How to Maintain the Satin Plasti Dip Finish on a Custom Show Car?

Plasti Dip, an air-dry, specialty rubber coating, is widely used to color and protect car exteriors. It’s an ideal solution for any car enthusiasts who are looking to spruce up their ride or protect it from harsh elements. So, whether it’s your daily ride or a custom show car, Plasti Dip is an excellent option. However, maintaining the finish isn’t as simple as spraying it on and forgetting about it. It requires some work, but don’t be discouraged. It’s all about understanding the process, and with the right knowledge and tools, you’ll be able to keep your car looking as good as new.

Understanding the Plasti Dip Product

Plasti Dip is a flexible, insulating, non-slip, durable, and resistive coating that’s been a popular choice among auto enthusiasts for its ease of use and versatility. Typically sold in aerosol cans, it can be sprayed on any location on your car, including wheels. The product is available in various colors including black, white, red, and more. Each color provides a unique aesthetic appeal to your vehicle.

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To maintain the Plasti Dip’s finish on your car, it’s essential to understand the product itself. Plasti Dip primarily consists of a substance called polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. It’s the same material used in electrical wires and plumbing pipes, which means it’s designed to withstand a good deal of wear and tear.

Being a rubber-based product, Plasti Dip naturally adheres well to the car’s surface and forms a protective layer over the paint. The product is known for its durable and flexible properties, which allow it to withstand extreme weather conditions without cracking or peeling.

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The Process of Dipping Your Car

Dipping your car involves covering the exterior of your car with Plasti Dip. The process is straightforward, but it does require some time and effort.

The first step is to choose a well-ventilated location for the job. This will ensure that the fumes from the product don’t pose a health hazard. Next, the car needs to be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This is to ensure that the Plasti Dip adheres well and also to prevent any dirt or debris from being trapped under the coating.

Once the car is clean, the dipping process can begin. The Plasti Dip is sprayed onto the car in several coats, with each coat needing to dry for a certain period of time before the next is applied. Typically, around four to five coats are required for a good, solid finish.

Maintaining the Plasti Dip Finish

Once your car is dipped, it’s crucial to maintain the finish to keep it looking fresh and vibrant. One of the main enemies of any car finish is dirt and grime. Therefore, regular washing is a must.

When washing a dipped car, it’s best to use a pressure washer at a gentle setting. Avoid using harsh detergents or brushes, as they can damage the Plasti Dip finish. Instead, opt for a car wash soap that is pH neutral and designed specifically for Plasti Dipped cars.

Another aspect of maintaining the Plasti Dip finish is protecting it from the sun. While the product is designed to withstand harsh weather, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause it to fade over time. Therefore, whenever possible, keep your car parked in a shaded area or use a car cover.

Fixing Damaged Plasti Dip Coating

Despite your best efforts, there may be times when the Plasti Dip coating on your car gets damaged. The good news is, fixing this isn’t as difficult as it might seem.

Firstly, you need to assess the damage. If it’s a small tear or scratch, you can simply clean the area and apply a new coat of Plasti Dip. However, if the damage is more extensive, you might need to remove the entire coating and reapply it.

To remove Plasti Dip, you can use a Plasti Dip removal spray. This is a solvent that dissolves the coating, allowing you to peel it off easily. Once the old coating is removed, you can clean the area and reapply the Plasti Dip as per the usual process.

Remember, maintaining a Plasti Dip finish requires consistency. Regular cleaning, protection from the sun, and prompt repair of any damage will ensure that your car retains its stylish look for a long time.

Caring for Specific Parts of a Plasti Dipped Car

Caring for specific parts of your Plasti Dipped car, such as tail lights and window trim, does require some additional care. Here, we will share some tips on how to maintain these parts while keeping your Plasti Dip finish intact.

Tail lights are an essential part of any car and keeping them well-maintained is crucial, especially for a custom show car. When cleaning your tail lights, avoid using abrasive brushes or detergents as they might damage the Plasti Dip coating. Instead, use a soft cloth and a gentle car wash soap. Also, remember that the Plasti Dip coating on tail lights can be vulnerable to heat. So, avoid parking your car in direct sunlight for extended periods.

The window trim of your car is another area that needs attention. While the Plasti Dip coating is durable, it’s not invincible. The window trim can be subjected to a lot of friction, especially when you’re opening and closing your car windows. To avoid damage, avoid excessive rubbing of the window trim and use a lubricant if necessary. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and gentle car wash soap is also recommended.

The color of your Plasti Dip finish plays a significant role in its maintenance as well. For instance, a gloss black finish might show scratches and scuffs more prominently than a matte finish. Therefore, it’s advisable to choose a color that not only suits your style but also complements the maintenance routine you’re willing to follow.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Plasti Dipped Car

A Plasti Dipped car offers a unique look that can set you apart from the crowd. Whether you’ve chosen a vibrant red or a sleek gloss black, your car’s finish will definitely turn heads. But remember, owning a Plasti Dipped car also comes with a responsibility to keep it looking its best.

Regular maintenance, as detailed in this article, is key but don’t let it intimidate you. The process might seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, it will become second nature. From selecting the right car wash soap to knowing how to fix damaged Plasti Dip coating, every aspect of maintenance is doable with the right knowledge and tools.

Don’t forget that the beauty of Plasti Dip is its flexibility. If you’re no longer satisfied with a color, you can easily peel it off and reapply a new one. This gives you the freedom to change the look of your car as often as you wish.

In conclusion, a Plasti Dipped car can be a source of pride and joy. It’s a reflection of your personal style and creativity. So, take the time to maintain your car’s finish. The result will be a car that not only stands out but also lasts. And if someone asks you for a quote about your Plasti Dipped car, just say, ‘I highly recommend it!‘