car is dry, you mask off your vehicle. This should be done with painter’s tape and newspaper or plastic sheeting. Make sure to cover the windows, as well as any other surfaces you are not looking to lay a layer of Plasti Dip down on like the headlights/taillights, door handles, anything chrome, your wheels/rims, sunroof….you get the idea. 

Pre Dip is a recommended product that will help your plasti dip job adhere to your car.  While not required, for the small amount it costs, we say grab some. 

Execution 

First, you will want to have all your gear set up, and then you will want to prepare the paint. 

Hold your plasti dip spray gun six inches away from the surface and sweep the gun back and forth in even sweeps, moving your arm and not your wrist during the motion. Overlap each old coat with about 30-50% new coat to ensure even application.   

You will want to apply 4-5 coats with a smooth, even hand. You may want to apply it a little thicker, as this makes it easy to peel when you are ready for something new.

Then, determine where you are applying the Plasti Dip. If you are doing a piece of the car that is easy to remove, it is best to apply Plasti Dip to this piece while it is off the car. Once you have all of that set, it is time to apply. 

Final Phase 

Every coat will need 30 minutes to dry, so, if you are doing a whole car, you may want to do the application in sections. Then, when you’re done, remove tape and paper. If there is overspray, you will want to take the box cutter and gently remove. 

Finally, let your entire car sit for at least 4 hours before touching the vehicle and removing all the tape and masking.  Keep it in an area without a ton of foreign objects floating around like leaves, dust etc., that could somehow get into the finish while it dries.   

Does Plasti Dip Expire? 

When you are done with the Plasti Dip, if you still have some left, make sure to place a sheet of plastic wrap over the top and reseal it with the factory top. Just like regular house paint, when sealed properly, your dip should last up to a year.  Make sure to write down the date you opened the can on the lid. 

Plasti Dip vs. Vinyl Wrap 

Though many feel vinyl has many advantages over Plasti Dip, the price and ease of application alone makes plasti dip the winner in our books. The easy application and versatility that plasti dip gives you makes this the perfect choice for your paint needs.  

Conclusion 

Switching up colors or your car, parts or rims is easy and affordable for everyone.  Change colors and do funky designs to match holidays, birthdays or just your mood.  Now you know everything you need to know about how to Plasti Dip your car and how versatile it truly is.  

FAQs