Sofia Martinez
Plasti Dip is a versatile rubber coating that can be applied to a wide range of surfaces to protect them from damage, enhance their appearance, and add grip. It is a peelable, flexible, insulating, non-slip, and durable coating that can be applied to items to protect them against moisture, acids, abrasion, corrosion, and skidding. Plasti Dip can be applied in various ways, including dipping, brushing, or spraying. When it comes to spraying Plasti Dip, there are different types of spray guns and techniques that can be used. The choice of spray gun depends on factors such as the size and nature of the surface being coated, the desired finish, and personal preference. This article will explore the topic of using a spray gun for Plasti Dip application, providing an overview of the different spray gun options and offering guidance on achieving successful results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required equipment | Spray gun or airless sprayer |
| Spray gun specifications | LVLP (Low Volume Low Pressure); nozzle/needle: 1.4mm; air inlet pressure: 2.0-2.5 bar |
| Surface preparation | Clean and dry surface with hot water or a suitable degreaser |
| Coating thickness | 10-12 mils (2 dip coats, 3-4 brush coats, 4-5 spray coats) |
| Additives | Colourant can be added to achieve custom colours |
| Priming | Not typically required, but recommended for large metal surfaces |
| Humidity | High humidity may cause a cloudy or hazy finish |
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What You'll Learn
Spray guns and sprayers for plastic dip
Plasti Dip is a versatile rubber coating that can be applied to a wide range of surfaces to protect them from damage, enhance their appearance, and add grip. It is a peelable, flexible, insulating, non-slip, and durable coating that can be used for automotive customization and home improvement.
When it comes to applying Plasti Dip, there are several options available in terms of spray guns and sprayers. One option is to use a conventional air spray gun, which operates at pressures greater than 1 bar and does not use an HVLP atomization system. Professional air spray guns, such as Devilbiss, Binks, or Iwata, will typically provide the best coating results. However, it is also possible to use an HVLP gun or an airless paint sprayer for Plasti Dip applications.
The key to achieving successful results with Plasti Dip is proper surface preparation. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before application. Hot water is recommended for cleaning, as soap detergents may leave residues that affect adhesion of Plasti Dip. Degreasers can also be used to remove any oil or dirt, especially on metal and plastic surfaces. It is important to avoid using any petroleum, citric, alcohol, or solvent-based car care products as they may cause adhesion problems.
Additionally, there are specific sprayer systems designed for Plasti Dip, such as the Dip Sprayer System by DipYourCar.com, which offers a smoother finish and enhanced user experience. This system includes a turbine with increased PSI and CFM for better atomization, a DYC sprayer handle with a specifically designed needle for improved atomization, and a 360-degree rotating gun connection to prevent hose twisting.
When using a spray gun for Plasti Dip, it is important to consider factors such as nozzle size and air pressure. While nozzle size may not be a significant factor due to the dilutability of Plasti Dip, an air cap/air nozzle with higher airflow at air pressures above 1 bar is recommended. It is also worth noting that DIY electric sprayers may be popular, but they may not provide superior coating results compared to conventional air spray guns.
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Surface preparation
Cleaning the Surface
Start by thoroughly cleaning the surface to ensure it is free of any dirt, grease, or debris. Hot water is recommended for cleaning as soap detergents may leave residues that do not adhere well to Plasti Dip. A suitable degreaser can also be used, especially on metal and plastic surfaces, to effectively remove any oil or grease. Avoid using any petroleum, citric, alcohol, or solvent-based car care products, as they may leave residues that hinder adhesion.
Drying the Surface
Ensure that the surface is completely dry before applying Plasti Dip. Water or moisture on the surface can cause the Plasti Dip to not adhere properly, resulting in lifted areas. You can use pre-dip spray, denatured alcohol, or Windex to wipe down the surface and remove any remaining oil or grease residue after washing.
Priming the Surface
Most items being dip-coated do not require priming because the Plasti Dip shrinks around the item as it dries. However, when applying Plasti Dip to large metal surfaces or in extreme conditions, it is recommended to use a primer. Choose a high-quality primer, such as Plasti Dip Primer or an acrylic auto body-type primer, avoiding incompatible products like Rust-Oleum® primer.
Testing for Compatibility
Before proceeding with the Plasti Dip application, it is essential to test for compatibility and success. In an inconspicuous area, rub acetone or fingernail polish remover and then apply Plasti Dip to observe the results.
Environmental Conditions
Pay attention to the environmental conditions during application. Ideal conditions include low humidity, a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, minimal air movement, and good ventilation. Avoid high humidity, high temperatures, windy conditions, or direct sunlight, as these factors can cause dripping or sagging during spraying.
By following these comprehensive surface preparation steps, you can ensure the best results when applying Plasti Dip to your desired surfaces.
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$12.99
Application and coating thickness
Plastic dip coating is a process that involves immersing a preheated part into liquid plastisol to form a plastic coating. The coating can add protection and aesthetics to most metal parts. It can enhance the appearance of the part, provide a soft grip, and protect the part from chemicals, abrasion, corrosion, acids, alkaline, and most common household chemicals. It can also add unique colours to the item, such as black, red, blue, orange, yellow, and green.
The thickness of the plastic dip coating can vary depending on the desired outcome and the number of dips or coats applied. A single dip or coat of plastic dip can range from 1/16" to 1/4" thick. Multiple dips or coats can be applied to achieve a thicker coating. In most cases, a thickness of 10-12 mils is adequate, which can be achieved with 2 dip coats, 3-4 brush coats, or 4-5 spray coats.
When applying plastic dip, it is important to ensure proper surface preparation. The surface should be thoroughly cleaned and dry before application. Hot water is recommended for cleaning, as some soap detergents may leave residues that may not adhere to the plastic dip. Any oil or dirt, especially on metal and plastic surfaces, should be removed with a suitable degreaser. It is also important to avoid any petroleum, citric, alcohol, or solvent-based car care products, as they may leave residues that affect adhesion.
The application method can also impact the coating thickness. While plastic dip can be applied by dipping, brushing, or spraying, the spray method may result in a rougher surface compared to other spray technologies. However, spraying may be more suitable for larger product surfaces or areas. It is recommended to use professional "conventional" air spray guns, such as Devilbiss, Binks, or Iwata, for the best coating results.
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Plasti Dip primer
Plasti Dip is a versatile rubber coating that can be applied to a wide range of surfaces to protect them from damage, enhance their appearance, and add grip. It is the original peelable, flexible, insulating, non-slip, and durable rubber coating. It can be applied to items to protect them against moisture, acids, abrasion, corrosion, and skidding/slipping, and it provides a comfortable, controlled grip. It can be applied using a conventional air spray gun, HVLP gun, or airless paint sprayer.
Most items being dip-coated in Plasti Dip do not require priming because the coating shrinks around the item as it dries. However, in extreme conditions or when adding a protective coating to a large metal surface, priming is recommended to improve adhesion. Plasti Dip Primer is specially formulated to complement Plasti Dip's performance by creating a stronger bond with metal and plastic surfaces. It is recommended to apply one coat of primer and allow a minimum of one hour of dry time before applying Plasti Dip. The primer should always be followed by Plasti Dip and is not intended for use on its own.
The ideal conditions for applying Plasti Dip are low humidity, 70 degrees Fahrenheit, little to no air movement, and a well-ventilated area. Before application, it is essential to properly prepare the surface by thoroughly cleaning and drying it. Hot water is the best way to clean the surface, as some soap detergents may leave residues that do not adhere to Plasti Dip. A suitable degreaser can also be used to remove any oil or dirt, especially on metal and plastic surfaces. It is important to avoid using any petroleum, citric, alcohol, or solvent-based car care products, as they may leave residues that affect adhesion.
Plasti Dip can be applied in multiple coats to achieve the desired thickness, with 10-12 mils being adequate for most uses. The number of coats required may vary depending on the application method, with dip coats requiring fewer layers than brush or spray coats. Plasti Dip can also be customized by mixing different colors to achieve a unique color. It is important to note that Plasti Dip should not be used on items that may be chewed or inserted into the mouth, as it may present a choking hazard.
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Troubleshooting
Plasti Dip is a versatile rubber coating that can be applied to a wide range of surfaces to protect them from damage, enhance their appearance, and add grip. It can be applied using a conventional air spray gun, HVLP gun, or airless paint sprayer.
Runs or sags when spraying
If you are experiencing runs or sags when spraying, move the can further away from the surface and apply a lighter coat. This issue can also be caused by high humidity, high temperatures, windy conditions, or direct sunlight. Ideal conditions for spraying Plasti Dip are low humidity, 70 degrees Fahrenheit, little to no air movement, and a well-ventilated area.
Cloudy or hazy finish
A cloudy or hazy finish on your Plasti Dip project is likely caused by high humidity. To avoid this issue, apply Plasti Dip in a low-humidity environment or add approximately 5-10% naphtha to reduce the problem.
Thinning Plasti Dip for use in a spray gun
If you are using a handheld paint sprayer or airless spray gun, you may need to thin the Plasti Dip with a solvent such as xylene or paint thinner. This will allow the Plasti Dip to flow through the spray gun more easily and reduce the risk of clogging.
Number of coats
The number of coats of Plasti Dip you need will depend on the desired thickness and the application method. In most cases, 10-12 mils thickness is adequate, which translates to 2 dip coats, 3-4 brush coats, or 4-5 spray coats. For a car, a ratio of 1.5 gallons of Plasti Dip to 1.5 gallons of thinner will give you about 7-8 coats.
Surface preparation
Proper surface preparation is key to a successful Plasti Dip application. Ensure that the surface is thoroughly cleaned and dry before applying Plasti Dip. Hot water or a suitable degreaser can be used to remove any oil or dirt, especially on metal and plastic surfaces. Avoid using any petroleum, citric, alcohol, or solvent-based car care products as they may leave residues that affect adhesion.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Plasti Dip can be applied using a conventional air spray gun, HVLP gun, or airless paint sprayer.
Professional 'conventional' air spray guns, such as Devilbiss, Binks, or Iwata, will give superior coating results.
Plasti Dip is a versatile, peelable, flexible, insulating, non-slip, durable rubber coating that can be applied to a wide range of surfaces to protect them from damage, enhance their appearance, and add grip.
Proper surface preparation is key to a successful Plasti Dip application. Ensure the surface is thoroughly cleaned and dry. Hot water is the best way to clean the surface, as some soap detergents may leave residues that do not adhere to Plasti Dip. A suitable degreaser can be used to remove any oil or dirt, especially on metal and plastic surfaces. Avoid using any petroleum, citric, alcohol, or solvent-based car care products, as they may cause adhesion problems.
