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2017 C43 AMG, previously 2015 Jeep Wrangler JK, 2007 BMW 335i, 1995 Civic SI
To plasti-dip or not....
Hey everyone, new to the site and new to Benz ownership. My ride is a black '17 C43 sedan. I have a couple of questions about plasti-dip. Has anyone done their rear diffuser/front lip? Glossy or matte? How does it look? Can I use a pressure washer on it? Any other products/wraps out there that are similar? Didn't get Night Package on mine but kinda wishing I did.
2017 C43 AMG, previously 2015 Jeep Wrangler JK, 2007 BMW 335i, 1995 Civic SI
Originally Posted by alexasa
I've done my rear diffuser. Came out good and I like it.
I like the alu front lip and will be keeping it.
Thanks for your reply.
Glossy or matte? Any pics? Does it hold up to washing?
Did you remove the diffuser or spray with it still attached to the car?
For sure doing the front, problem is I live in a rural area, bugs are pretty bad out here, that's why I asked if the plasti-dip will take to pressure washing.
Done properly, PD will absolutely hold up to pressure washing. Did all the emblems and grill on my Tacoma and all emblems on my FRS and they held up for as long as I had both cars. The grill on my Tacoma had a lot of rock chips over time that were very noticeable because I was covering chrome. A quick pull of the grill and touch up coat and things were back to normal. Never had to touch up my emblems on the FRS...stayed flawless for 4 years.
I would suggest practicing on something before actually applying to your car. Never hurts to get a feel for how it covers.
I was thinking about getting the front lip and diffuser wrapped as well but recently started looking in to maybe having them dipped. I have a few questions about this:
1) I've seen a number of videos from DipYourCar on YouTube and it seems pretty straight forward. Given that I don't want to dip the entire car, can anyone recommend if I should leave the part on and tape-off the surrounding area when dipping it, or if I should remove the part to dip it.
2) I have a colleague that dipped the wheels on his car matte black. Given that it's years later now, they look pretty bad. I never got a chance to see them when they were new - does dipping actually look like a tacky matte wrap job right out of the gate?
3) Is there a preferred brand people use? The most convenient for me to pick up is: https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.p...000747809.html. Not sure how I feel about applying a $20 spray to OEM parts that are probably pretty expensive to replace if the spraying doesn't go as planned or doesn't peel nicely even after multiple coats.
I was thinking about getting the front lip and diffuser wrapped as well but recently started looking in to maybe having them dipped. I have a few questions about this:
1) I've seen a number of videos from DipYourCar on YouTube and it seems pretty straight forward. Given that I don't want to dip the entire car, can anyone recommend if I should leave the part on and tape-off the surrounding area when dipping it, or if I should remove the part to dip it.
2) I have a colleague that dipped the wheels on his car matte black. Given that it's years later now, they look pretty bad. I never got a chance to see them when they were new - does dipping actually look like a tacky matte wrap job right out of the gate?
3) Is there a preferred brand people use? The most convenient for me to pick up is: https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.p...000747809.html. Not sure how I feel about applying a $20 spray to OEM parts that are probably pretty expensive to replace if the spraying doesn't go as planned or doesn't peel nicely even after multiple coats.
Originally Posted by Gungaslow
Plasti dip is terrible.. it's very soft and never lasts long on wheels or front splitters ..
I've had nothing but positive experiences with my applications. It's all about having realistic expectations. Is as durable as a clear bra or conventional paint? Absolutely not. However, from my personal experience (80k miles worth between two vehicles), and other people who take a methodical approach to application, I'd never shy away from using it or recommending it to someone.
Things to remember...
- It's completely removable - even over spray particles come off reasonably easy, even without a machine.
- It's not the same as conventional paint. It's not going to be mirror smooth as glass like your car, but it can have a good sheen appearance. There are gloss and matte products that can push one way or the other.
- It's easy to touch up. Yes, a front splitter or wheels are going to receive a ton of debris impact. With that said, with a small amount of effort for masking, a whole splitter could be touched up in less than 30min.
Plenty of examples online, but I just saw this guy at my local Cars & Coffee...looks flawless. 100% PlastiDip
I dipped my front lip and rear diffuser. The front lip looks amazing. The smooth nature of the surface turned out really well. The diffuser looks OK, but I prefer gloss - so may do something different.
I am thinking of wrapping my chrome strip on the trunk, and the side skirt trim. Just wish I knew how to get that off to do it well.
2017 C43 AMG, previously 2015 Jeep Wrangler JK, 2007 BMW 335i, 1995 Civic SI
Originally Posted by FastE
I dipped my front lip and rear diffuser. The front lip looks amazing. The smooth nature of the surface turned out really well. The diffuser looks OK, but I prefer gloss - so may do something different.
I am thinking of wrapping my chrome strip on the trunk, and the side skirt trim. Just wish I knew how to get that off to do it well.
Did you remove the front/rear bumpers to get at the lip/diffuser? If so, how?
^Thanks again, gonna try to do it this weekend, will post before/after photos.
Some advice - even though you didn't ask.
... be generous, and be patient.
Mask well so you can't overspray. Overspray doesn't hurt but it is annoying.
Put plenty on. Maybe two or three thin coats rather than one thick coat.
Be cautious when taking your tape off. Maybe cautious use of an art knife.
Hope that you don't mind. Just my (limited) experience.
I plasti dipped my front emblem and have used it on other vehicles in the past. The key i've founn is in the application. You want to treat it like paint. Apply a very light first coat, followed by multiple other coats overlapping. If properly applied you should have no issues with car washes/power washers. Make sure you clean the spray nozzle after every use or it will clump up and spray on like garbage.
2017 C43 AMG, previously 2015 Jeep Wrangler JK, 2007 BMW 335i, 1995 Civic SI
yeah, no worries. Appreciate all the (good) advice I can get. Some experience with body work/ body panel removal but never on a brand new Benz, especially my brand new Benz.
I plasti dipped my rear diffuser front lip and had the bottom side skirts wrapped in vinyl and I'm pleased with the outcome. Just recently painted the calipers as well. I went with a gloss finish to match the midnight package but in retrospect would have likely done it in matte
satin is always a good way to go. matte can look grey and dull. Gloss shows oils and watermarks.
looks good.
Thanks! Yeah, i like the satin look as well. I thought the gloss would look good with the mirrors and sills being gloss black from the factory but i think the satin would be fine too...
Man that's nice. Is that a dip or a wrap? I also can't figure out which is better.. and if I'm leasing do I HAVE to wrap (since dip is permanent)?
I am also curious. I have dipped the diffuser and the front lip, but I want gloss so I am going to have the wrapped. The dip is not permanent, just a pain to remove.
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