When spraying your car, use a method and paint material that ensures the color will last for as long as possible. The best way to do this is by using either a plasti dip or auto dip.
As you can read from our plasti dip spray gun reviews, this is a popular method for repeat paint jobs, especially if you were worried about how to clean plasti dip. This spray painting method gives you lots of creative freedom in the exterior design of your car.
The Difference Between Auto Dip and Plasti Dip
An alternative is autodip, a type of vinyl dip. When it comes to auto dip vs plasti dip, there are pros and cons to each option. Read on to learn more about the differences of auto dip vs plasti dip and which option is best for you.
What Is Autodip?
Autodip is a type of vinyl paint, also called a wrap, specifically made for painting cars. This is the first vinyl-based wrap that is also sprayable, meaning that you no longer need the precision and finesse that is required for applying regular vinyl wrap.
Autodip is meant as a temporary layer which is why it is so easy to peel off. Simply make a small scratch or heat up a section using a blow dryer and then you can pull of the material in large pieces.
Since it is meant as a temporary layer, many only apply autodip as a protective layer for the paint job underneath. It is also the best option for creating a glossy or metallic sheen.
What Is Plastidip?
Plastidip is a type of rubber paint that is commonly used for dipping cars, especially as a protective layer on car rims. This is because it is very resilient to extreme weather conditions and so protects the paint job underneath.
The reason why Plastidip is so popular is because of its simple application, even with limited experience. All you need is a Plasti Dip paint sprayer that can handle oil-based materials.
Plastidip also peels off but the process is a bit more difficult than with Autodip. Experts recommend adding a fresh layer of Plastidip to the surface that you want to peel off because the material best adheres to itself.
Auto Dip vs Plasti Dip – Which Is Better?
Since Autodip and Plastidip are different materials, there are a few serious considerations when choosing between these two options. Let’s take a closer look at how their features match up to each other.
Application
Both solutions are sprayable so all you need is spray paint gun tools and some practice. Since the application method is similar there is not much difference in difficulty.
The difference is in the number of layers. Automotive experts recommend using more layers of Autodip, about 8 – 10 while 4 – 6 layers of Plastidip should already be enough. This means that getting the right finish takes longer with Autodip.
The Finish
One of the biggest advantages of Autodip is that you can directly spray on a glossy or metallic finish. This is the signature result of the brand.
If you want the same sheen with Plastidip, you will have to add an extra layer like Plasti Dip Glossier. Fortunately, this extra layer also peels off.
How to Clean
The Autodip brand has its own series of special formula cleaning products. These products get rid of grease and dirt but can also remove silicone and wax.
In comparison, cleaning Plastidip is easier and cheaper because all you need is a bucket of soapy water and a sponge. You don’t need special products to get the shine back with this option.
Is It Easy to Peel Off?
You can peel off both materials which is why they are so popular. However, the vinyl texture of Autodip was specifically designed to peel off better so it is easier to remove than Plastidip.
Peeling off Autodip only requires a small tear and the rest is easily pulled off in large sheets. In comparison, Plastidip peels off in smaller sections and so takes longer to remove.
Durability
In terms of durability, Plastidip lasts longer than Autodip, an average of 3 years versus 2 years consecutively. This is because the former is much more resistant to the elements, both extreme heat and extreme cold.
However, there is an important side note with this. The more layers the more durable materials, regardless of which product you use.
Also, there is something to say for expert application. A professional automotive body shop will work under better temperature and other affecting conditions so their results are likely to last far longer than a DIY job with lesser controlled conditions.
In short, there is an argument for both sides in auto dip vs plasti dip. The best results still come from expert hands.
