What is Plasti Dip Paint – What is It Used for?

Plasti Dip is a brand of synthetic rubber that can be applied to just about any surface to change its color or texture or to protect it from weathering and wear. 

The product line is also used to change the color of car wheels or to add a nonslip coating to tools and equipment. 

Plasti Dip Paint can also be used on various household projects, such as weatherproofing light fixtures or adding insulation to exposed pipes.

Knowing how to apply the product and its other applications can help you decide whether it’s the right product for you.

So, let’s get into some more details here in this article…

How Do You Apply Plasti Dip?

Plasti Dip is usually available in a 14-1/2 ounce can – to spray directly on the surface to be coated. 

But you can also find them in gallon cans which is cheaper than using multiple sprays, especially when you need to dip larger areas or multiple products.

The product is available in variety of colors like black, white, gunmetal gray, blue, red, yellow, and clear.

Before applying this sprayable rubber, ensure the surface is clean and free of dirt or grease. Once sprayed and dried for about 30 minutes, it solidifies into a peelable rubber compound.

While Plasti Dip can easily last for about three years when applied correctly and maintained properly, it’s not a permanent solution and will need to be reapplied eventually.

Here is a detailed video I could find that will show you how to apply Plasti Dip correctly:

Can Plasti Dip Be Brushed On?

Instead of spraying or dipping, you can brush on Plasti Dip if the item is too large to fit into the can, though the texture may not be as smooth.

For brushing on plasti dip you may also need to sometimes thin it which can be done by adding 5- to 10-percent of naphtha.

Can Plasti Dip Be Applied in Cold Weather?

You can Plasti Dip in cold weather, but for temperatures below 60° Fahrenheit (15.5° C), you’ll probably want to heat up the cans first.

If you attempt to spray dip in low temperatures, it will likely cause an uneven application. During cold, you should also allow for more dry time than usual.

Where Can You Use Plasti Dip? 

One of the most versatile products for amateur home renovators, Plasti Dip, offers several different uses.

In fact, so popular is the product that people are regularly coming up with new uses for their properties.

What follows are some different ideas about how you can use this product. 

1- Cos Play

Creating Cos Play costumes has been one of the biggest trends over the past few decades.

To create the many elaborate costumes, people most often use EVA foam. 

This type of foam may look quite familiar as it is often used to make interlocking floor mats found in children’s nurseries and play areas.

And while EVA foam can be used to create helmets, suits of armor, and the like, one disadvantage is that traditional paint does not stick to its surface. 

This is where Plasti Dip comes into play, as you can apply it directly to the surface of EVA foam.

Once applied, you can even decorate the Plasti Dip to create the designs and colors you want.

2- Dip Electronic Items

Your phone, tablet, and laptop can now have a unique, protective, rubberized coating, thanks to Plasti Dip.

Be sure to clean the surface first, then apply masking or painter’s tape to areas you do not want to spray with the Plasti Dip.

Shut off the device and cover the vents and all other openings before they can have a nifty, removable covering that’s protective. 

3- Furniture

Normally, chalk paint is applied to bespoke furniture to create an antique look with a unique appearance.

Applying a coat of Plasti Dip does a similar thing and makes the furniture waterproof. 

This means you can create protective, colorful coverings for your older furniture and place it outdoors, protecting it from the elements. 

In addition, the Plasti Dip provides the legs with a non-slip surface to stay in place. 

4- Handles

It’s probably not surprising that the original purpose of Plasti Dip was to coat the handles of tools so they would be more comfortable to hold and last longer. 

There are still many tool handles that do not have a protective coating, so you can dip them into the Plasti Dip and provide the product’s protection- thanks to its electrical insulatant properties.

Plasti Dip also has a strong bond with metal surfaces, so it works great for insulating electrical components.

Clean the handle and spray or dip it in one smooth motion into the Plasti Dip. Hang the tool so that the Plasti Dip can dry evenly.

You can remove any imperfections with the proper tools after it has dried. 

5- Jewelry 

Because you can dip different types of material, from metal to feathers, into Plasti Dip, you can create a wide array of jewelry for a low cost. 

The Plasti Dip sticks well to the surface and creates a colorful coating that smooths the edges.

The rubberized finish of the coat provides a contemporary appearance to different objects that can be sported as jewelry. 

6- Non-Slip Slippers

One of the most popular types of slippers is those which are crochet and handmade. Soft and breathable, these slippers are pretty comfortable. 

However, they also are quite slippery when walking on wooden or tile flooring. 

Applying Plasti Dip on the bottom of these slippers creates a non-slip surface, making your walk far more comfortable. 

The slippers remain comfortable for a long, and the layer of Plasti Dip on the bottom prevents slipping on tile or wooden surfaces. 

7- Short-Term Car Coating

Arguably the most popular use of Plasti Dip is to coat a vehicle temporarily.

You can coat the entire car if you desire, but the most popular areas are the trims, wheels, wing mirrors, and badges. 

The product provides robust protection for years when applied correctly.

After a few years, you can peel off the Plasti Dip if you want, and the paintwork underneath will still be intact. 

To apply the Plasti Dip to your vehicle, you can apply the dip yourself if you feel up to it. Or you can hire a professional, which is a popular choice.

8- Waterproofing

Plasti Dip is a popular waterproofing product because it is easy to use and can be applied with a paintbrush or spray.

The Plasti Dip can be used on boats or kayaks to seal leaks and prevent water from getting in.

So, those with inflatable kayaks can successfully repair them to ensure that the kayak remains waterproof. 

Another widespread waterproofing use of Plasti Dip is on big and small tents. You can apply the Plasti Dip, which will repel the water and properly seal up any holes in the material.

Plasti Dip also works better than other products, such as yacht coatings, hardwood floor varnishes, and many non-silicone coatings on the market.  

Furthermore, you can also line the interior of wooden planters with this product – it will keep the moisture inside while protecting the wood on the outside. 

Because the Plasti Dip is resistant to UV or ultraviolet rays, it will also not fade from the sunlight when applied on outdoor wood surfaces. 

Simply wipe clean the interior of the wooden planter, spray or apply the Plasti Dip and let dry for 6-24 hours. 

Can You Paint Over Plasti Dip – Is It Paintable?

You can, but painting over Plasti Dip may make it harder to peel and stretch.

Before you paint, ensure you have put up a nice, thicker coat of Plasti Dip (typically in 4 to 5 coats) over the surface so that the paint won’t chip or crack easily.

Also, remember that since Plasti Dip is a rubber-based product, it doesn’t have the same chemically-bonding properties that some paints do.

So, after you have applied the Plasti Dip allow at least 6 hours to cure the product before you paint over.