PLASTI DIP FAQ

First things first - what are these products designed for?

DYC's peelable automotive coatings are designed to be sprayed over good condition OEM surfaces.  Many surfaces such as aged paint, oxidized paint, primer, bondo, repainted surfaces, repaired surfaces, aftermarket wheels, aftermarket emblems, fiber glass, plastics, etc are successfully dipped and peeled quite often; however all of our rigorous testing and development is aimed towards usage over good condition OEM surfaces.  Using these products over surfaces other than good condition OEM will always bring more variables into the equation. Best practice will always be to test a small area before going full scale.

Is this really something I can do myself?

Of course! Thousands of Do-It-Yourself customers use our products to change the color of their cars every month. It doesn't matter what your experience or skill set is - as long as you follow instructions and use our tutorial videos as your guide, these products are very user friendly. Remember, these products are peelable, so worst case scenario if you make a mistake, you can peel it off and try again! Give it a go!

How difficult is it to Dip your car or wheels?

DYC products are designed specifically for Do-It-Yourself customers! Dippers spray their emblems, wheels, and vehicles on a daily basis with limited to no previous experience. Although the product is designed to be user friendly, there will always be an element of human error involved during the process. Of course the users' prep process, application technique, and other variables will be a factor in the final result.

How long does Plasti Dip® last?

When properly applied, Plasti Dip® can easily last 3+ years or longer without having to be retouched. It is a very durable and resilient product. The spray technique when applying as well as the amount of coats applied will heavily determine the longevity of the product.  Making the sure product is properly cleaned and maintained also plays a big role.  DYC makes a full line of cleaning and maintenance products specifically designed for Dip to keep your dipped car or wheels looking its best.  Certain colors (typically bright Yellows, Oranges, Greens, Pinks and Fluorescents) can show signs of fading after prolonged UV exposure.  Keep this in mind when picking a color and setting expectations for longevity. 

Will it hold up to the elements (sun, winter)?

Plasti Dip® is extremely resistant to the elements, including sun exposure, winter ice, cold, salt etc. A lot of customers actually dip their wheels and cars specifically to protect the original surfaces from the winter season. Please keep in mind however that certain products like Fluorescent colors, Blaze color and some bright pearls are subject to fading after prolonged UV exposure.  We highly recommend Dip Coat™ Protective Spray to reduce the chance of marring and to increase UV protection.

Will it hold up to heat and racing?

Plasti Dip® is heat resistant up to 200° F. Dipped wheels have an excellent history of holding up to the heat and abuse from racing or rally events.

How does Plasti Dip® hold up to gasoline?

Plasti Dip® is a solvent based coating and does not hold up to exposure to gasoline. Please be careful when filling your tank or working with gasoline around a dipped surface. However - DipArmor™ Advanced TopCoat is now available which is gasoline resistant.  If you want a vehicle surface that is resistant to gasoline and other chemicals, be sure to utilize DipArmor™.

Can I dip my brand new or newly painted car?

When considering dipping new or newly repainted cars, DYC recommends testing your paint before any Plasti Dip application. Sometimes brand new cars go straight from the factory to the dealership - and the paint is not fully cured.  Best practice to be safe would be to wait 6 months after a new car's manufacturing date before you apply any removable/peelable coatings.  If you wish to dip earlier, apply the product to a small inconspicuous area and remove the dip after it's dried ensure the new paint is cured enough to withstand the application and removal process. Testing is always suggested before dipping a repainted or repaired car.

Does it really peel off?

Yes, Plasti Dip® really does peel off. We suggest a minimum of 6+ wet coats, not only for durability, but to make sure it peels off in large pieces when you are ready for removal.  The thickness and density of the film builds as each proper coat is applied; so making sure the correct number of coats and that those coats are appleid properly is critical to the peeling and removal experience.

How many coats should I put on?

DYC always suggests a minimum of 6+ wet coats, but as everyone sprays coats differently, the most important factor is the total amount of product used. Each Wheel Kit and Car Kit on DipYourCar.com will already include the correct amount of product needed for your project. All you have to do is use up all the material we include in your kit! If you're confused about how much product you need for your project, please contact DYC Customer Service. Winter wheels, etc. may benefit from an extra couple coats for good measure.

How should I prep my wheels or car before dipping?

DYC always suggests using PreDip Spray and MicroFiber Towels to prep the wheels or car before dipping. This will eliminate and grease, oil, dirt, debris or wax that may hinder the dip's ability to bond. Allow the surface to dry completely, any moisture (even if it is not visible, behind body panels or trim) could negatively affect the bonding process and lead to bubbling. A clean and dry surface is essential.

Should I wash my car before I dip?

You always want to wash your car using the PreWash concentrate that comes in your car kit before you begin masking and spraying.  It's critical that you let the car dry 24 hours before you spray your first coat.  Moisture can hide in the cracks and seams of panels for a lot long that you may think, and it's absolutely necessary for the car to be completely dry or the trapped moisture can cause issues with the dip's adhesion to the surface.

Should I wash my wheels before I dip?

Traditionally we do not suggest you wash your wheels before you dip them.  Normally a good cleaning with PreDip spray is enough to completely clean and prep the wheel surfaces before you spray.  Washing your wheels is going to introduce a lot of moisture which will can cause lifting and bubbling in the dip if the wheels are not properly dried.  If you wish to wash your wheels, you must allow them to dry a full 24 hours before you begin the prepping and spraying process.  Again it is critical that there is zero trapped moisture before you dip.

Should I mask my tires or spray Dip directly onto them?

Each DYC Wheel Kit includes a product called Dip Release™.  Apply a small amount of Dip Release™ to a dry microfiber towel. Spread the product evenly across the sidewall of each tire, making sure to work the liquid into any tread, design or wording on the tire. Avoid getting Dip Release™ on the edge or any part of the wheel. If contact is made, clean the product from the wheel completely before Dipping.

Can I Apply Tire Shine After Spraying my Wheels?

DYC always suggests avoiding any type of Tire Shine after dipping as it can harm the dip. Tire Shine has been shown to eat away at the dipped area, causing it to peel.

Can Dip be applied to Chrome?

Plasti Dip®'s success over chrome will depend on the actual chrome surface itself.  There are differences between genuine chrome and factory "chrome" finishes.  Plasti Dip may adhere and react perfectly normal over one chrome surface, but may have issues over another.  Chrome emblems, badges and trim are traditionally fine - but a certain set of chrome wheels for example may cause adhesion issues.  Due to the differences between the many "chrome" surfaces, it's difficult to predict the result for each application.  Although it works fine most of the time, testing may be required first to confirm Plasti Dip is a suitable product for your personal application.

Will Plasti Dip® work exactly the same on every car, every surface?

Although Plasti Dip® works and behaves predictably for most users, there are certainly variables that can alter the outcome of either the application or removal process. The age of the car/wheels, the condition of the clear coat, if you have already done a DIY paint job on the surface, whether the car was ever repainted or repaired etc. are all possible factors that could effect the way the Plasti Dip® adheres, peels, or covers. Having a vehicle or wheel surface damaged by the application or removal of dip is extremely rare - but possible due to the variables listed above.  Although most users will have a predictable and trouble free experience with dip, we suggest you do a small test spot on the surfaces you will be dipping before you begin your project.

Could Plasti Dip® damage my clear coat?

DipYourCar.com and our customers have been using Plasti Dip® on cars for over 9 years, and it is extremely rare to see dip cause damage to OEM surfaces.  Most cars are dipped, peeled and redipped multiple times without ever having a single issue. However every car, and every situation is unique. Even with Plasti Dip's great track record, we still recommend dipping a small test spot on your car before dipping the entire vehicle. Pay special attention to a vehicle that has damaged clear coat, compromised/oxidized clear coat, was repainted, repaired or refinished. Although seeing damage when applying or removing Plasti Dip® is extremely rare, almost every time it occurs it occurs over a vehicle that did not have good condition OEM clear.  When vehicles are repainted, every paint shop will use different types and amounts of clear coat - and Plasti Dip® can't possibly guarantee the exact same result on every unique paint job.

Could Plasti Dip® stain my vehicle?

It's extremely rare to hear of any damage to a vehicle after Plasti Dip has been properly applied or removed.  However, one thing we see from time to time is certain OEM colors - specifically whites and silvers - are susceptible to pigment transfer.  Pigment transfer is a temporary issue where the pigment in the coating bleeds into the OEM clear.  Again this is rare, but something to keep in mind if you own a white vehicle.  The good news is, the couple times a year we see this issue - it fades completely away after prolonged exposure to the sun.  It's unlikely, but possible especially if base coat directions are not followed.

Do you ship internationally?

DipYourCar can ship products internationally with some limitations. Please send all international inquiries to Dan@dipyourcar.com

Can I dip my car if it was previously ceramic coated or sealed?

One of the main purposes of a Ceramic Coatings is to repel contaminants and stop things from sticking or clinging to the surface of your vehicle. This does a great job preventing the car from getting stained or dirty, however can cause adhesion issues when something like a peelable coating or vinyl tries to adhere.  Traditionally ceramic coatings are going to cause issues when you try to dip over them, so it's important to know if your vehicle or wheels were coated or sealed by any products before you try to spray them.

Can I wash the dipped areas of my car?

Of course!  DYC offers a full range of cleaning and maintenance products that are specifically designed for dipped surfaces.  These products range from soaps, washes, detail sprays, sealers and even bug/stain removers.  Each are dip-safe and long term proven to work.  Click here to view the DYC Detailing Suite product line:  CAR WASHING AND AFTERCARE COLLECTION.  Give your dipped surface a full 48 hours to dry before you wash it with DYC materials.  Also it's best to avoid automatic/drive in car washes.  Each automatic car wash uses different methods to clean, and not all are dip-safe.  Hand washing is always recommended.

How can I protect my Plasti Dip® and ensure it stays in the best condition?

We developed the Dip Coat™ Protective Spray for exactly this reason; to protect your Dip and keep it looking great. Dip Coat™ will give your Dip an improved, slick feel that will help to resist marring, scratches, staining, and it will be easier to clean. Dip Coat™ also protects against damaging UV rays.

Can I Plasti Dip® over head lights and tail lights?

In our experience, we have found that Plasti Dip® peels easily off of most lights. However, we have found a few types of head lights or tail lights do not respond well with Plasti Dip®. Our suggestion, to be safe, is to always mask off head lights and tail lights to ensure there is no negative reaction.

How far away should I spray Plasti Dip®?

The usual recommended spray distance is between 4-5 inches away for aerosol cans and about 6-8 inches when using our DipSprayer System™. Better yet we have a ton of Video Guides that walk you through the process which can be found here www.DYCUniversity.com

Will Plasti Dip® protect my wheels from winter salt/snow?

Plasti Dip® is extremely resistant to the elements, including winter ice, cold, salt etc. A lot of customers actually dip their wheels and cars specifically to protect the original surfaces from the winter season.

Can Plasti Dip® be sprayed out of a spray gun?

Of course! We have developed the DYC DipSprayer specifically for spraying Plasti Dip. However, if you wish to use an HVLP/RP compressor fed gun, please use the DYC ProLine coatings, as the Plasti Dip gallons are too thick to flow through those guns.

How many gallons would I need to dip a whole car?

We make this part easy!  Simply find a DYC Car Kit in whatever color you like, and use the Size Guide on the product page to select the correct size kit.  The kit will then include everything you need to get the job done right.  If you have any specfic questions, we suggest contacting one of our technicians at (855) 847-5825.

How can I get the best results with Plasti Dip® Aerosol?

When using cans of Plasti Dip®, make sure to shake well before use. The cans should not be stored below room temperature before application. In any climate, warming your cans in warm water prior to application dramatically helps achieve a smoother finish. Hold the cans upright and do not point lower than a 45% angle to the ground to avoid drips and splatter.

Do I need to use base coats?

We always recommend Avalanche Grey base coats for white and light colored vehicles (unless you're Dipping the car White). Avalanche Grey can also improve the the coverage of Yellow, Red, and in general can help extreme color transitions (a darker paint to a light Dip or light paint to a dark Dip). If you have any questions about base coats, please contact one of our technicians at (855) 847-5825 or at CustomerService@dipyourcar.com.

Is it possible to achieve a High Gloss finish with Plasti Dip?

It is possible to achieve a glossy finish using our Glossy DipPearl Topcoat over Plasti Dip Spray. However the gloss finish will not match what you find with OEM or factory clear coats.

Should I use a respirator when spraying DYC products?

Like with all spray-paint style products available to consumers, DYC suggests you always wear proper respiratory protection when using any of our aerosol and gallon products.  DYC traditionally sells respirators that are rated for our materials, however due to high demand they are not always in stock.  Spraying in an area that provides adequate ventilation and fresh moving air is important.  Please make sure you protect yourself with the proper personal protective equipment and ensure your spray area is suitable before spraying aerosols or gallons.

How do I choose which coating or product is right for me?

DipYourCar offers two peelable coatings for public sale; Plasti Dip® and ProLine Coatings. Plasti Dip® products were designed for the DIY level customer and can be applied successfully with entry level equipment. ProLine, an intermediate level product, should be applied by applicators with upgraded equipment and spraying experience.

HYPERDIP™ FAQ

What is the difference between HyperDip™ and traditional Plasti Dip

HyperDip™ is the latest technology in peelable aerosol paints. HyperDip™ is still peelable like Plasti Dip, however improved in every way. HyperDip™ is perfect for your Wheels, Trim, Emblems, Mirrors or any small surface. You will notice the benefits of the advanced HyperDip™ technology immediately: a smoother, flatter, slicker finish, a stronger, stretchier coating, easier to wet out and spray like a pro & enhanced finishes and sheen right out of the can.

Are HyperDip™ products compatible with traditional Plasti Dip?

No, HyperDip™ is not compatible with traditional Plasti Dip or any other non-HyperDip coatings, so please do not combine or stack with any other products.

Can you use the Glossifier™ Aerosol with HyperDip™?

No, HyperDip™ is not compatible with traditional Plasti Dip or any other non-HyperDip coatings, so please do not combine or stack with any other products.

Can I spray HyperDip™ over existing HyperDip™?

HyperDip™ can be applied over existing HyperDip™ if the existing product is in great condition. No tears, no texture, no stains. How to apply HyperDip over previously applied HyperDip™: 1. Wash the surface with soap and water, allow the surface to dry for 24 hour. 2. Wipe the surface thoroughly with PreDip Spray, then wipe the surface thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol 3. Once all of those steps are completed, you can lay 2 wet coats of HyperDip™ on top and should have great results.

Can you use the Dip Coat™ Protective Spray with HyperDip™?

Yes! The Dip Coat™ Protective Spray is highly recommend to use over top of the HyperDip™ to help protect the surface.

Can you use the Brake Dust Professional™ Spray with HyperDip™?

Yes! We highly recommend using the Brake Dust Professional™ to clean your wheels.

What are the differences between all of the blacks?

We made that part super easy! Check out this chart that compares our Black HyperDip™ colors.

What is the ideal climate to spray Gloss HyperDip™?

You always want to make sure your humidity level is 50% or below. Gloss HyperDip™ is extremely sensitive to humidity, as the humidity climbs, you will loose clarity & sheen.

How many coats do I need to lay down?

You would need to start with 4 tack coats and then apply 5-7 wet coats.

What is the difference between a tack coat and a wet coat?

A tack coat is a light dust coat with minimal coverage preventing sags and runs. A wet coat is a 'full coat' where you lay down a lot of paint in one pass. Check out this image to see the difference with tack coats & wet coats. You can also watch the process of applying a wet coat here.

What are the Do's & Don'ts of HyperDip™?

You can see the Do's and Don'ts of HyperDip™ Here!

 

Should I warm my HyperDip™ cans prior to spraying?

No, we do not recommend warming cans of HyperDip™ prior to spraying.