Plastidip camper shells?

Anyone ever do it? I have a silver cmi shell that i wanna make a project with...is plastidip worth using or should I just sand it, prime it and get it painted.

 

I've done it. It looked "ok". If I were to do it over again (I don't have the shell anymore) I would sand and paint.

 

Plasticity can look good. Done poorly, it won't be fantastic. If you're doing it with rattle cans you'll get streaks. They sell a wide spray nozzle for about a buck that will do better. The spray pattern is the failing in 99% of rattle can job regardless of being paint or rubber. Going on a wide flat area is just hard to do well.

 

I'd bet it would look alright. Let us know if you try it! It won't be as strong as paint, but that's not a very vulnerable section of the truck for rock chips, etc.

@thunderone may have some advice - he dipped his whole truck.

 

If you use a proper spray gun it'll look fine. Not sure you will want to make that much of an investment though.

 

For the sake of longevity don't plastidip. You will be kicking yourself in a year wishing you took the time and just painted it properly.

 

Alright enough said...thanks everyone.

 

My truck has been dipped for 2.5 years I would not consider that a valid argument

 

My wheels and my shell is plasti dipped. If taken care of properly it will last quite a while. I have found that using simple green cleaner with a carwash sponge works very well to clean it. I take it to the carwash (manual) and just make sure to not put direct pressure on the plastidip parts.

 

Plastidip will always be more prone to fading and damage then paint. If OP takes the truck offroad it will be a lot more susceptible to coating damage then he would be if it were paint. If you know how to plastidip properly then your results will vary, but I think its valid to say paint is a lot more of a future proof and resistant solution for something that will be in the elements 24/7

EDIT: And on another note when cleaning you will have to be cautious with the methods you use in comparison to paint.

 

Please stop making stuff up. There is no difference in what to use/not use to clean paint vs plastidip. And you certainly don't have to be more cautious with dip, because it doesn't scratch.

 

Try something, Take a pressure washer with at least 2000 PSI and blast your plastidip. Report your results

 

I have, with a 3200psi pressure washer and medium tip. Don't tell me to use the needle point tip.
I'm sorry but even if you do that with regular paint (blast it with a pressure washer on max PSI), you should not be doing any kind of vehicle cleaning.

 

Take your pick: https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#...ith+pressure+washer&tbm=vid&spf=1499109221197

Regardless as to if you haven't experienced any issues the OP asked for opinions and at the end of the day paint and clear coat will always have less risk of damage as compared to plastidip. Note: even plastidip warns about using pressurized washing on plastidip, so you saying that isn't a valid concern is null.

 

I never said it was null, but I was simply countering your overly generalized statements and misinformation.

Im going to guess you didn't watch any of those videos because all of them require deliberate preparation for removal. You don't just "accidentally" remove dip with a pressure washer. You have to open up a hole, use goo gone, etc first.

 

Ha^ bottom line, whatever you use...do it right and take your time to get the best result and everything isn't going to last forever?

 

Plastidip + pressure washer = no problem.

Peeled Plastidip + angled pressure washer= problem

Paint+ pressure washer = no problem.

Damaged paint + pressure washer = problem.

They're just different problems.

Scratch in cc=work and $$$ to fix. Scratch in dip... 5 minutes.


Tbh the people who doom and gloom on dip, have never used it. It can look good, it can look bad. It depends on your skills, just like paint.

Literally anyone can lay down color. It's making it look good that requires skill. If you've never painted before odds are good that you'll at best get mediocre results.

For a camper, cheapest method would be a $20 gun and $10 in rusto. It's fairly forgiving, fairly easy to work with and cheap. It can look decent I'd you do a decent job.

Going base/clear, waste of money if you don't have some practice under your belt.

 

Every coating is susceptible to damage. Plastidip is a consumer applied coating that can easy be touched up. Gets scratched? Even it out with some thinner and respray the area. Don't mix rattle can and gallon application...even the same colors will look different.

I dipped my truck with a Wagner home sprayer. I'm very happy.

It's not for everyone, but it's a dollar-wise option. And if you don't like it, you pull it off.

 

Dipped my shell a few years back has held up decent but needs a fresh coat or 2..Anyone use anything else over already exisiting plasti dip?

 

@skaf402

www.monstaliner.com

Makes a tough finish for your shell.

Can be applied with a roller.

Colors available so you can make a compatible two tone.

Prep is important, but the results will be worth it