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

Plasti Dip is a brand of an air-dry, specialty rubber coating that can be applied to just about any surface – to change its color or texture and to protect it from weathering and wear.

Plasti Dip Paint is generally used on various household projects, such as weatherproofing light fixtures or adding insulation to exposed pipes. The product line is also used to change the color of car wheels or to add a nonslip coating to tools and equipment.

If you plan to use Plasti Dip Paint on your vehicle or household, knowing more about the product specifications and applications will help you decide whether it’s the right product for you. So, let’s get into some more details here in this article…

Plasti Dip Specifications

Plasti Dip is an easy-to-use formula designed to keep your projects safe and secure by protecting items against moisture, acids, abrasion, corrosion, and skidding/slipping; it provides a controlled grip for comfort.

The product is available in a variety of colors like black, white, gunmetal gray, blue, red, yellow, and clear. Peelable and removable off of most surfaces, it remains flexible and stretchy over time. Also, thanks to its durable construction, it won’t crack or become brittle even in extreme weather conditions from -30°F to 200°F.

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.

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 or cannot easily fit into the can, though the texture may not be as smooth.

Also, for brushing on Plasti Dip, you may need to thin it, which can be done by adding 5- to 10 percent of naphtha.

Can Plasti Dip Be Applied in Cold Weather?

You can use Plasti Dip in cold weather as the product can easily withstand temperatures ranging from -30 to 200°F. But for lower temperatures, you’ll probably want to heat the cans first. During cold, you should also allow for more dry time than usual.

If you attempt to spray dip in extremely low temperatures (lower than -30°F), it will likely cause an uneven application and is therefore not a recommended option.

Where Can You Use Plasti Dip Coating? 

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.

Here 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.

Next, shut off the device and cover the vents and all other openings before the device can have a nifty, removable covering with Plasti Dip 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 also makes the furniture water-resistant. 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 bonds with metal surfaces very well, so it works great for insulating electrical components.

When applying, 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. If required, 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. 

Since the Plasti Dip sticks well to the surface and creates a colorful coating that smooths the edges, it can be used to provide 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 rubberized Plasti Dip on the bottom of these slippers creates a non-slip surface, making your walk far more comfortable 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. And since it’s peelable, after a few years, you can peel off the Plasti Dip if you want, and the paintwork underneath will still be intact.

Can You Paint Over Plasti Dip – Is it Paintable?

If you’re looking to paint over Plasti Dip, it’s not impossible, but it could be tricky. To make the peeling and stretching easier, apply a thick layer of 4-5 coats before painting on top; this helps protect the surface from chipping or cracking easily.

Additionally, keep in mind that since Plasti Dip is made from rubber materials, its chemical bonding won’t hold as strongly compared to specific paints – so let it sit for at least 6 hours after applying prior to using any kind of paint.

Is Plasti Dip Waterproof – Can You Use it Under Water?

Plasti Dip is an exceptional waterproofing coating for a variety of surfaces that guarantees assurance against water, acids, and other weather-related conditions.

This powerful sealant can be used to repair leaks on big and small tents, boats, or kayaks to keep out moisture, even if your kayak is inflatable. With the help of Plasti Dip, you can rest assured that it will remain in top condition and stay leakproof over extended periods.

Plasti Dip also outperforms various yacht coatings, hardwood floor varnishes, and other non-silicone coatings on the market. It is also UV resistant, which prevents fading on outdoor wood surfaces. So you can be sure that your paint job will stay looking fresh for years to come.

Additionally, you can use Plasti Dip to line the inside of your wooden planters. Simply wipe down the interior and spray or apply a layer of Plasti Dip on it before allowing 6-24 hours for drying. Not only will this keep moisture in, but it also safeguards your planter’s outer wood surface.

For underwater usage, Plasti Dip has been safely and effectively utilized in ponds and aquatic settings for decades with outstanding reviews. Even though the technical data sheets state that it should not be employed in aquatics applications, many people use the product this way and have seen satisfactory results.