Originally used for dipping and coating tool handles, Plasti Dip has rapidly become one of the most popular alternatives to traditional automotive spraying and vehicle customization.
Durable, easy to work with, and cheap, it is no wonder that Plasti Dip has grown into a serious community.
However, while it is easy to find and buy the Plasti Dip colors that fits your needs, many of you are left wondering can I spray Plasti Dip with a paint sprayer?
Yes, indeed you can, but knowing the best sprayer for plasti dip and plasti dipping a car is a different challenge.
Best Plasti Dip Sprayers
Don’t have time to read the full article? Here’s our top 3 picks:
- Even Finish
- Powerful 800w Motor
- 3 Spray Paterns & Needles
- Extremely Popular
- Built for Vehicle Spraying
- Industry Leading Brand
- 2 Nozzles Supplied
- Adjustable Flow Control
- Even Finish
- Solid 500w Motor
- 3 Different Nozzles
- Adjustable Flow Control
Not all Plasti Dip guns or kits are created equal. Even more, it is not just a matter of finding the best Plasti Dip paint sprayer but also knowing which sprayers can even be used with Plasti Dip application.
1. Wagner Spraytech 0529031 Motocoat Plasti Dip Sprayer
Wagner Spraytech’s paint sprayer kit is both one the best Plastic Dip guns available as well the most expensive on our list. That said, it is the most affordable of the high-end Plasti Dip sprayers. The Spraytech gun is around three times as powerful as your average sprayer.
As with most handheld Wagner paint sprayers we’ve reviewed, it comes with an X-Boost turbine which can cover an 8 x 10 surface in less than five minutes, which is very fast. Even more, the iSpray nozzle is unique to Wagner Spraytech and allows the HVLP sprayer system to adjust the spray pattern to whatever the project needs.
The iSpray nozzle can be used for thicker, textured coats that might be necessary for surfaces like truck beds and undercarriages.
For lighter work, the Detail Finish nozzle lets painters apply smooth, even coats for a beautiful finish. It also comes with a long air hose which makes bigger projects easier and less cumbersome.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
The Wagner Spraytech uses a smaller 1.5 quart container size, which means you will need to refill frequently (not a problem for most, except in large projects).
This can be a hindrance when you are in the flow of your work. It is also more difficult to clean than most Plasti Dip spray guns because it lacks a self-cleaning mechanism and there’s an air filter that may need cleaning.
This gets to be much more frustrating when you consider that it comes with multiple components. While the kit makes the gun more versatile and means your color changes are faster, it means cleaning takes much more effort and time.
2. Rexibet Ultimate-750 Plasti Dip Sprayer
At well under $100, the Rexibet is worth checking out for any painting project. The value is excellent for what you get. It is a high powered handheld paint sprayer at 500 watts and is capable of taking on projects as big as swimming pools and as small as deck chairs.
It comes with three spray patterns and 3 spray tip nozzles.
This means a painter can tackle horizontal, vertical, and circular work by simple adjusting the nozzle. The three sizes come in 2.00mm, 2.5mm, and 3.0mm which makes the whole gun very versatile.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
There is also a pressure control knob that can be used in real-time in order to regulate paint output. As you spray from a flat surface to a corner you simply adjust the flow to prevent blasting more delicate areas on your vehicle.
Rexibet’s strength is in its value which gives the option of a higher tier Plasti Dip gun in a smaller, cheaper, and lighter body.
Rexibet’s faults come in its occasional messiness and lack of accuracy. Every so often the sprayer will flick out droplets well outside the paint-line or pattern that you are working on.
It is by no means a deal-breaker but something worth paying attention to as you find yourself in a more detailed area of a project.
Beyond this, Rexibet will need to be refilled frequently as it uses a fairly small tank, but that goes for most HVLP spray systems.
However, this is simply the price of being a lightweight machine and has nothing to do with bad design.
3. TACKLIFE SGP16AC Electric Plasti Dip Paint Spray Gun
TACKLIFE’s gun is yet another great HVLP option for those on a budget for Plasti Dip sprayers. For less than $100 you get twice as much power than a Rexibet at 800W.
The spray tips (or nozzles) are made with copper making it higher quality than most cheap Plasti Dip guns and it comes with two copper spray tips.
This helps the Plasti Dip atomize evenly, making the surface smoother and the painting process easier. TACKLIFE’s gun also comes with three settings for vertical, horizontal, and circular use with three sizes at 1.00mm, 2.00mm, and 2.5mm for different project requirements.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
It also comes with a spray width lever which allows a painter to immediately adjust the width of spray in the middle of painting projects.
When paired with the flow valve knob, this offers an incredible amount of control over the gun with little hassle.
Much like its competitor, TACKLIFE’s tank is on the smaller size. However, they make a solid attempt at the refill problem by providing a second tank that can be switched out quickly.
There is also a refill hatch on the tanks so the process can be even quicker and doesn’t require a full detachment during application.
4. NEU MASTER N3140 Paint Gun for Plasti Dip
For as low $60 this machine offers an incredible 600w of power that includes a built-in turbofan to help create an even airflow and thus a better flow overall.
The NEU MASTER comes with 3 pattern settings for vertical, horizontal and circular spray patterns. This all comes through either a 2.5mm or 3.0mm nozzle which is enough for most projects but makes it a little less versatile.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
There is also a basic flow rate valve. What the NEU MASTER lacks in options it definitely makes up for in power.
For a cheap sprayer, it gives you the power of a higher end model while also offering solid control.
NEU MASTER’s main drawback is a lack of options compared to its competitors. It is cheap because it is meant to be a one-size-fits-all model.
There are not multiple tanks or copper tips, but it has power and ease of use. Of course, the small tank and lack of an extra means a lot of refills.
5. Von Haus Paint Sprayer for Car Plasti Dip
The Von Haus Paint Gun is this list’s cheapest option for a great plasti dip spray gun. For less than all the rest, you get a powerful motor at 780 watts which is almost as much as the TACKLIFE.
It comes with one nozzle at 2.5mm which is perfect and has three spray patterns, vertical, horizontal, and diagonal which creates a spherical shape similar to a circular pattern.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
It also comes with a basic flow rate to adjust between a gentle or more powerful coating. Like the NEU MASTER, Von Haus’s strength is in its price and power.
With fewer high-quality components, you still get a great motor and adjustable flow.
Like many of the others, refills will be frequent at only 35oz for the tank. There are also far fewer options for control of flow and size of the nozzle, but it’s still better than using spray cans on your vehicle
Buyers Guide & How To Use Plasti Dip
Now that you have seen some of the best options for plasti dip sprayers, it’s important to keep a few things in mind before you settle on the spray gun you’ll use when spraying Plasti Dip.
Here are some things to consider:
Pressure Controls
As with all electric paint sprayers, the best sprayers for plasti dip should have a pressure control knob. It’s necessary if your project has any nuance.
Tight corners, fine details, and odd angles will need adjustments to be done well.
A pressure control knob will make sure you are getting just the right amount of Dip spray and power for the job.
Imagine it as using a powerful garden hose to water small delicate plants, this is the issue you’ll face if you don’t have the correct pressure when spraying. In larger surface areas it may not be a problem, but for smaller for delicate parts of your vehicle, you’ll need the added control.
The pressure control knob is also very important as there’s both thinned and unthinned versions of plastic dip. Click here to learn more about how to thin paint.
Getting The Right Paint Cup Size
This is all about balance. You want a tank that will carry enough so that you are not constantly refilling and slowing down.
However, a pain cup that is too big will be heavy and painful to use overtime. Take a moment to assess your project and figure out how this balance will work for you.
Temperature & How It Affects The Finish
Air temperature is something that’s often overlooked when it comes Plasti dip application. Even with the best spray gun, if the air temperature is too hot or too cold, you won’t get an OEM finish.
In the best case scenario, Plasti Dip needs to be applied at ‘room temperature’, which is generally between 64-70°F. Obviously it’s difficult to achieve this level of perfection in natural conditions, but a few degrees either side will be fine.
Mobility – Are You Moving Around A Lot?
Like cup size, this is all about what you need. If your spraying walls and broad flat spaces, then a large bulky gun that covers a lot of area with a lot of tank space is going to be the better choice.
However, painting a car or something just as complex will require a lightweight sprayer with a lot of mobility to deal with all the curves and nuanced surfaces.
Either way, these HVLP sprayers are much easier to set up than conventional compressor spray systems, which require knowledge of connections and CFM .etc.
Price – How Much Do You Really Need To Spend?
The price might be everything in the end. Consider how often you will be using your plasti dip spray gun. Investing in the fanciest of guns will be pointless if this is a one or two-time project.
However, if this is a tool that will see a lot of action then spending a little extra will pay off in no time.
Conclusion
Buying the right sprayer can make or break a project. As we always say, there’s no such thing as the ‘best sprayer’, only the ‘right’ sprayer for the particular job at hand.
Plasti Dip can only really be as good as the tool that paints it. The tools listed are the best plasti dip sprayers at a good price that we could find, and they all get the job done well.
But, each has its strengths and weaknesses.
Von Haus is best for simple, light projects while Wagner Spraytech or TACKLIFE serve harder, bigger, and more detailed tasks better.
Plasti-Dip is addictive. It is easy to clean (learn how to clean your equipment correctly) and the potential of design will lead you from one project to the next. Picking the right gun is only the first step. After you really get going, you may need a whole arsenal and many paint sprayer accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
We thought we’d finish off with some frequently asked questions, and whilst many have been answered above, if you haven’t read the full article this should help answer some common questions.
Can you spray Plasti Dip with HVLP gun?
Yes, HVLP spray guns are the recommendation application method for Plasti Dip. They’re reasonably cheap, versatile and don’t get clogged up with the dip material like conventional spray systems would.
How long does Plasti Dip last?
Plasti Dip is rated to last up to 3 years, but this is assuming it is applied properly. The most important factors in determining how long Plasti Dip will last is the distance at which it’s sprayed, the number of coats and the temperature at which it’s applied.
Can you Plasti Dip over Plasti Dip?
Yes, you can apply plasti dip over plasti dip assuming the original coat is still in near perfect condition. If you spray plasti dip over plasti dip and it’s not even, the same defects will be visible on the new layer. If this is the case, it’s best to remove the original coat and start fresh.
Can I use Plasti Dip over headlights and taillights?
Most headlights and taillights are fine to be dipped and should create as tight of a bond as the bodywork, however some rare plastics to do adhere well for reasons beyond the scope of this answer.
Dipping your headlights or taillights may make them illegal, so be sure to check your state’s vehicle regulations if you’re using public highways.
Happy Dipping!
2 comments
Hey im looking to buy a good setup I will be plastidipping like 1 to 2 cars a week im looking to spend around 250 for a decent setup what do you recommend. Thanks in advance
Hi Jr,
That would be under the commercial category to be honest, these cheap handhelds are designed for owners looking to Plasti Dip their own car, not 5-10 cars a week. Anything you buy for $250 will break within a month or two with that kind of usage.
I would recommend you check out the Fuji Semi Pro 2 which is a semi-professional HVLP sprayer, and also take a look at the Fuji Q4 on this page.
In summary, you need to spend at least $450 to get anything worth owning as a professional.
Hope that helps!