Plasti Dip... Another success story! Step-by-step w/pics inside

[Toneaero]

I have been toying with the idea of powder coating my stock OEM wheels black but I wasn't sure if I wanted black to go with Alpine White. So after some recommendations from fellow forum members, I decided to try some Plasti Dip. For those new to Plasti Dip, its a "temporary" spray-on vinyl/rubber. It comes in a variety of colors and usually has a matte finish when dry. The ability to simply peel off the Plasti Dip "at will" is what sold me on doing this.


Here is how I spent my Saturday:

The initial wheel prep is the most crucial step in this process. The cleaner it is, the longer the Plasti Dip will stay on the wheel. This picture was before I used wheel cleaner, pressure washer, brush scrubbed, and wiped down with rubbing alcohol. It was tedious work but it will pay off in the long run.



Next is to tape off the lug nuts and drop them back in the hole. This will help keep the Plasti Dip out of the lug nut contact spots. If you don't do this, you might start tearing the Plasti Dip when you're torqueing the lug bolts down. Also pop the center cap out if you don't want that part painted too.



There are numerous ways of keeping the Plasti Dip overspray off your tire. I find using index cards the easiest and fastest way.



It took me 4 cans of Plasti Dip to do all 4 wheels. This includes both wheel face and inside the wheel.



It takes about 4-5 good coats to have a nice even coverage. I wouldn't rush this process. Wait between 10-15 minutues between each coat. Don't worry if your first coat doesn't look very good.



Here is a comparison of newly Plasti Dipped wheel vs clean stock colored wheel.



Here is close up of 4-5 good coats of Plasti dip. The paint lays flat when it dries and leaves a rubbery feel.



I think it looks awesome!




I have about 500+ miles with them now and still holding strong. I don't see why the Plasti Dip wouldn't last all year long. However, they are starting to look brown with brake dust on them but I heard its easy to clean with soap and water. When and if it does start to peel on its own, I now know that powder coating matte black is my choice of permanent wheel color.

Thanks for reading!

[1naztyx5]

Good job she looks great! I've had mine for over a year now. use "simple green" for cleaning and apply spray on wax. i use Ice. this makes it easier to clean and to keep a deep black finish.

[Toneaero]

Originally Posted by 1naztyx5

Good job she looks great! I've had mine for over a year now. use "simple green" for cleaning and apply spray on wax. i use Ice. this makes it easier to clean and to keep a deep black finish.

Thanks for the tips! Simple green seems to clean everything...

[Troymi]

Looks great. Curious, you have an X5M with Michelin Latitude Tour HP? All season tires? Are you using runflats? And can you talk about your tire choice a little? Sizes and how are they compared to summer only treads?

[Toneaero]

Originally Posted by Troymi

Looks great. Curious, you have an X5M with Michelin Latitude Tour HP? All season tires? Are you using runflats? And can you talk about your tire choice a little? Sizes and how are they compared to summer only treads?

Good eye! Yes, they are all season tires. I did a ton of research on what my next set of tires should be.

Things I had to have were:

• Non run flats
• Good tread life
• Quite ride
• Good n' nuff grip

From the countless tire reviews I read online, I decided to get the Michelin Latitude Tour HP. Since this is my daily driver with over 60+ miles a day, I knew I needed good tread life. Summer tires are only rated to 25k and these are rated to 50k...thats TWICE the miles...I guess your mileage may vary. I also have Pirelli Snow & Ice tires too so I have the flexibility of keeping these all season's on or swap them out during winter here in the midwest.



I also wanted non run flats.....I have AAA and a spare tire....so why bother? This saved "some" weight.


After putting a few thousand miles on, my review of the road noise reflected what I read reviews on. They are quite! I can't imagine summer tires being any more quite than these.



As for grip, I know that summer tires are softer which equals more dry road grip. But with this xdrive, I haven't been able to break traction loose on straights and hard breaking nearly pops my eyeballs out. Spirited turns are a different story.....when I take a "fast" flat intersection turn in normal "D" mode, the car does moderate the engine speed due to wheel slip. When im in "M" mode, a little drift comes in and puts a big smile on my face. I still haven't lost confidence in spirited turns. I can do tight clover leaf on-ramps at 45+ mph and without tire squeal. I haven't pushed the envelope too much yet.


Am I pleased with these "All Seasons"? Yes because its my daily driver.

[jayjay_dee]

Just so you PD guys know, another member posted in e53 forum that they have a new color, Anthracite True Metallic...

https://www.dipyourcar.com/product.p...&cat=39&page=1

[rh71]

Originally Posted by jayjay_dee

Just so you PD guys know, another member posted in e53 forum that they have a new color, Anthracite True Metallic...

https://www.dipyourcar.com/product.p...&cat=39&page=1

that looks pretty close to a gunmetal color which I would love. That's a bit on the shiny side but maybe it's just the lighting. Wish there were more pics.

EDIT> found the video: https://www.dipyourcar.com/pages.php?pageid=8

[Toneaero]

Originally Posted by rh71

that looks pretty close to a gunmetal color which I would love. That's a bit on the shiny side but maybe it's just the lighting. Wish there were more pics.

Buy a can and spray your spare with it?

[Car_Girl]

That is one amazing looking ride! Nice job on the plasti-dip. Matte black looks killer on AW. Definitely a head turner!

[bcredliner]

Looks great!

I have watched the videos and read posts. I would like some more real world feedback.
I have been sampling colors but have never used the product. I have the following questions:

1 Does one have to be an experienced painter?
2 If not, is it that easy to use or should I practice using the product?
3 Did you pick up trash when when spraying or when it was drying?
4 Is it necessary to clean the wheels between coats?
5 Does the overspray come off cleanly without any tears on painted surface?
6 Should I plan supplies for having to redo a wheel?
7 Any other 'trick's to getting it right the first time?
8 Any problems you experienced that weren't a " be sure you do or don't" instruction?





2