A plastic dip is an easy and affordable way of coloring your car. It is the innovation of rubber coating. It is used to insulate handles of different tools to avoid spillage and provide a better grip. You can apply the Plasti Dip by dipping the object, brushing, or spraying directly to the surface.
This rubberized coating is sprayed as a liquid, but it dries as a flexible solid. When Plasti Dip is applied properly on the vehicle, it is quite easy to remove. Drivers use this material to give their vehicles a stunning look.
When Plasti Dip is not applied in multiple layers, removing it may be difficult without damaging the car surface. It is therefore imperative to learn how to remove Plasti Dip easily and without causing damage.
What Is Plasti Dip?
Plasti Dip is a special type of rubber coating. The rubber coating is non-slip, insulating, flexible, and durable. This material provides a coating solution ranging from home improvements to automotive customizations. Plasti Dip protects coated items from corrosion, abrasion, acids, moisture, and skidding.
Plasti Dip comes in liquid form, and you can spray it on your vehicle like normal paint. It then dries to a flexible material and protects the paint underneath. It helps in maintaining the finish of the trim and body. You can use Plasti Dip on a vehicle’s body, rims, and tires.
One of the benefits of using Plasti Dip instead of paint to change the look of your car is its affordability. It makes it possible for you to try different colors on your vehicle easily. Plasti Dip adheres well to trim accessories of your vehicle, and thus, you do not have to keep on coating for it to stick. It also does not become brittle or crack even in extreme temperatures.
Reasons You Might Need To Remove Plasti Dip
Plasti Dip is an attractive and durable product if you apply it correctly to your vehicle. It gives your vehicle a distinctive look. Plasti Dip comes in different colors to choose from. However, as much as this product is good, it will reach a point where you want to remove it. There are many reasons why one world wants to remove Plasti Dip, but some of the most common are:
1. Damaged or Aging Plasti Dip
Plasti Dip is durable, but it does not last forever. When the material ages, it begins to peel off meaning that you need to remove it and put a new one. Aged or damaged Plasti Dip does not look appealing, and thus it does not serve the purpose.
2. Change of Color
Another reason one would want to remove Plasti Dip is if they want a change of color. Some people get bored when their vehicle stays in the same color for a long time. You can remove the cover if you want to try different colors on your vehicle or wheels.
3. Prepping Vehicle for Resale
In most cases, buyers will want to buy a vehicle in its stock look. Therefore, if you want to resale your car and have covered it with Plasti Dip, you may need to remove it. A person will feel more confident buying a vehicle in its original state, and they can paint or cover it to their preferred color later.
4. You Bought a Plasti Dip Coated Vehicle
Another major reason to remove Plasti Dip coating is when you buy a used car covered and want to change the look. People have different tastes and preferences. One may prefer the wheels or vehicle covered in a different Plasti Dip color rather than the one they bought it with.
Important Tips before Removing Plasti Dip
Plasti Dip becomes attractive and durable when applied in the right way. However, it can be a little difficult to remove it if not applied properly. Using the wrong process to remove the material may damage your vehicle. To make the process simple and successful, you need to have some tips and know what to avoid. Some of the most important tips are:
- Perform Plasti Dip removal process outdoors or in a well-ventilated garage. Some chemicals used to remove Plasti Dip have ill-smelling or toxic fumes that would be dangerous to inhale. Other cleaning solutions pose a fire risk thus, you should not smoke when doing the job.
- Wash it thoroughly with water and soap after removing the Plasti Dip from your vehicle or the wheels. This will help you to get rid of any solvent residue.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals- Some people advise using acid and other harsh chemicals to get rid of Plasti Dip, but you need to be very careful. These chemicals may assist in eradicating Plasti Dip but cause external damage to the car’s paint. Therefore, it is not advisable to create a homemade plastic removal recipe by mixing chemicals since it is quite dangerous.
- So not use sharp metal blades or scrapers on vehicles- One may be tempted to use a sharp scraper or metal blade to remove Plasti Dip, but it is not recommendable. Sharp items may scratch your vehicle and remove its original paint.
- When using solvents to remove Plasti Dip, choose a day when temperatures are around 60 degrees Celsius or more. The solvents are more effective when the temperatures are high.
- If you are removing Plasti Dip from rims, remove the wheels from the vehicle first. It is not recommendable to jack up the whole vehicle during the process. Removing the wheels helps you apply Plasti Dip dissolving chemicals only on the wheels without risking other vehicle parts.
- Take safety measures- When using Plasti Dip cleaning solvents; ensure that you have full protective gear. Protect your hands by wearing nitrile mechanic gloves and safety glasses to protect the eyes.
- When applying the cleaning solvents on a surface, avoid over-spraying. Soaking the surface with Plasti Dip dissolving chemicals may cause harm.
How to Remove Plasti Dip Best Methods
There are various techniques for removing Plasti Dip from a surface. When the material is well applied, you can easily remove it by peeling it off. However, if not, you will require some cleaning solvents to take off the Plasti Dip from a surface: Here are some easy and best methods on how to remove Plasti Dip from a car:
1. Peeling off Plasti Dip
The easiest and safest way on how to remove Plasti Dip from plastic or your vehicle is by peeling it off. For easy peeling, you need to have applied the Plasti Dip in multiple layers. This method is safe since it prevents you from using scrapers or chemicals.
To peel off Plasti Dip, lift the corner of the surface you are removing the Plasti Dip from with your fingers. After lifting the corner, slowly and carefully lift the Plasti Dip making sure it does not break or rip into pieces.
If you rip the Plasti Dip, you can still peel it off, but it will be a little more challenging. Once you have removed the larger parts, some Plasti Dip pieces may remain, but you can still remove them by hand. Result to other methods of removing Plasti Dip when if this technique fails.
2. Using Dip Dissolver
This is the best method to remove thin coats of Plasti Dip. Dip Dissolver is a product made specifically for removing Plasti Dip, and it gives a solution on how to remove Plasti Dip that’s too thin. To use this method effectively, you will need to have a pressure washer.
Start by applying a generous amount of Dip Dissolver on Plasti Dip. Give the chemical around 5 minutes to soak in the coating until you can rub off the coating easily with your finger.
When the Plasti Dip is softened enough, use a pressure washer to wash the coating away. If Plasti Dip remains on some areas, dry the area and reapply the Dip Dissolver. Wash it off again with a pressure washer until it is completely clean.
3. Using WD-40
If you cannot remove the coating by peeling it off, consider using wd40 to remove Plasti Dip. Put the WD-40 on a spray bottle to make the application process easy. Some WD-40, however, comes already packaged in a spray bottle.
After applying enough WD-40 on the Plasti Dip, leave it for 5 to 10 minutes to give the solvent enough time to break down the material. After giving it enough time, wipe the Plasti Dip away with a soft microfiber towel.
While wiping the Plasti Dip away, always use a soft towel to prevent the risk of scratching the vehicle’s original paint. After rem0ving all the Plasti Dip, wash the remaining WD-40 with water and soap. Finish by applying your favorite sealant or car wax to protect its paint.
4. Using Goo Gone
If you want a way on how to remove Plasti Dip from rims easily, then Goo Gone is a great choice. Goo Gone is one of the most effective chemicals for removing Plasti Dip if you cannot peel it off. This method is slow but very safe. The items you require when using this method are Goo Gone and a microfiber towel.
Start by spraying Goo Gone on Plasti Dip and leave it for about 5 minutes for it to break down. When the Plasti Dip breaks down, wipe it off with a soft microfiber or paper towel. After wiping off the Plasti Dip, wash the surface with soapy water to remove any residues of Go Gone. Apply a sealant or car wax to protect the vehicle’s paint.
5. Using Kerosene
Kerosene is one of the cheapest ways of removing Plasti Dip on a surface. The type of kerosene you use in this method is the mow or no order kerosene. The other items you require are a paintbrush, a piece of scrap wood or plastic-bladed scrapper, and a small container.
Begin by pouring some kerosene into an open container. Apply a generous amount of kerosene on the Plasti Dip using a paintbrush and wait for about 10 minutes. Start at the edge of the surface and push the coating firmly using a scrapper to break it free.
Hold the coating with pliers or with your fingers and peel it as much as you can. Repeat the process to remove all the Plasti Dip. If the PD fails to come out in some areas, reapply kerosene and repeat the process.
Once you remove all the PD, wash the surface with water and mild soap to ensure no kerosene is left. Finalize by applying fresh car wax or paint sealant to protect the paint on your vehicle.
6. Using Isopropyl Alcohol
Another technique on how to remove Plasti Dip that won’t peel is by using Isopropyl Alcohol. Put enough alcohol on a rag or a paper towel and use it to wipe Plasti Dip. Leave the Isopropyl alcohol to sit for around 7 minutes for it to dissolve the coating. When the alcohol has dissolved in the Plasti Dip, peel it off using your hands.
You can also scrape it off carefully with a wooden stick. If you still see some traces of PD, wipe it off with some more alcohol and repeat the process. Once you get rid of all PD, rinse the surface with soapy water and wipe it dry. Protect the paint of your vehicle by applying a car wax or paint sealant.
7. Using Paint Thinner
Using paint thinner to remove Plasti Dip should be among the last result. Paint thinner tends to be quite aggressive and can harm the vehicle’s paint if you are not careful enough. When using this chemical to get rid of Plasti Dip on your car, do not let it sit for a long time.
Apply a little thinner on a rag and use the rag to apply the paint thinner on the Plasti Dip. Only leave the thinner for a few seconds on the surface and wipe it off. Leaving the paint thinner for a long period on Plasti Dip will eat through it to the clear coat, which protects your vehicle’s paint.
After wiping the paint thinner, try and remove the Plasti Dip. Once all the Plasti Dip is off the vehicle, wash the surface thoroughly with water and soap. When you are sure no paint thinner has been left on the surface, apply some paint sealant or car wax for protection.
How Long Does Plasti Dip Last
Some vital questions people ask are how long does Plasti Dip last on wheels or how long does Plasti Dip last once opened. These are among the many questions that people want to be answered about Plasti Dip. Plasti Dip lasts for an average of 3 years.
However, the period depends on how properly you apply the Plasti Dip, the number of coats you apply, and the spray distance when applying. Plasti Dip will last for a few months after opening, but you need to store it well in a cool and dry place.
Many people love changing the color of rims and wonder how long does Plasti Dip takes to dry on rims. When applying, you should wait for around 30 minutes between coats. Once you have finished, Plasti Dip will take around 6 hours to cure.
Rims face unfriendly conditions than other parts of a vehicle. This may call for the question does Plasti Dip last on rims? While Plasti Dip may last for three years and above, the coating on rims may need to be replaced earlier.
The rims get into contact with snow, salt, ice, and mud, thus reducing the lifespan of the coating. Plasti Dip on rims might last for around 1 year or 2 years if you well applied it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does Acetone Remove Plasti Dip?
As much as you can use Acetone to remove Plasti Dip, it is not recommendable. Using Acetone to remove PD on wheels can cause damage to the tires, especially if they have started oxidizing. It is advisable to use safe methods such as Dip Dissolver, Go Gone, WD-40, and other ways we have discussed above.
Q: Does Plasti Dip Come Off In Rain?
Plasti Dip is a special and versatile rubber coating. It is made to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. Rain cannot make Plasti Dip come off. PD is highly durable, non-slip, highly flexible, and a great insulator. It resists abrasive road salt, ice, rain, and UV rays. The coating can withstand temperatures ranging from -30 to 200°F.
Q: Will WD-40 Remove Plasti Dip?
Using WD-40 is one of the best options for removing very thin Plasti Dip. WD-40 is a great cleaning detergent since it does not damage the car’s paint. To remove PD effectively, spray a generous amount on the Plasti Dip and leave it.
After a few minutes, wipe the PD off with a soft cloth. After removing all the coating, clean the surface with water and mild soap, dry it and apply a sealant or car wax for protecting the car paint.
Q: Can You Pressure Wash Plasti Dip Off?
Pressure washing alone cannot remove Plasti Dip. You use a pressure washer when using Dip Dissolver to remove the PD. Spray enough Dip dissolver on the surface and give it some time to eat away the Plasti Dip.
When the PD loosens, you can easily remove it with your finger. Wash the coating away with a pressure washer. If some coating remains, repeat the process. After removing all PD, wash the vehicle and apply some car wax or paint sealant.
Q: Does Plasti Dip Ruin Rims?
Plasti Dip will not ruin your rims. But instead, it offers it protection. Most people put PD on car rims for beauty. The coating gives your vehicle a completely different look. On top of this, it provides the rims with superior protection from abrasion and decay. When well applied, Plasti Dip will last in your rims for 1 to 2 years.
Q: Is Plasti Dip Waterproof?
Plasti Dip is a special waterproof rubber coating. This means that the coating will not be destroyed by rain, neither will it come out when you wash it with water. The coating protects your vehicle’s paint. Plasti Dip will last for up to three years on your vehicle if you apply it well.
Final Words:
Plasti Dip is the best temporary way to change the look of your vehicle. With this coating, you have the choice to change your vehicle’s design and color at will. After having Plasti Dip for some time, you may want to change it for another design or because it is worn out.
The simplest method for removing the coating is by peeling. However, if you apply a thin coat, it is difficult to remove it by peeling. The above information on how to remove Plasti Dip will make your work easier. Once you get rid of Plasti Dip, it is always advisable to apply car wax or sealant to protect the paint.
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