How Long Does Plasti Dip Last On Rims & Wheels? 3 or 4.5 Years?

As car enthusiasts, we can all appreciate good car paint. A keen eye will always pay attention to the details and know that the rims can also be painted to give the car a classy look.

I have always painted my car using spray paint, but this time I used Plasti Dip coating to give my rims an extra layer of protection. The layer makes the rims look sleeker, whilst protecting them from harsh surroundings.

However, you might be wondering how long does Plasti Dip last on rims before you have to change them? Go through the article below to learn more about Plasti Dip.

What is a Plasti Dip?

Before determining what makes Plasti Dip last longer, you should first dig deep into what it is. Plasti Dip is essentially a rubber coating for your car body or the wheels. It allows you to coat your rims to protect them against moisture, weather, and corrosion.

Plasti Dip is temporary spray paint for your rims. You can also peel them off quickly and paint a new coat on top. Plasti Dip claims to be durable, air-dry multi-purpose paint and offers a wide range of colors.

Also Read: Plasti Dip Vs Spray Paint Rims.

How do I apply Plasti Dip?

To get on a perfect and even coating, getting a professional to Plasti Dip your wheels is better. However, if you are on a budget and want to try a new DIY project, you can also opt to paint yourself.

You need to prepare the surface before coating it with Plasti Dip. Only then will you achieve a smooth surface that can adhere to the coat properly. You can either use a PreDip spray or a microfiber towel to clean the surface and remove all the dirt and grease.

Plasti Dip also sells a primer that you need to spray before the dipping. The primer ensures maximum bonding and more durability. Make sure the surface is completely dry, as any moisture present while dipping can result in bubbling and disturb the even coating.

How long does Plasti Dip last?

The durability and lifespan of Plasti Dip are questions asked by everyone. However, it is not that simple. Plasti Dip promises that its coat lasts for almost three years on car bodies and nearly 1-2 years if coated on rims.

Plasti Dip recommends using at least five coats to get a smoother and long-lasting look. If you want to know how long does Plasti Dip last on rims, then there are other factors that you should consider.

Factors affecting the longevity of Plasti Dip

Just like painting, Plasti Dip coatings are subject to wear and tear. Therefore, it depends on several aspects that you have to consider.

Number of coats

As mentioned before, it is ideal for applying at least five coats of Plasti Dip to your rims for a longer-lasting effect. The more coats you apply and re-apply will determine the longevity of the Dip.

Plasti Dip contains polyurethane-based coating, which usually lasts about 12 months or more if maintained properly. However, it also depends on your car or wheels or how many abrasions they are exposed to.

Type of vehicle

Plasti Dip lasts around three years if coated on the car’s body, but dipping the rims is tricky. Since wheels go through more corrosion, they are also exposed to harsher environments. It spends more time in contact with dirt and soil, which may affect the coating.

A motorcycle’s rims are more prone to wear and tear than an ordinary car. It also depends on the amount and the location of the vehicle you are using.

Usage of the vehicle

One of the determinants of the lifespan of Plasti Dip is the usage of the vehicle. The amount of time the car is on the road and the type of road impacts the coating.

For example, if your car is mainly in the garage or does not leave town often, the coating will last much longer. On the other hand, if you are out of town a lot or like to cruise around muddy and hilly areas, the coating of the rims may be easily compromised.

Location

The place where you live affects the Plasti Dip coating as well. Humid areas where the humidity and UV are very high can cause the Plasti Dip to wear off faster.

Plasti Dip coating can resist the heat of up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is pretty resistant to heat, but it won’t last long if exposed to such prolonged temperatures. Consistent racing and rally events can alter the coating and make it last for less time.

Moreover, Plasti Dip is resistant to the elements such as heat, cold, ice, and extreme temperatures. Some people especially coat their rims with Plasti Dip to protect their rims from the cold winter.

Protecting the coating from UV rays is also challenging. While most of the colors are resistant to UV, the fluorescent colors, such as the Fluorescent and Blaze, tend to fade off after a while due to the pigments in the fluorescence.

Tips and tricks to make Plasti Dip last longer.

Now that you know the factors that determine how long your Plasti dipped rims will last, you can also follow these simple steps to ensure the maximum life of your dipped coating.

• Pre dipping prep

You should always clean the surface of the rims before you apply the Dip. Wash the surface with soap or use the PreDip spray to ensure no grease, oil, or dirt is left on the surface.

You also need to dry the surface thoroughly to prevent any moisture on the surface, as water will disturb the integrity of the coating.

• Elements

While dipping your rims, it is better to do it on a dry, sunny day. Rain or prolonged UV exposure may not be ideal for the coating process. Humid weather can increase the drying time and make the coat harder to stick to the surface.

• Application

After cleaning and drying the surface, it is time to take the spray gun and start painting. As chemicals in paints can be harmful, it is always advised to wear a respirator mask or cover your face.

Start painting in thin coats as thicker coats take more time to dry. Apply the Plasti Dip slowly and evenly. You should apply at least five coats with an interval of 10-15 minutes between the coats.

• Type of spray gun

Choosing the correct type of spray can be tricky. There is a wide range of spray cans to choose from. It is better to use a spray that produces thin coats and get one with an adjustable fan to adjust the coatings to the width of your surface.

Sometimes, aluminum oxide in the paint can get stuck and clog up the nozzle of some spray guns, so you should know which spray gun to use if you want unclogged, more refined coats.

• Color of the Plasti Dip

Using bolder and darker colors is risky as they easily scratch and fade when exposed to UV. Most people use a transparent color to coat on black surfaces such as the rims.

After application, leave the coating to dry for at least two hours. You can also use a hairdryer to dry faster. You can use the Dip Coat protective spray from time to time to make your coating last longer from all the elements such as sunlight and rain.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

Plasti Dip is an easy and cost-effective way to coat your car or wheels. It is durable, peelable, and resistant to most elements such as heat and UV. Even with all these characteristics, you can worry about how long does Plasti Dip last on rims.

While painting a car is easy, Plasti Dip coatings are also gaining popularity as they are easy to apply and last almost three years. You can spray the Plasti Dip on your own and enjoy scratch-free, rust-free, and clean rims.