
No, Plasti Dip is not a suitable or recommended product for coating car seats. While it's a flexible rubberized coating popular for exterior trim and wheels, its properties make it a poor and potentially hazardous choice for interior surfaces you physically contact. The primary issues are a lack of durability against abrasion and constant friction, poor breathability leading to discomfort, and safety concerns regarding off-gassing and slipperiness.
The chemistry of Plasti Dip is not designed for the high-wear environment of a seat. Every time you get in and out of the car, the coating will rub against your clothing. This constant abrasion will cause it to peel, chip, and wear through very quickly, creating a messy, uneven appearance. Furthermore, the plastic layer traps heat and moisture, making the seats feel sticky and hot in summer and cold in winter, significantly reducing comfort on longer drives.
From a safety standpoint, a Plasti Dip-coated seat becomes significantly more slippery, reducing the grip between you and the seat fabric. This can compromise your driving position and safety, especially during sudden maneuvers. There are also concerns about the product fully curing in a thick, flexible application and the potential for it to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a closed cabin, which could affect air quality.
For a color change or seat refresh, dedicated automotive upholstery paints or fabric dyes are the correct solutions. These products are specifically formulated to bond with fabric or vinyl, remain flexible, and withstand wear. Alternatively, seat covers offer a reversible, durable, and far more practical way to change your interior's look without the risks and drawbacks of an inappropriate coating like Plasti Dip.
| Characteristic | Plasti Dip | Dedicated Fabric Dye / Paint | Seat Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability on Seats | Very Poor; peels quickly | Good; bonds with fibers | Excellent; removable/washable |
| Breathability | None; creates a plastic layer | Varies; some allow fabric to breathe | Good (mesh/fabric types) |
| Safety (Grip) | Poor; becomes slippery | Good; maintains texture | Good; depends on material |
| Comfort | Poor; sticky in heat, cold in winter | Good; minimal feel change | Good; adds slight cushioning |
| Ease of Reversal | Difficult; requires peeling/solvents | Permanent | Instant; simply remove |
| Project Cost | $10 - $20 per can | $15 - $30 per can | $50 - $300+ per set |

I tried this on an old truck bench seat thinking it was a cheap fix. Big mistake. It looked okay for about a week, then the peeling started wherever my jeans rubbed. It turned into a sticky, tacky mess in the summer sun, and it felt like sitting on a cheap plastic lawn chair. I spent more time and money on solvents trying to get it off than I would have on a decent set of seat covers. Just don't do it.

As a solution for car seats, Plasti Dip fails on a functional level. Its core purpose is for static or low-contact surfaces. Seats require materials that withstand constant friction and body heat while maintaining a safe, non-slip surface. Plasti Dip creates a barrier that lacks the necessary abrasion resistance and breathability. It's a classic case of using the wrong tool for the job, leading to premature failure and potential safety issues. Opt for products engineered for interior upholstery.

If you're looking to change your seat color on a tight budget, I get the appeal. But Plasti Dip is a waste of that budget. It will fail quickly and you'll be back to square one. Instead, check out upholstery fabric spray paints from brands like Dupli-Color. They're designed for this, are similarly priced, and will actually last. Or, hit a local auto parts store for seat covers—they're the most practical and reversible option by far.


