Plasti Dip!
 

Here's how I spent today...


I decided after much research and video watching to try out Plastidip. I wanted to black out my wheels while also blacking out some other accents. Since I have a jet black I thought some matte black accents might look the part I was shooting for. Plus, when and if I get tired of it I just have to peel it off and the stock parts are still in tact and protected in the meantime. Here's how it went...


I ordered the gloss black wheel kit from Plastidip which is basically 4 cans of their matte black along with 3 cans of clear gloss (Glossifier). Initially I was going to go the gloss black route but after seeing the matte finish on the first wheel, my mind was made up. I did NOT use the glossifier for this particular project.


The wheel kit:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/7...a28c2f4a_b.jpg


Step 1, get that ride up and get them wheels off! They say you can spray 'em right on the car but as with any spray, there is a lot of overspray and the proper way to do it is just get 'em off. Besides, it gives you a chance to inspect things and get the wheels completely clean:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/7...03ec2107_b.jpg


Next up... a good wash. Front back, side to side. Must get all traces of contaminates off for good adhesion with the Plastidip:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5324/7...ec5f64c1_b.jpg


After a good scrub-a-dub it's off to station 2... the drying station. Gotta get these suckers dry. Nothing a 5 hp blower can't handle. Finish it up with a paper towel to soak up any little droplets:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/6...190f668b_b.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5331/6...2a634ebb_b.jpg


Time for a little prep. Some index cards strategically placed will keep overspray off the actual tire. Yes, you can just peel it off the tire I guess afterward but why create more work?:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6...c69aca07_b.jpg


First layer (of 5 total)... just a light dusting!:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5079/7...6ef0db17_b.jpg
Close up:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5460/7...ab84e078_b.jpg


Alright so the weather was nice and warm (and dry) so I waited roughly 7-10 minutes between coats 2,3,4 and the final 5th coating. You didn't want to see all those pics too did you? Me neither.

Okie dokie.. here's how the final product looks after the 5th and final coating:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/6...e85beef0_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/7...e757ce48_b.jpg
Close up showing texture and very even finish!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7...632eb21e_b.jpg


On the car :thumbsup: :
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5457/7...f61052ee_b.jpg

So all in all I am very happy with the ease of use along with the final result. If you want to retain your original colors/finishes and protect them in the process of giving them a color change then I highly recommend this stuff. :clap:


Here's a couple pics of the other parts I sprayed to match:

Side gills:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6...18cfe501_b.jpg
The overspray peels right off the area that you don't want it:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/7...2a51f4d1_b.jpg

Front grills (I already had painted these but wanted them to match the other accents):
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/7...6ee934bb_b.jpg

I also did the hood vents (not pictured) and overall I am very happy with it. From some videos I have seen, it holds up very well to regular washes (even with a power washer) and lasts for months.

Now what else can I spray... :D

Looks great Killer:tup: Its a real fun product to use. Being able to remove it is just too convienient.

Excellent job! Wheels look legit

Looks amazing

Michael, That came out pretty good :tup:

I'll checkout later tonight when you come out to the Cerritos later tonight

Can you peel it off over the M badge on the rim? That would look good

:iagree:

Now Ive seen it all. Plasti dip on an M car.

Looks real good.:tiphat:

Yes, you can't see it in the whole car pic, but they are indeed peeled off the M badges on the wheels.

It's awesome that you've had a chance to see it all! Most go through life with their eyes (and minds) closed.

:tup:

That's so sick man! Love the m3! I just got gloss black wheels on my z and love it :)

Nice job, that came out well!

:yum:

That looks fantastic. After seeing these I think my Pearl White would look fantastic with some matte black sport package wheels. Almost looks like a graphite. I love it..now to convince my wife..:icon18:

How long did it take you from start (removing wheels and washing) to finish? (reinstalled wheels)

The texture looks EXACTLY like graphite. It's funny you mention that. And at $50 and the option of just peeling it right off if you hate it, the convincing should be easy ;)

If you search for "tonga man" or something like that on YouTube, dude's got a blue sport package 370 and did his wheels and emblems and stuff. Looked great. I wish I had known about this stuff when I had the killerbee. It would have been such a great alternative to sanding and painting my fangs because I could have gone back to stock when I sold it. Oh well, live and learn!