Plastidip grill and headlamp bezel

[dml2003]

I am thinking of using plastidip on my grill and headlamp bezels. Anyone have any tips and how did it turn out?

[DirtyMarcus]

The best way for the grill is to take it off the truck and tear it completely apart. It takes about 30-45 minutes do tear it apart. My headlights I removed too, which will be easy once you have the grill off. You can tape off the lenses, which is what I did the first couple times I dipped them. The last time I dipped them I taped off only the center of the lights and left a good 2" of lens exposed. I found the dip peels off the lens easily and no worrying about getting tape on the small cervices on the lights. For both, wipe down the plastic with xylene, naptha, or alcohol to remove and grease, wax, or oil. Do two light tack coats. a couple medium coats, than one or two heavy coats (heavy enough to almost run but not quite). that will be enough product to easily peel it later on. I have pics of my truck in my truck build thread if you want to look for it.

[Sidewayz]

I was going to do the same but after talking with a local body shop the guy explained how rock chips etc will happen and it will look pretty bad in a short period of time. I'm ordering a white grill and bezels rather than waste my time. It's not the most economical route but I feel it will give a long term solution.

[DirtyMarcus]

I was going to do the same but after talking with a local body shop the guy explained how rock chips etc will happen and it will look pretty bad in a short period of time. I'm ordering a white grill and bezels rather than waste my time. It's not the most economical route but I feel it will give a long term solution.

Well tell the body shop guy, when dip is applied correctly it's more durable than paint. I had my entire truck dipped and it protected the paint and prevented chips and never got dings in it.

 

My grill, headights, and bumpers have been dipped for a year and show not one tear, scratch, or ding. In that time my hood and doors have gotten chips from rocks.

 

Do has come a long way in a short time and the fact is, it's cheaper and easier to change the look of a vehicle than paint or vinyl. Body shops are likely feeling the hurt and making statements like these to scare potential customers.

[akkrezz]

Another good option if you end up painting or plasti dipping it is to by the 3m defender spray film from auto zone. It's the same thing as the 3m clear bra but you can do it yourself much easier, and I've read quite a few good reviews. I am doing it on my truck this weekend since I'm getting the grill and mirrors painted to match. And DirtyMarcus is right about the PlastiDip. It is very durable and if you use 6-8 coats, which you probably don't even need that many, it will last. Plus its easy to touch up yourself.

[Aboogie808]

I just did my whole front end. They have material to clean the dirt and grease off at a auto store. Tap all of the areas you don't want to spray off. I did five costs. Had it on for a year and a half. No issues. You may have to due touch ups, depending on the mileage you drive. I let it dry between session around 20 minutes. Have a fiber optic cloth to use for over spray. GL