Plastidip Tricks

I want to Plastidip my bumper end caps. I am going to go with the anthracite to get a close match to MGM. I had several cans of black on my garage shelf from prior jeep projects so my plan was to do a test run in black and then peel it off and eventually do it again in anthracite.

For the most part my test run went smoothly but there were a few spots that turned out less than perfect. It is almost like something caused the paint to bubble and not apply smoothly in a few spots. Anyone have experience with this? I want to avoid this when I do my final run.

 

Did you wipe down with acetone before spraying?

 

This. Make sure that the surface is free from debris, oil, grime, everything. Once you have everything clean - then clean it again. Then definitely hit it with some acetone or some other paint prep solution (I use Eastwood's). I have had great results with my plasti-dip. My grille paint job has held up great for about 5 years now. I am probably going to redo it in the spring simply because it has faded in color thanks to the New Mexico sun.

 

I did clean the bumper but did not use acetone or any other paint prep product. Will make sure to do so when I redo everything with the anthracite grey.

 

Be sure the cans are warm. They’ll spit out chunks when they’re cold.

 

The thing I hate about wiping down with a solvent is that you still can't be 100% sure you've removed all the wax/oil/ contaminant 'cause you can't see it. So, like @Atomic City Tundra said, wipe down a couple of times and let dry thoroughly.

 

So does the solvent do anything to the chrome other than clean it? I mean does it dull it or anything permanent? I want to plasti dip my bumpers as well but dont want to ruin the the chrome if i have to take it off.

 

I have had bubbles when I spray a coat too thick, and also when the can is either cold or getting close to empty.
I also found that adding a couple coats of clear helps to prevent it from fading. The clear provides UV protection. It is available in gloss or matt finish.

 

I haven't messed with the clear. I'll have to try that on my next go-round.

 

My buddy did his caps and got them super smooth. He said he held the can about 4-5” away and went thick but obviously not so thick that it would drip. And let each coat dry 20 minutes or so. Came out great. Post pics when done

 

I have also used the Duplicolor brand of peelable paint. Same as Plastidip, just a different brand; it sprays a lot smoother, almost like regular paint; not the rubbery texture that plastidip has.

 

No, acetone won't harm the chrome at all.

 

Thanks for the reply..

 

Keep them warm and clean up the tip with alcohol in between coats. Shake in between sprays as well.