Any tips for using "Plasti-dip"?

[ToocoolZ28]

I'm going to try to use Plasti-dip on a couple of pair of pliers and maybe a few other tools. I've never used it and havent bought it yet so I havent read any directions on how to use it. Anyone have any tips or warnings about using it? Does it stay on pretty well?

 

[Buckgnarly]

I have had great success with a bunch of pliers, the one tip I can give is clean, clean, CLEAN!

I usually wire brush for any big gunk, then multiple cleanings with brake cleaner. Also, many thin coats with plenty of dry time between each has given me great results. If you go too thick or too fast you get gobs that form at the bottom of the handles.

 

[dodge610]

The last time I tried it which was quite a while ago it worked well for me and stayed on pretty well. The only pointer i can give is put it on in coats If you are going to or want it a little thicker and let each coat stiffen up or you will have lumps in it.

 

[ganymede]

The more coats the better .
Let it cure a long time before using even though its dry in a day.
Be carefull with penetrating oils. I know first hand Liquid wrench spray lube will melt it.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

Clean the holy hell out of the handles with Methylethyl Ketone or a similar solvent. Then dip umpteen thin coats, and let it cure for 2-3 days.

 

[Coach James]

Dip and remove at the speed the directions recommend.

Hang the pieces up to dry. I hang mine from a saw horse.

Do at least two coats.

Coach

 

[Davefr]

I'm going to try to use Plasti-dip on a couple of pair of pliers and maybe a few other tools. I've never used it and havent bought it yet so I havent read any directions on how to use it. Anyone have any tips or warnings about using it? Does it stay on pretty well?

It's garbage IMHO. The coating is not chemical resistant and it wears out very quickly. (it might last a year or so). It's nowhere near the quality of factory handles. I think you'd have better luck with heat shrink tubing.

If you use this stuff, then put on lots of coatings.

 

[gmt]

I just coated some plier handles today using Plasti - dip. It came out pretty good. Just dip at the stated rate. Gave my pliers 3 coats and allowed 30 minutes between coats.

 

[metaleltr]

http://d392397.c63.fortehosting.com/H100.aspx Just found this, may be more chemical resistant.

 

[Outlawmws]

It's garbage IMHO. The coating is not chemical resistant and it wears out very quickly. (it might last a year or so). It's nowhere near the quality of factory handles. I think you'd have better luck with heat shrink tubing.

If you use this stuff, then put on lots of coatings.

I have tools I coated with plasti-dip over 35 years ago, and most of them still have the coating's on it... Not as good as factory stuff, I agree, but not terrible either.

 

[ryan t]

We plasti-dipped the wheels on my brothers car and they have held up well for a month of so. I figure he can get at least a year out of the coating. I also sprayed some on the gripping end of my spark plug boot removers after the cheap glue on plastic liner came off. It has held up really well so far. Honestly, if it works and it's something I have to replace every 6 months at the cost for $1.50 and spraying on it for 10 seconds every 45 minutes, it's worth it ot me.

 

[ndoran]

if you need to thin it down lacquer thinner works

 

[Lightfoot]

I've used it on many old tools. As most have stated, make sure the tool is clean, and let it cure, don't get in a hurry. I dipped, let sit overnight, then dipped again for three or four days letting cure overnight. No problems at all. It actually held up much better than i expected. I haven't had to re-do any of the tools i dipped (except the ones i didn't let cure long enough).

 

[flippin]

if you need to thin it down lacquer thinner works

This is key. I use the stuff all the time. I find that even a brand new can is too thick to do a good job. I thin the stuff before even the first application. I also use Lacquer thinner to wipe down the handles first.

Use tape for a clean edge.

There is some validity to the questionable durability of this product. However in wanting to achieve a "factory" finish I understand the desire to use Plastic Dip. Personally I have started over coating the vinyl dipped handles with dual wall adhesive lined heat shrink. The two combined help build up the grip thickness and the polyolefin heat shrink is very durable. Almost every auto part store sell the stuff and in short pieces and it is often specified to cover battery cables. This is a very different product than regular heat shrink. The adhesive lined will of course adhere to the freshly coated vinyl handles. Once the heat shrink deteriorates with use, you can cut it away and apply a new layer without having to go through the messy vinyl dip process.

Good Luck

 

[Scotsman1886]

Who sells it now? Looking for some myself

 

[ToocoolZ28]

Who sells it now? Looking for some myself

My local NAPA store carries it.

 

[stratman977]

If you get the color mix kit mix the color in small amounts. I wanted a red orange color so I dumped the whole red bottle in figured id put about 1/2 of the yellow in. It's still red with the whole bottle of yellow in it. The can tells you that but I didn't listen.

As for the drop at the bottom of the handle I had luck lightly shaking it until you get to that last stubborn drop. I then turn the tool upside down and roll it around and it usually blends back in to the handle. It takes some getting used to to make it come out nice. Don't be afraid to wipe it off and start over again before it dries.