How to Apply Plasti Dip to Surfaces

By
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender
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 13 years.

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Updated on 10/01/21
Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier
Reviewed by Deane Biermeier

Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.

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Fact checked by
Emily Estep
Emily Estep
Fact checked by Emily Estep
Emily Estep is a plant biologist and fact-checker focused on environmental sciences. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Plant Biology from Ohio University. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Tools and eyeglasses laid flat on wood surface and covered in black Plasti Dip

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Project 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 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, 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.

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What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Spring clamp
  • Utility knife
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Protective gloves

Materials

  • Plasti Dip, 14-1/2 ounce can

Instructions

Materials and tools to apply Plasti Dip to surfaces

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  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.

    Old pink coating removed from pliers with utility knife before applying Plasti Dip

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  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.

    Plier handles cleaned with soap and water and dried with blue towel

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  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.

    Plier handles dipped in can of black Plasti Dip while wearing gloves

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  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.

    Wet drips from Plasti Dip removed with gloved finger

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  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.

    Items hanging from black pole and clipped to air dry Plasti Dip with plastic sheet underneath

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  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.

    Utility knife cutting away hardened drips from coated item handle

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

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.