If you want to give your Jeep a freshman year look then Plasti Dip you something that you need to consider. The question is though can you paint over Plasti Dip. In this article, we’re going to look at just that.
There is a lot of information and misinformation on this subject on the internet. In fact, it’s somewhat of a polarizing topic with very passionate stances for and against using Plasti Dip.
The aim of this article is to give you an in-depth assessment of Plasti Dip that will hopefully help you make an informed decision.
In short, No, Painting over Plasti Dip has no immediate ill effects. The problem comes when you want to remove it. Instead of peeling off easily, it will be brittle and break off in little chunks. Though it can be removed, it makes the job a whole lot difficult.
You can, however, use Plasti Dip glossier or metalizers to give your Plasti Dip a great finish without undesirable effects.
How Plasti Dip Works
Plasti Dip works by tightly wrapping itself around the surface you apply it on. It does this without bonding with the surface. For this reason, it can easily be removed from the surfaces it is applied to.
This means you can apply it over the existing paint on your Jeep without causing any damage to it. You can change around your Jeep’s color quickly and easily.
You actually don’t need a professional to do it for you but you do need to be able to follow the right application instructions in order to get the best results. I’ve mentioned that this is a polarizing subject on the internet.
What I’ve seen though is that those who have used it and are against it most likely botched up the application, got substandard results and now speak ill of it.
One rookie mistake some of these people make is spraying on the Plasti Dip from too far off meaning that you get a thin layer. For the best results with Plasti Dip, you need to spray closer to the surfaces that you get a nice, thick coat.
Can You Apply Paint Over Plasti Dip?
Technically speaking, you cannot use paint over Plasti Dip. Maybe the right phrasing would be you cannot get away with using paint over Plasti Dip.
Applying paint over rims coated with Plasti Dip or on bodywork will actually result in a great-looking finish. The trouble arises when it’s time to remove the Plasti Dip.
Plastic Dip is elastic in nature and will come off easily from any surface where it has been applied. When you put paint over it, it loses its elasticity leading to it being a lot more brittle.
Instead of peeling off in large chunks, it breaks off into little pieces meaning that you will have a lot of work on your hands removing the Plasti Dip from your Jeep’s body or rims.
Can You Use Primer With Plasti Dip?
A question often asked regarding Plasti Dip is whether you can use a primer with it. The answer to this is yes. You can use a primer with Plasti Dip just as you would with ordinary paint.
The Plasti Dip will sit nicely over the primer. When the time to remove the Plasti Dip comes, the primer will remain intact. Plasti Dip does not bond with the paint on whatever surface you are applying it on but shrinks around the surface as it dries creating a tight fit over it.
Can You Use 2k Clear Coat Over Plasti Dip?
If you look on YouTube, you will see a lot of videos of people using a 2k clear coat over Plasti Dip. Plasti Dip gives you a matte finish. Adding a coat of 2k clear coat gives you a glossy finish. When you look at the end result, you get why people like to do this.
Is it a good thing to do though? Just like paint, a clear coat will make the Plasti dIp lose its elasticity. Once again the end may really not justify the means.
It looks good and probably gives an added layer of protection to your Plasti Dip but when it comes time to remove it, you’ll have a mess on your hands. So, stay away from a 2k clear coat and anything similar to it if you want to avoid this scenario in the future.
What Paint Can You Use Over Plasti Dip?
I’ve pretty much outlawed the use of paint over Plasti Dip, but, does that mean you absolutely cannot use any type of paint of it? Well, fortunately, there are alternative options that work well with Plasti Dip that will give you the benefits of paint without losing elasticity.
Using Plasti Dip Metalizers
There are a number of Plasti Dip Metalizers that can be used to give your Jeep a cool metallic look. Metallizers are mainly used on rims and come in different colors.
You can apply a single color or mix them up to give different effects. They are formulated to work well with Plasti Dip and will not make it brittle and difficult to work with the way that other paints do.
Plasti Dip Glossifier
As the name suggests, Plasti Dip Glossifier gives your Plasti Dip Application a glossy finish. This is the ideal replacement for a 2k clear coat.
Just like the metalizes, the glossifier will not make your Plasti Dip brittle and difficult to remove. It has the same elastic properties as Plasti Dip meaning that it pretty much acts in the same way.
You won’t have a mess on your hands when the time comes to remove it. It will simply peel off easily as Plasti Dip should.
