Lena Rivera
Plasti Dip is a rubber-based coating that can be used to paint motorcycle rims, protecting them from damage and transforming their colour and appearance. It is a popular alternative to powder coating or painting as it is easy to apply, durable, long-lasting, and affordable. However, it has some drawbacks, including its fragility when it comes to solvents and its tendency to get dirty quickly. Applying Plasti Dip to motorcycle rims requires several steps, including cleaning the rims, taping or covering certain areas to avoid overspray, and applying multiple coats of the product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of application | Applies smoothly |
| Durability | Long-lasting, but vulnerable to damage from dirt, solvents, and friction |
| Cost | $10 for a white can, $15 for a special color |
| Number of coats | 4-6 recommended, but some users apply up to 12 or more coats for better results |
| Color options | Black, red, white, blue, camo, and custom colors |
| Preparation | Clean rims with engine degreaser and steel wool, sandpaper to remove rust |
| Application technique | Spray generously from about 4 inches away to avoid a rough texture |
| Drying time | Coats spaced 1 hour apart |
| Protection | Use plastic covers or cardboard to protect surrounding areas, heat the Plasti Dip in warm water before application |
| Removal | Peels off easily, use a sharp knife to cut the Plasti Dip where it meets the rim |
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What You'll Learn
Preparation: cleaning, taping, and covering
Preparation is key when it comes to painting motorcycle rims with Plasti Dip to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your rims for Plasti Dip:
Cleaning
Start by giving your rims a thorough clean to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Use a hose with clean water to rinse the rims, paying attention to the entire surface, including the edges and crevices. For rims with heavy dirt or grease buildup, use an all-purpose cleaner and a clean rag to wipe down the surfaces. If your rims are rusty, use an engine degreaser and rub them down with steel wool. You can also use sandpaper to scrape off rust and create a smoother surface for the Plasti Dip to adhere to.
Taping and Covering
Before applying Plasti Dip, it is essential to tape off and cover certain areas to protect them from overspray. Place a piece of cardboard or an old rag underneath the wheel to catch any drips and protect the ground. Cover your brake pads by feeding a plastic cover or a cut-up garbage bag through the rims, ensuring the brakes are completely covered. Secure the plastic in place with painter's tape.
Line the edges of your rims with small pieces of painter's tape, overlapping them slightly to prevent Plasti Dip from getting between the pieces. Green painter's tape is recommended as Plasti Dip can be difficult to remove from regular masking tape. Make sure the tape extends about 1-2 inches (2.5-5.1 cm) out from the rim to prevent overspray on the tire.
Additionally, if you wish to avoid getting Plasti Dip on the spokes of spoked rims, use a sharp Exacto knife to carefully cut the Plasti Dip in a circular motion where the spoke meets the rim after it has dried.
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Application technique: spraying distance, pressure, and speed
When applying Plasti Dip to motorcycle rims, there are several factors to consider to ensure a smooth and even finish. Firstly, it is important to work with the appropriate spraying distance, which is typically recommended as a minimum of one foot or approximately 30 centimetres between the spray nozzle and the rim surface. Maintaining this distance helps to avoid creating imperfections such as paint drips or an uneven coating.
In terms of spraying pressure, it is advisable to use a consistent and moderate pressure when applying Plasti Dip. Starting with a gentle and controlled spray, you can gradually increase the pressure as you move the nozzle evenly across the rim's surface. This helps to achieve a uniform coating without causing excessive overspray or uneven distribution.
Regarding spraying speed, it is generally recommended to work at a steady and controlled pace. Spraying too quickly can result in an uneven coating or missed spots, while spraying too slowly can cause excessive build-up and dripping. It is essential to maintain a consistent speed throughout the application process to ensure a smooth and uniform finish.
Additionally, it is worth noting that multiple light coats are generally preferable to a single heavy coat. Allowing adequate drying time between coats, typically around 30 minutes to an hour, helps to achieve a durable and even finish. By following these spraying distance, pressure, and speed techniques, you can effectively apply Plasti Dip to your motorcycle rims, resulting in a professional-looking and long-lasting coating.
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Drying and curing: time, temperature, and thickness
Drying and curing time depends on temperature, humidity, and thickness. The drying time can vary based on temperature and humidity. A rough estimate is 30 minutes for touch dry, and a full cure generally takes around 6 hours to 24 hours. The full curing process is crucial for the durability of the coating and to attain that desired level of shine or gloss. During this time, one must avoid touching the rims or exposing them to dust and moisture to prevent imperfections in the finish.
The more coats you apply, the longer the drying time. It is recommended to apply at least 4 to 6 coats, spaced 1 hour between each coat, to ensure even coverage and thickness for optimal protection. The drying time between coats will vary depending on temperature and humidity. If the temperature is below 60° Fahrenheit (15.5° C), you will need to warm up the cans and allow extra dry time. Heating the Plasti Dip before you use it makes the spray more consistent and prevents the formation of bubbles or air pockets on your rims.
The curing process is also important for the durability of the coating. The actual cure time may depend on ambient conditions. To achieve the best results, allow the coating to dry and cure properly. Caring for plastidipped rims is essential to ensure longevity and maintain their sleek appearance. Regular maintenance prevents the buildup of harmful materials, addressing any peeling or scratches early on is key, and a periodic refresh of the dip can keep your rims looking vibrant.
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Durability: fuel, friction, and cleaning considerations
Plasti-dip is a rubber-based coating that can be used to protect your motorcycle rims from damage and transform their colour and appearance. It is known for its smooth application and ease of removal. However, its durability depends on various factors, including fuel, friction, and cleaning methods.
Fuel considerations are essential when using plasti-dip on motorcycle rims. Petrol, gasoline, kerosene, and solvent-based cleaners can quickly deteriorate or even melt the plasti-dip coating. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious during fill-ups and avoid any contact with these substances. Applying a clear coat on top of the plasti-dip can provide additional protection, but it also makes the dip harder to peel off when needed.
Friction is another factor that can affect the durability of plasti-dip on motorcycle rims. Regular contact with the rider's legs or knees can cause the coating to peel or tear over time. This is particularly common in areas where the rider's legs rub against the rims during riding. To mitigate this issue, some people suggest using spray wax after the plasti-dip has dried. Spray wax helps smooth out the surface and keeps it from tearing. However, it may add an unwanted shiny finish to the matte look.
Cleaning and maintenance play a significant role in maintaining the durability of plasti-dip on motorcycle rims. Plasti-dip is known to attract dirt and dust, which can build up over time. While it is important to clean the rims regularly, harsh scrubbing or the use of solvent-based cleaners should be avoided as they can damage the coating. Gentle cleaning with a hose, pressure washer, or all-purpose cleaner is recommended to remove debris and brake dust. Additionally, some people opt for custom colours or multiple coats of plasti-dip to enhance the durability and ease of maintenance.
The durability of plasti-dip on motorcycle rims can vary depending on riding conditions and maintenance. While some people report lasting results, others find that the coating may need to be redone with every tire change or after a few months. The ease of removal and reapplication of plasti-dip allows for flexibility in trying different colours and maintaining the desired appearance.
Overall, when considering the durability of plasti-dip on motorcycle rims, it is important to be cautious of fuel and solvent contact, manage friction and cleaning methods, and be prepared for potential reapplication to maintain the desired look and protection. The ease of use and affordability of plasti-dip make it a popular choice for those looking for a simple and cost-effective way to customise and protect their motorcycle rims. However, it may require more frequent maintenance compared to other coating options.
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Colour options: customisation and colour matching
Plasti Dip is a rubber-based coating that protects your motorcycle rims from damage and can transform their colour and appearance. It is a great alternative to spending a lot of money on powder coating or painting your rims, with downtime only about a day, and it only takes an hour or two to put on four light coats. Plasti Dip also applies smoothly and is easy to remove.
Off-the-shelf Plasti Dip typically comes in black, red, white, and blue. You are most likely to find black Plasti Dip at your local hardware store. However, you can also buy red, blue, white, and camo colours online. If you want a custom colour, you can buy a colour kit and mix the colour yourself by buying a can of clear Plasti Dip and combining it with the desired colour.
If you want to match your rims to the original manufacturer's colour, you will need to know the motorcycle colour code for the rims. This can be difficult to determine, so if you are having trouble finding the perfect colour match, it is recommended to check the original motorcycle's colour in bright sunlight. The sunlight reflecting on the motorcycle body will give the best view to determine the colour. You can also visit a shop that has several colour samples or paint codes so you have more options to choose from.
If you are looking to paint a part of your motorcycle that has been scratched or damaged, you can easily cover the damage and match its colour to the motorcycle's current paint. You can spray a little paint on a motorcycle part to see if it matches the stock paint. Colour matching has become easier with the introduction of devices like the ChromaVision Pro Mini, which has a huge library of pre-installed colours to help you find an exact colour match.
Fluorescent tints are also an option for motorcycle rims, blending well with white and black fairings and giving a dynamic and sporty character. Some fluorescent colour codes for motorcycle rims include fluorescent RAL, yellow, orange, green, and red.
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Frequently asked questions
Plasti Dip is a rubber-based coating that protects your vehicle’s rims from damage and can transform their colour and appearance. It is a good alternative to powder-coating or painting your rims as it is cheaper, quick-drying, and easy to remove.
First, remove the wheels from your motorcycle. Then, clean your rims thoroughly with an all-purpose cleaner and dry them. Next, cover your brake pads with plastic and tape the edges of your rims with painter's tape. Place cardboard or old rags underneath the wheel to protect the ground from Plasti Dip. Heat the Plasti Dip in a bucket of warm water for 1 minute, dry it off, and then spray light coats onto your rims, holding the can 6 inches away from the surface. Allow each coat to dry for 5-15 minutes, and apply 4-5 coats in total.
Plasti Dip comes in black, red, white, and blue. You can purchase these colours online or at your local Home Depot. You can also create custom colours by buying a can of clear Plasti Dip and mixing in the colour of your choice.
