how to plasti dip car badges

[DeJaxson]

Plasti dipping your car badges is a straightforward DIY project to change their color without permanent commitment. The core process involves meticulous cleaning, masking the surrounding area, applying multiple thin coats of Plasti Dip, and carefully peeling off the excess. The key to a clean, professional-looking result is patience during both the preparation and the peeling stages.

Essential Supplies You'll Need:

• Plasti Dip Spray: Choose your preferred color. Black is most common.
• Rubbing Alcohol or Automotive Surface Cleaner: For degreasing.
• Microfiber Towels: Lint-free for cleaning.
• Painter's Tape: Low-tack, blue tape is ideal.
• Index Cards or Playing Cards: For creating a clean edge around the badge.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Thorough Surface Preparation: This is the most critical step. Wash the badge and surrounding area with soap and water. Then, use a microfiber towel and rubbing alcohol to completely degrease the badge. Any wax, dirt, or oils will prevent the Plasti Dip from adhering properly.

2. Precise Masking: Use painter's tape to outline the area around the badge. To create an ultra-sharp line, slide index cards between the badge and the car's body, effectively creating a shield for the paint. This technique makes the final peeling step much easier.

3. Applying the Coats: Shake the can vigorously for at least one minute. Hold the can about 8-12 inches away from the badge. Apply the first coat as a very light "tack coat," just a quick pass to mist the surface. Let it become tacky for about 5-10 minutes. Apply 4-5 more wet, but not dripping, coats, waiting 5-10 minutes between each coat. Thin, multiple coats prevent runs and ensure even coverage.

4. The Final Peel: Wait about 30-60 minutes after the final coat until the Plasti Dip is dry to the touch but not fully cured. Carefully remove the painter's tape and index cards. Then, using a toothpick or your fingernail, gently score the edge of the Plasti Dip where it meets the badge. Slowly peel the excess film away from the car's paint. The material should cleanly tear around the badge. If it tears incorrectly, it means you need more coats.

Drying Times and Durability:

Condition	Time to Touch Dry	Time for Full Cure	Expected Durability
Ideal (70°F / 21°C, low humidity)	30 minutes	4 hours	1-3 years
Cool / Humid	60+ minutes	12-24 hours	6 months - 2 years
With Glossifier Top Coat	45 minutes	6 hours	Can extend base coat life

[JesseDella]

Did mine last weekend. Super easy. Just clean the emblem real good with alcohol, then stuff some index cards around it to protect the paint. Spray a bunch of light coats, don't drown it. The trick is waiting until it's just dry enough to peel—you'll see the line. It just pulls right off around the badge. Feels awesome, like a new car for ten bucks.

[DelBrooklyn]

For a flawless result, precision is everything. I focus entirely on the prep work. The surface must be immaculate; I use an isopropyl alcohol wipe-down twice. When masking, I use a sculpting tool to tuck the tape perfectly against the badge's edge. I apply the coats in a controlled, cross-hatch pattern, ensuring no spot is missed. The peel is a slow, deliberate process, not a quick pull. It’s about the satisfaction of a perfect, factory-looking edge.

[DelTimothy]

Honestly, I was skeptical it would look cheap. But after seeing a friend's car, I gave it a shot. The biggest surprise was how forgiving it is. If you mess up the peeling or don't like the color, you can just grab an edge and peel the whole thing off. It's a zero-risk mod. Makes the car look more custom without touching the actual paint. Way better than trying to remove the badges and dealing with holes and adhesive.