How to Apply Plasti Dip to Surfaces

Written by
Lee Wallender
Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years.
Learn about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Lee Wallender
Published 11/04/20
Rubber Coated Pliers Handles

Mr. Taweesak Sae-Lim / EyeEm / Getty Images

Overview
  • Working Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 4 hrs
  • Yield: One dipped item
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $8 to $15

Once you try out Plasti Dip, the experience can grow on you. You initially purchase it for just one reason—it might be to create a rubbery grip for a tool or an electronic device. After that's done, you find yourself roaming the house and garage for something—anything—that you can dip. It really is that much fun to apply this smooth, colorful, rubbery coating to bare surfaces, both transforming their look and making them easier to use.

What Is Plasti Dip?

Plasti Dip is a rubber-like coating that can be applied to an item by dipping the item in the product and letting it air-dry. The result is a flexible insulating coating that provides an enhanced grip for items such as handles or faucets.

Even for items that do not need an improved grip, Plasti Dip's thick coating can cover up imperfections and provide a smooth, clean appearance. Plasti Dip can later be peeled off and removed without damage to the item.

Where to Use Plasti Dip

Workshop

The classic way to use Plasti Dip is to coat the handles of tools. Plasti Dip literally was invented just for this purpose. Coat the handles of pliers, screwdrivers, putty knives, hammers, and more with Plasti Dip for better grip.

Home

Doorknobs, shower controls, cabinet fixtures, and faucet handles can all be dipped in Plasti Dip for improved grip and for a style refresh. In larger quantities, Plasti Dip can be used for dipping the lower part of mugs or glasses. Dip the handles of scissors or cutlery with Plasti Dip. Eyeglasses temples missing tips can be dipped in Plasti Dip for easy replacements.

Garden

Because Plasti Dip remains intact for temperatures ranging from -30 F to 200 F, it's an excellent coating for outdoor items such as sprayers, faucets, trowels, and spade handles. Frayed rubber gloves can be easily repaired by dipping into the Plasti Dip.

Automotive and Sporting Goods

Plasti Dip is a popular coating for small automotive parts such as knobs, emblems, and handles. In spray form, Plasti Dip can even be used to coat the entire vehicle for a complete transformation.

Sporting goods lend themselves well to Plasti Dip. Racket handles, barbell grips, and bicycle handles can all be dipped.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Spring clamp
  • Utility knife
  • Plastic sheeting

Materials

  • Plasti Dip, 14-1/2 ounce can

Instructions

  1. Remove the Old Coating

    If the item already has a rubberized coating that is peeling off, remove the remainder. The old coating either needs to be in substantially good condition for a re-coat with Plasti Dip or completely removed.

  2. Clean and De-Grease the Item

    Use soap and water to clean the surface if it is dirty or greasy. Lightly sand any rusted areas. Let the item completely dry since Plasti Dip will not stick to wet surfaces.

  3. Dip the Item

    Open the Plasti Dip can. Dip the item into the open can, handle-first. Do not pour the Plasti Dip into another container.

  4. Remove Wet Drips

    While the Plasti Dip is still wet, remove any obvious drips with your gloved finger. Other drips may develop as the item dries, but these can be cut away later.

  5. Let the Item Dry

    Hang the tool with a spring clamp and let the tool air dry for at least 4 hours. If you want to apply multiple coats to the item, let the item dry for 30 minutes, then drip it again. Make sure that you have plastic sheeting underneath the Plasti Dip item to catch drips.

  6. Remove Remaining Hardened Drips

    After the Plasti Drip has fully cured, cut away any remaining hardened drips with the utility knife. Even after fully drying, items that have been coated in Plasti Dip can be coated again. Just make sure that the Plasti Dip coating is clean.

Tips For Working With Plasti Dip

  • To thin the Plasti Dip, add 5- to 10-percent of naphtha.
  • Plasti Dip can be brushed on if the item is too large to fit into the can. The texture may not be as smooth as if you had dipped the item, though.
  • To fully immerse an item in the Plasti Dip, hang it from a wire.
  • Do not let Plasti Dip come into contact with gasoline or motor oils.
  • Generally, the limit for Plasti Dip coats is two to three dips or three to four brush coats.
  • While Plasti Dip is an electric insulator, the electrical code in your area may not allow liquid rubber coatings to be used. Check with your local permitting office.