How to Clean Plasti Dip

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While originally developed for coating tool handles, Plasti Dip® has become a popular spray-on coating for automobiles. Used on wheels and accessories, or even on the car body as an alternative to traditional paint, it can add color and provide protection from water, dirt, salt, and UV rays. Additionally, while it is easy to remove if applied properly, Plasti Dip can also stand up to fairly aggressive (and common) cleaning methods.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Washing Dipped Cars

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  1. For all intents and purposes, a “dipped” car (that is, a car coated in Plasti Dip) can be washed in exactly the same way as a traditionally painted vehicle. For the most thorough cleaning, hand washing the car with automotive soap (or even dish soap), clean water, a hose, and lint-free cloths for washing and drying is probably your best bet. [1]
    • Should you so choose, you can purchase soaps and cloths marketed specifically for dipped cars. [2]
    • Since Plasti Dip provides a protective coating against UV rays, salt, etc., applying waxes or similar finishes/protectants after washing is unnecessary.
  2. Because of Plasti Dip's composition, solvent-based cleaners could cause bubbling, peeling, or other damage to the applied product. Basically, just stick to common soap-based cleaners.
    • Exercise caution when adding fuel to your car, as spilled or dripped gasoline could harm your Plasti Dip finish. You can order special drip guards if desired. [3]
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  3. Because Plasti Dip can be peeled off by hand with relative ease, some people are hesitant to use pressure sprayers to wash their dipped cars. However, if the Plasti Dip has been properly applied, allowed to cure for a few weeks, and is not peeling along edges or other spots, a common water sprayer of up to 1800 psi can be used. [4]
    • This means you can use one of the self-wash bays at your local car wash without incident.
    • If you want to exercise added caution, use only the level of water pressure needed to get the job done.
  4. Once again, if the Plasti Dip has been properly applied, has had time to cure, and isn’t peeling, a trip through the average automatic car wash will have no negative impact on it. The various scrubbers, sprays, buffers, and so on should not pose a problem. [5]
  5. While some enthusiasts dip their entire cars, others stick to applying Plasti Dip to their hubcaps and wheels. Typical soap-based cleaning methods will work fine in keeping dipped wheels clean. [6] However, newer spray-on, no-scrub, rinse-off cleaners developed for wheels (whether dipped or not) have come on the market as well. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Applying and Removing Plasti Dip

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  1. If you want your applied Plasti Dip to go on evenly, last longer, and peel away more easily when it’s time to remove it, you must make sure the surface is properly prepared. Taking your time now will provide immediate and lasting benefits. [8]
    • Wash and rinse the surface thoroughly; make sure any soap residue is gone.
    • Use microfiber cloths to prevent lint accumulation on the surface.
    • Dry the surface, and also allow it to air dry. Make sure it is absolutely, completely dry before applying Plasti Dip.
  2. You can dip, brush, or spray on Plasti Dip, although spraying is utilized for most automotive applications. Follow the provided instructions for spray coverage, distance, technique, and safety. [9]
    • Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area, and wear protective eyewear and breathing protection. You may also want to wear gloves and cover exposed skin.
    • Especially if your car is brand new or has had after-market painting or repairs done to it, you may want to test a small area first. Plasti Dip adheres to (and peels away from) most automotive surfaces with ease, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
  3. When it comes to applying Plasti Dip coats, the more the better. Four to five thin, even coats should be considered your minimum for the best appearance and protection. However, adding six or more coats will enhance these qualities and make it even easier to remove the product later on. [10]
  4. Plasti Dip dries to the touch fairly quickly, and a basic cure will usually occur within four to eight hours. After this point, it is safe to touch the surface and use the vehicle. However, the full curing process will take a few weeks, so it is best to wait perhaps a month before using aggressive cleaning methods. [11]
  5. Properly applied Plasti Dip will often last for at least three years. When it does wear out or you simply are ready for a change, just peel it off of the surface with your hands. If you applied enough layers of Plasti Dip earlier, it should peel off in large pieces. If, however, not enough layers were applied, meaning the Plasti Dip is peeling off in tiny pieces, try the following:
    • Add additional coats of Plasti Dip, let it cure, then peel the thicker coating away with greater ease.
    • Use a branded Dip Dissolver to re-liquify the Plasti Dip, then rinse and wipe it away. [12]
    • Try various automotive and other cleaning products (Goo Gone, WD-40, etc.), as recommended by various sources. This is a bit of a trial-and-error process in regards to effectiveness. [13] Your best bet is to apply the Plasti Dip properly so that it peels away easily.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    I applied some plasti dip and it's bubbling, what should I do?
    Frank Hernandez
    Auto Technician
    Frank Hernandez is an ASE Master Certified Technician based in La Palma, CA. With over 7 years of experience, Frank is certified in collision, maintenance and light, and undercar repair. He is currently an Automotive Technology Instructor teaching on-board diagnostics, maintenance & repair, and customer service. Frank has an Associate of Science degree in Automotive Engineering Technology from Cypress College.
    Frank Hernandez
    Auto Technician
    Expert Answer
    Bubbling in plasti-dip usually happens when the surface wasn’t prepped correctly, coats were applied too thickly and too fast, or moisture got trapped underneath. To fix bubbling, start by letting the area dry completely without touching it until it’s no longer sticky. Once it’s dry, you can try gently pressing down on the bubbled spots with a soft cloth or a clean, lint-free towel to smooth them out. If the bubbling is severe and pressing it down doesn’t help, you may need to remove the bubbled sections. Before reapplying plasti-dip, wash the surface with a mild solvent or a cleaner that is safe for car surfaces. Make sure the area is completely dry and free of any residue. When you’re ready to reapply, use thin, even coats of plasti-dip and let each coat dry fully before adding another. This extra step helps prevent future bubbling and gives you a smooth finish.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJk66lzcr-U
      2. ↑ https://www.dipyourcar.com/collections/car-wash-aftercare
      3. ↑ https://www.dipyourcar.com/collections/car-wash-aftercare
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q37dZ2YdXl4
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q37dZ2YdXl4
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJk66lzcr-U
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzHf-xTO40Y
      8. ↑ https://www.dipyourcar.com/pages/faq
      9. ↑ https://www.dipyourcar.com/pages/faq
      1. ↑ https://www.dipyourcar.com/pages/faq
      2. ↑ https://www.dipyourcar.com/pages/faq
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ynMrKFZJHI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj7jiOL7_C8

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Plasti Dip is a popular spray-on coating for automobiles. If your car has been coated in Plasti Dip, you can clean it by hand washing it with soap and water. You can also use a pressure sprayer up to 1800 psi or even take your vehicle through the car wash. For dipped wheels, use soap and water or some of the newer spray-on, no-scrub, rinse-off cleaners made specifically for wheels. Because of Plasti Dip’s makeup, you’ll want to avoid thinners, solvents, and gasoline, which could cause bubbling, peeling, and other damage to the dipped areas. To learn how to apply and remove Plasti Dip, keep reading!

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