Plasti-Dip grill fail

[kmccrate]

Ok! So I tried using Plasti-dip for the first time because everyone seems to really love it.... and my 1st attempt to plasti-dip my grill totally failed!

It turned out really blotchy, rough, and "textured" when I was expecting a smooth, clean finish.

Maybe I just applied it wrong (it was my first time using plastidip)...

(My roomie loved my 4runner so much he went out and bought the exact same one, lol)


Now i cant decide if I should leave it like that or try to peel it off and re-do it, or just use spray paint or what! Im definately not leaving it silver. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Oh, and I REALLY need help with the lower valence removal, if anyone knows exactly how to remove it. I tried removing the bolts underneath and still couldnt get it out....

 

[kmccrate]

I also spray painted my bug guard.... it looks ok but it turned out a little weird. I should probably get some kind of clear coat for the bug guard and the grill.....

 

[NJshadow93]

Peel it off and do it again. You need to make sure the grille is clean first. Then hold the can about 6-12" away from it and do back and forth motions. Don't spray it like it is coming out of a pump nozzle, just hold it down. Spray 4 even coats, letting each coat dry for about 15 minutes in between.

 

[hurt4x]

:shocked: what did you do lol.

how many coats did you do? you cant use plastidip like regular spray paint. I have had the best success with a Heavy first coat, like just before it starts to run. then let it dry. Then another coat or two and it comes out pretty smooth.

I would peel it off and try again

 

[mikebontoft]

I have noticed that the further away you hold the can, the more texture it ends up having.

 

[smc23]

just make sure you give it plenty of time to dry before spraying on a new coat. I let mine dry like 30+mins. between coats just to be safe. Also its not really necessary to take anything off the car to plastidip it just make you use a lot of newspaper to protect from any overspray

 

[Antman]

Also-

The warmer the paint, the smoother the texture. Try warming the dip up first before you spray. I either run the cans under warm water while shaking, or let the cans sit over the forced-air heat vents in my home for a little while. Works like a charm every time.

 

[Red]

Ok! So I tried using Plasti-dip for the first time because everyone seems to really love it.... and my 1st attempt to plasti-dip my grill totally failed!

It turned out really blotchy, rough, and "textured" when I was expecting a smooth, clean finish.

Maybe I just applied it wrong (it was my first time using plastidip)...


(My roomie loved my 4runner so much he went out and bought the exact same one, lol)


Now i cant decide if I should leave it like that or try to peel it off and re-do it, or just use spray paint or what! Im definately not leaving it silver. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Oh, and I REALLY need help with the lower valence removal, if anyone knows exactly how to remove it. I tried removing the bolts underneath and still couldnt get it out....

Don't try and put too much on at once, do a nice light coat, then 4-5 more letting it dry for minimum 20 mins in between. spray from 6-12" away.

Watch youtube for tips if you need them.

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

^This, doing numerous lighter coats will provide an even texture. I also believe warming the dip prior to using would help as well. Try to do it on a day where it is 50* or higher and make sure everything you are dipping is clean ahead of time.
FWIW, I did my grill twice too because I let it dry too much before taking the masking off and it tore a bit. Luckily it is cheap and easy to get so it doesn't really matter if you have to redo it.
Good Luck

 

[ghostridr]

How many coats of ugly did you apply at close range? :bounce:

 

[fonz9302]

wipe down with alcohol

4 coats:

1st coat super light

final coat nice and thick

like above noted, dont even waste time in the cold...do it when its warm

**clean nozzle after ever spray otherwise paint will dry over opening**

I did my wheels, front grill and all emblems with no problems but as always, dont rush it.

 

[wadle5]

As everyone has said after confirming that it is a clean surface. You should distance the nozzle from the grille and spray LIGHTLY. First coat will be barely visible on top of the chrome. With about 30-45 mina between coats do another sweep of the grille making sure you are about 6-8 inches away and spray another light even coat. I was confused at first when I did mine, as I felt like there was no change in color and then very hazy after the first couple of coats, but they gradual build up and ends up looking more "full" and complete and not all globbed up from putting it on heavy like yours... Hope this helps. If in doubt youtube a couple videos

 

[kevinpt]

Use light coats and let it dry 5-30 min between coats. I wait until I can touch the plasti dip and feels dry(touch tape). I can usually get one coat about every 5 to 10 minutes. Take your time and don't have to thick of a layer

 

[Jester4kicks]

It's going to sound repetitious (no pun intended), but multiple, light coats are better than fewer, heavier coats.

I think I ended up using 6 coats on my grill. My first coat was very light, really just a dusting.

Peel it and start over. That's part of the beauty of plastidip.

 

[Jester4kicks]

Oh, and make sure to shake the can.... a LOT... before each applying each coat.

Edit: Also, after each coat, turn the can upside down and give it a quick couple blasts to clear and residual product from the nozzle.

 

[HHIRunner]

One more suggestion is before you do each coat, obviously shake it up, but then spray it on some leaves or something to insure that the is no extra residue built up and that the nozzle is cleared.

 

[m@x]

I think you have over-sprayed it. I haven't used plasti-dip but I have read/heard a lot of times that for best results you need to:

1) Make sure the surface is clean. Google "Pre-dip spray". Some people use degreasers and I think the rubbing alcohol.

PlastiDip M3 Matte White - DipYourCar.com Pro Car Kit - YouTube
jump to 2:05 - 2:10
or
GunMetal Gray Plasti Dip - Wheels and Rims - DipYourCar.com - YouTube
jump to 1:37 - 1:50

2) First coat must be VERY light and 50% transparent. Doesn't have to cover all areas. It is meant for the better adhesion of the next coats.
Keep on watching the video from above (dipping the wheel) and pay attention to the amount of spray the guy applies per coat. Also pay attention that he is not covering all the angles in one pass. This wheel is a very good example showing that 1 coat can consist of multiple passes when there are multiple angles to attack. But each surface gets only one coat. Spray perpendicular to the surface.

Make sure to let the coats dry. 15-20 min? Not sure.

3) Before spraying SHAKE VERY WELL =) And you should do it in a warm environment (inside or outside) Make sure you get enough light to see how you are doing during the process. Be patient - more thin coats is always better than few thick ones.

4) When you're done, have a beer and enjoy you work!

And this is the answer to your question about the clear coat:
Myths About Plasti Dip (Vol 1) - YouTube
jump to 0:55
There is a special glossifier for the plasti-dip. A clear coat will make it very hard to remove the plasti-dip coat off the surface.

Good luck!

Max

 

[kmccrate]

awesome thanks everybody. Im going to try it again very soon.

 

[NJshadow93]

I'd recommend washing the grille with Dawn dish soap once you have all the Plasti Dip peeled off. It is much easier to take the grille off than try to mask with newspapers also, not sure what you did the first time around.