Is it worth painting a car with liquid rubber?

Pros and cons of painting a car with liquid rubber, reviews from car owners

Protecting the external body parts of a car with modern means is a hot topic; this type of tuning not only protects the paintwork from chips and scratches, but also gives the car an aesthetic appearance. Not so long ago, vinyl film was considered the most popular material as a protective substance, but recently car owners are increasingly trying to paint their car with liquid rubber.

This coating has several names - Plasti Dip (plastidip), rubber paint, liquid vinyl or rubber, is a good alternative to vinyl film, and like any composition, has its advantages and disadvantages. Is it worth protecting body paint with this product, what are the pros and cons of the material, and how to apply Plasti Dip yourself, we will consider in this article.

The advantages of liquid rubber

Plastidip is a rubber-based chemical that serves as a seamless waterproofing material, the main components of this material are bitumen and water. Like vinyl film, liquid rubber (LR) reliably protects the paintwork from chips and scratches and prevents premature corrosion.

The main advantages of this protective agent:

waterproof;
good elasticity;
resistance to temperature changes;
excellent adhesion;
impact resistance;
low toxicity;
Compared to vinyl film, relatively low cost.

ZhR can be applied not only to paintwork, but also to other surfaces, for example, plastic, and does not change its color when exposed to the sun's rays. The first such materials were produced only in black, but with the development of technological progress, various colors appeared, especially since to select the desired color, you can mix the compositions, creating the desired color scheme.

You can also note many advantages when working with liquid vinyl:

since the product is available in both aerosol cans and canisters, it can be carried using a spray gun and directly sprayed from the bottle;
working with Plasti Dip does not require special conditions (for example, it is not necessary to have a spray booth), and very careful preparation is not required;
working with liquid rubber is not as difficult as working with paints or films, so it’s easier to do the painting yourself;
buying liquid rubber is not very difficult, it is sold in car dealerships, the material can be ordered on the Internet, and you can choose from a wide range of products offered;
Rubber paint can be easily removed from the surface without damaging the paintwork.

On the domestic market, products are represented by various brands, mainly Russian, Chinese and American-made goods (USA). The product is packaged in various containers, ranging from 325 ml bottles; for applying the composition with a spray gun, it is offered in cans of up to 20 liters.

Cons of rubber car paint

As you know, there are no miracle compounds; liquid rubber also has disadvantages:

it has a relatively short service life (usually the coating lasts for 1-2 years, rarely when the protective layer can last up to 3 years);
does not tolerate bitumen, gasoline, various solvents;
after covering the body with rubber paint, an “orange peel” may appear, but here a lot depends on the quality of the composition and the professionalism of the worker;
when covering a liquid coating that differs in color from the paintwork, it is necessary to record the changes made at the traffic police department;
The material is resistant to pressure car washing and begins to flake off after using a Karcher.

In some cases, after tuning, stains appear on the car and fingerprints remain. There are both positive and negative opinions regarding painting a car with rubber vinyl; only one thing can definitely be said - you should not buy Chinese products and save on materials.

Liquid rubber for cars on the Russian market

The leading position in the production of LR is occupied by the American manufacturer Performix; it is this company that produces products under the Plasti Dip brand, the material supplied from America has good adhesion, dries quickly, and gives the car an original appearance. To paint the body, it is advisable to use rubber paint in cans and paint with a spray gun, but for this you will need to additionally purchase the original solvent.

In addition to the American Plastidip, material under the same brand is delivered from England, it is also of quite high quality, and is practically in no way inferior to products from the USA. Other products that inspire trust include products under the following brands:

Wartex (Switzerland);
Liquid Rubber (official representative office in St. Petersburg);
Dipteam;
Glossy Dip;
Liwrea (Italy).

Car owners' opinions are divided regarding the Color Dip, Runaway, and Liquid Rubber brands; brands such as Rubber Paint and Arizona are not held in high esteem. It is likely that you simply come across counterfeit products; it is quite difficult to argue or assert anything here. The main problem with rubber film is “plasticity”; the material becomes rigid and can peel off in pieces.

The cost of Plasti Dip depends on packaging, manufacturer, region of sale, the seller himself, average prices in Moscow for liquid rubber in 2017:

in a 5-liter jar – 5-6 thousand rubles;
in 1 liter packaging - 1400-1600 rubles,
in a can - 800-900 rubles;
spray in a bottle – 900-1000 rubles;
varnish hardener (1 l) – about 3,000 rubles;
varnish for liquid rubber (1 l) – 2900-3100 rubles.

Depending on the type and make of the car, the average cost of painting works in the capital of Russia is from 9,000 to 20,000 rubles, the price of materials is from 10 to 23 thousand rubles.

Preparing to paint a car with liquid rubber

Before you begin work on applying the rubber compound to the car body, you need to select a suitable room and prepare the car for painting. To carry out the operation, it is not necessary to use a spray booth, but it is highly advisable to adhere to the following conditions:

the room temperature should be from 18 to 22 degrees (at least +16ºC);
Dust and dirt are not allowed in the workplace;
For high-quality application of a layer of liquid rubber, normal lighting should be provided.

It is also important to thoroughly prepare the car for painting:

wash the car thoroughly;
wait for the body/body elements to dry completely (there should be no drops of water even in hard-to-reach places);
cover parts that cannot be painted (optics, bumpers, side mirror glass, wheels, car windows, etc.);
degrease the surface to be treated.

If moldings, roof and door seals are easily dismantled, it is better to remove them before painting, since it is in these transitions that scuffs may appear in the future. If after washing and drying there is dirt left somewhere (for example, in hard-to-reach corners), you should blow it out with compressed air. To prevent plastidip from getting on the radiator, you need to lay cardboard behind the radiator grille; it is not necessary to completely seal the headlights; it is important that the tape is firmly glued to the edges of the optics.

Do-it-yourself car body treatment with rubber paint

If you paint a car with a spray gun, you need to dilute Plasti Dip with a thinner in the proportion specified in the instructions; you shouldn’t skimp on the material here; if the composition is too diluted, you will have to apply more layers, as a result, painting will cost more. Each time, before pouring plastidip into the spray gun, it is necessary to thoroughly mix it, and before applying a layer, set the paint flow regulator to the lowest performance, gradually increase the feed speed as work progresses, adapting to the painting process.

Before you start painting the body itself, you should experiment on some part (for example, on an old broken fender) or garage wall:

check how even the layer is, whether it is necessary to change the proportion of paint and thinner;
adjust the solution flow rate, only then paint the body.

You need to paint each layer slowly, moving the spray gun smoothly from side to side; you should not try to paint the entire surface at once, and the layer should not be thick. It is important to paint all edges and gaps; after applying the first layer, you must wait 10-15 minutes; between the remaining layers, you should leave a drying interval of about an hour.

How many times the material will have to be applied to the body depends on the expected result; more operations have to be done if the car is repainted from dark to light color. After painting, the car is dried for 24 hours; in the future, it is not recommended to wash the car for about three days, then it should be washed manually, and it is advisable to use a car wash no earlier than a month later.

Reviews about painting with plastidip

The opinions of car owners about tuning using Plasti Dip are mostly positive, although there are car owners who claim that painting with liquid vinyl is money thrown away.

Boris, Moscow. The chrome moldings on my car began to peel off, I decided to try Plasti Dip, took one can to try, and matched it approximately by color. In general, I hit the nail on the head, even upon close inspection it is difficult to distinguish the color of the chrome parts from the color of the body. I consider the advantages to be ease of use, resistance of rubber to any weather conditions, ease of removal of the material (does not leave marks or scratches). There is one minus, but for me it is significant - this is a considerable price.

Ivan, Minsk. Seduced by the Plasti Dip advertisement, I decided to try my luck and paint the wheels. I did everything according to the instructions - washed, degreased, applied three layers, and so what was the result? The original “chrome” is visible through the rubber paint, and the rubber itself bubbles. He began to tear it off and spent three hours fiddling with removing the material. I didn’t find any advantages, I just wasted my money.

Nikolay, Ternopil . The first time I encountered liquid rubber was when I decided to restore the dashboard on my Citroen. At first I got used to the application technology, after several tests I realized that I needed to spray the paint from a can in a thin layer and wait for it to dry. Here it is important to keep the sprayer close to the surface, otherwise a granular structure will result.

Everything turned out well with the interior, so I decided to paint the bumpers and mirrors as well. The paint matched the body color, everything was fine with the mirrors, but the bumper peeled off almost immediately due to dirt and pebbles. I think that plastidip is good for interior parts, but is too weak for exterior parts.

Naum, Zaporozhye . I encountered plastidip when I had to get the wheel rims in proper shape; they peeled off and looked very unattractive. I read the instructions and realized that I could paint the wheels myself. I acted according to the manual, 4 discs took 6 jars, painted in five layers. I was pleased with the result - the wheels now look great, the paint is holding up so far, we'll see what happens next.

When reading negative reviews, you should take into account various circumstances; perhaps the painting was carried out using low-quality materials, was not carried out professionally, or in violation of technology. In order not to be disappointed, you need to buy products from trusted brands, act strictly according to the instructions, then you will not regret the money spent.

Painting a car with liquid rubber

Many car owners dream of standing out from others by changing the color of their iron horse. In most cases, completely repainting a car will cost a hefty sum and will also require registration with the traffic police. The appearance of a car can be radically changed by applying a special coating to its body or individual parts - liquid rubber, which, in addition to an excellent stylistic solution, will protect the car from many harmful factors.

What type of paint is this

Liquid rubber (rubber paint, liquid vinyl, plastidip) is a special type of rubber-based coating that is resistant to impacts, moisture, ultraviolet radiation, and significant temperature changes.

In fact, liquid rubber is a seamless waterproofing material for application to various surfaces.

The main components of plastidip are bitumen and water, chemically reduced to a uniform liquid consistency.

The main advantage of such a coating is the ability to apply it without smudges to any surface, including uneven, horizontal or vertical.

Advantages of liquid paint:

does not depend on ambient temperature, including exposure to the sun;
is not damaged by the influence of active chemicals, including brake fluids, coolants, oils, fuel or auto chemicals;
protects body parts from minor damage due to pebbles and other solids getting on the coating;
protects the body from corrosion;
If necessary, this coating can be easily removed.

Types of liquid rubber

Rubber paint can be classified according to different criteria.

Main gradations of liquid rubber:

by release form (aerosol or cans of paint);
by manufacturer (the highest quality products from the following manufacturers - Plasta Dip, Rubber Dip, Arizona, Mibenco, Rubber paint, Kudo, Runway);
by color (standard, chameleon, camouflage, pearlescent);
by type of coating (transparent, matte, glossy, metallic, fluorescent, tinted).

Matte finish

Matte rubber paint will radically change the appearance of the car, adding elegance and, in many cases, aggressiveness. The car will be striking from afar, emphasizing the owner’s taste and ambition.

Using matte liquid rubber, you can significantly change the appearance without making changes to the PTS in the traffic police, for example, by simply repainting the entire body in a matte shade of the original color, or by placing accents on the area of no more than 40%.

Mostly colored liquid rubber paints are matte, but to give them shine, transparent liquid rubber or a special varnish is used, which is harder to remove than transparent rubber.

It is preferable to use gloss when painting a car in the following colors:

metallic;
nacre;
chameleon;
luminescent paints.

The glossy rubber coating is striking in any weather, but it looks especially advantageous in rainy weather, making the car stand out from the crowd.

Transparent rubber

Transparent rubber paint, firstly, is used to protect the body and other parts of the car, and secondly, it is used to cover the applied plastidip to give it gloss and protect it from damage.

The transparent coating conveniently protects the radiator grille, rims and other parts that are most at risk of damage.

Advantages and disadvantages of rubber paint

The innovative coating has many advantages and only a small number of disadvantages, which mainly come down to a lack of experience in handling liquid rubber.

The main advantages of rubber paint:

can be applied without completely disassembling the car using spraying;
applied to any material, including plastic, paint, chrome;
to apply liquid rubber, there is no need to clean and prime body parts before painting;
minor damage can be removed by applying an additional layer of rubber paint;
the ability to select any color (if necessary, tinting standard shades) and type of coating;
painting the entire body takes 12-14 hours;
drying time of the coating - from half an hour to an hour;
rubber paint is applied and removed without leaving any marks on the old surface, liquid vinyl is removed in one layer without leaving any marks on the car body;
You can apply plastidip either to one part of the car or to the entire body and rims;
the cost of material and work is acceptable for regularly updating the appearance of the car;
seamless coating unlike vinyl film;
You can apply liquid rubber yourself;
protects the paintwork from cracks and delamination;
after plastidip it is easy to return the car to its original appearance;
after applying the second layer, the coating becomes uniform and durable;
protects the body when hit by small stones, sand and salt;
Liquid vinyl can be used to treat even the smallest and most textured surfaces.

This coating has few disadvantages, you can get used to them and avoid them, then the rubber paint will last a long time.

Disadvantages of liquid rubber:

difficulty in applying it yourself, especially for the first time;
it is necessary to avoid getting asphalt and bitumen on the surface during road work;
at the car wash, it is advisable to warn about the presence of a coating on the body so that they do not show excessive zeal and damage the rubber paint;
difficulty in washing off dirt from the coating; it is necessary to check after each soaping whether there are any streaks left;
avoid contact with chemicals, as some of them can dissolve the rubber coating;
It is undesirable to apply wax and other substances containing it on top of liquid rubber;
It is necessary to be careful not only when washing, but also when getting out of the car, and to warn passengers, since damage to the plastidip layer on the thresholds is possible.

How to paint a car yourself with liquid rubber

Applying rubber paint yourself requires careful preparation of the surface and adherence to all painting technology. In this case, the car coating will last for more than one year.

Preparation

Before applying rubber paint, the car must be thoroughly washed and dried. The surface to be painted must be degreased and all foreign substances (dirt, bitumen, wax, etc.) removed from it.

It is necessary to protect all parts of the car that do not require painting with liquid rubber.

Particular care must be taken to protect the following areas from getting plastidip:

bumper grilles, air intakes and radiator cooling system (with thick paper or masking tape);
It is advisable to remove the license plates and frames for attaching them;
It is better to cover the windows with film, and seal their seals with masking tape;
cover tires and rims to avoid staining;
When painting wheel rims with plastidip, it is necessary to carefully protect the brake system from paint.

Despite the fact that machine rubber paint can be treated indiscriminately, for the best application of the coating it is strongly recommended to remove and paint separately door handles, deflectors, mirrors, spoilers and others...

Painting process

Before applying liquid rubber in cans, it must be diluted with a special solvent in the proportions recommended by the plastidip manufacturer. The proportions and recommended solvents are indicated in the product instructions on each can.

It is necessary to paint the car either with an aerosol or using a spray gun through a standard filter with a mesh to remove coarse particles and distribute uniformly. It is advisable to fill the sprayer with no more than 2/3 of the volume, or preferably half.

After pouring rubber paint into the spray gun, it must be tested with a minimum supply of solution on any convenient surface. By adjusting the flow, it is necessary to achieve an even layer of coating without the formation of smudges.

When applying plastidip, you must unconditionally adhere to the manufacturer's instructions and wishes. Work should be carried out in a well-ventilated area with a respirator.

Basic requirements when painting a car with liquid rubber:

painting the car must be carried out in a warm room without drafts and sunlight at a temperature of at least 18 degrees;
the spray gun must be held perpendicular to the surface being treated at a distance of 14-17 cm;
the coating should be applied smoothly in 2-3 layers;
Don’t try to paint the entire car in one go;
for stronger adhesion of liquid rubber, the first layer must be made very thin, paying special attention to corners, ends and other relief details;
transparency of the first coating layer up to 50% is normal;
Each applied layer of rubber paint must be allowed to dry for 15-30 minutes;
the second layer of coating must be applied identically to the first, only even more carefully; after applying it, transitions and stripes will still be visible - this is normal;
each layer must be dried;
the saturation of the final color depends on the number of layers - the brighter the finishing color should be, the more layers will have to be applied;
to facilitate removal of the rubber coating, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, it is necessary to apply at least 10 layers;
after applying the last layer, the car must be dried for at least 60 minutes;
after the rubber paint has dried, it is necessary to carefully remove the masking tape and rubber coating from those places where it should not be (door locks, headlights, etc.) until the plastidip has completely hardened - it is easily removed;
The final hardening of the rubber paint occurs after 16-24 hours, during which time the car must be left in a protected area.

Owner reviews

Despite the growing popularity of liquid rubber, reviews about it are both positive and negative.

Andrey , Ekaterinburg:

I encountered liquid rubber when I decided to work on the rims on my car, the condition of which already left much to be desired. I processed the wheel rims myself in five layers according to the manufacturer's instructions. It took 5 aerosols for 4 wheels, the result was pleasantly surprising. I will monitor the coating under the influence of time and other factors.

Ilya , Moscow:

Plastidip is a good solution for changing the style for all kinds of performances and showing off. The rubber coating looks chic and is pleasant to the touch, but in fact it turned out to be not suitable for our conditions. Liquid rubber was on the body of my car for less than a month, it was applied at the end of November and was used in temperature ranges of -17 to +4 with significant jumps.

The following disadvantages of plastidip are noted:

Despite the statements of professionals, chips are noticeable through liquid rubber, which means that it is necessary to treat an absolutely flat surface with such a coating.
There were handprints on some parts that I saw after washing. The dirt was washed off the car, but the prints were not.
Particularly enterprising washers decided to wipe off the prints from the body using some kind of product. The result did not please me at all.
The biggest disadvantage is that the rubber coating on the edges has come off a little and water from the sink has gotten in there, along with dirt and detergent. The bubbles that appear do not look aesthetically pleasing, to put it mildly.

Natalya , St. Petersburg:

I took the car to the experts to repaint it and chose the chameleon color. The result was pleasantly surprising - the car was impossible to recognize, but also impossible to forget. The result cannot be expressed in words - the play of color is stunning, liquid rubber was applied to a black base, at different angles the color ranged from black with a light green tint to a bright light green metallic. So far there is no fear of chipping, the car is easy to clean and leaves no traces.

Liquid rubber is an inexpensive and effective way to protect paintwork and dramatically change the appearance of your car. With due diligence and a minimum of tools, it is not difficult to make such changes yourself, which will allow you to change the color of the car more often, saving a considerable amount.

Everything about painting a car with liquid rubber

Liquid rubber for cars, plastidip (from Plasti Dip TM), liquid vinyl, rubber paint - these are all names for a special coating that is an alternative to traditional car enamels and vinyl films. And, as usual, simultaneously with the appearance of liquid rubber for car painting on our market, many disputes and discussions arose.

Some car enthusiasts believe that it is not worth spending money on painting a car with liquid rubber, since such a coating flies around very quickly, and the cost of work and materials is not at all small. To which their opponents claim that liquid rubber, if the application technology is followed, on the contrary, is a very durable thing, and that people even apply it to wheels.

Below we have put together all the information about liquid rubber for cars, the pros and cons of such a coating, described the painting technology, and also added an interesting video with reviews from car owners after six months of using a car coated with rubber paint.

For those readers who are new to our website, the following materials may be of interest:

Now let's find out what exactly liquid rubber is and what properties and characteristics it has.

What is liquid rubber?

Liquid rubber for cars is an innovative coating for protecting the paintwork (abbreviated paintwork) of a car, and changing its appearance and style. In essence, liquid rubber is a rubber-based paint that can be applied directly to the car body, or to individual body elements or rims.

Painting a car with liquid rubber allows you to achieve high protective, shockproof and anti-slip properties of the surface of the painted elements. This coating is highly waterproof and elastic, it is resistant to temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation, and if necessary, it can be easily removed.

Rubber paint can have either a matte or glossy texture. At the same time, it does not have a very wide palette of colors, but by mixing the available ones, you can achieve many different shades.

Liquid rubber also comes in the following types:

Thermal rubber paint has the property of changing color with changes in body temperature and ambient temperature.

Liquid rubber compounds for cars are widely represented on the Russian market under the following brands:

Plasti Dip (USA);
Rubber Paint (Russia-China);
Dip Team (Russia).

The products of the first two manufacturers are especially popular among car enthusiasts. In addition, Rubber Paint liquid rubber already has positive reviews, probably no less than Plasti Dip, despite the fact that it costs less.

You can buy liquid rubber for cars in small aerosol cans with a sprayer, or in canisters (for application with a spray gun). Naturally, spray paint will cost more, but to paint body parts or wheels you won’t need a lot of liquid rubber (see consumption tables below). Moreover, even an inexperienced car enthusiast can use the can.

Pros and cons of painting a car with liquid rubber

Liquid rubber for automobiles was developed as an alternative to vinyl film and auto enamels. Rubber paint combines the advantages of these two approaches to car styling.

The advantages of liquid rubber include the following properties:

Painting with liquid rubber gives the car a very impressive, expensive and aggressive appearance, making the car stand out in the flow of traffic;
This composition can easily paint even the most complex body elements (unlike vinyl film), and there is no need to completely disassemble the car;
When applying rubber paint to a body, less stringent requirements are imposed on the work area than when painting a car with auto enamel;
Liquid rubber can be applied directly over the paintwork, without the need to sand and prime the car;
Rubber paint can be easily removed from painted surfaces, thereby returning your car to its original appearance.

The disadvantages of liquid rubber are:

Short service life - up to a maximum of two years. But, according to reviews from many car enthusiasts, liquid rubber is removed from the body after an average of 6-12 months;
Unlike vinyl film, rubber coating cannot have a pattern or be voluminous;
After removal, liquid rubber can leave marks on the varnish, which are unlikely to be removed without deep polishing of the body.

It is worth remembering that you need to use and wash a car painted with liquid rubber with extreme caution. Weak points are the edges of the part; if you pick them up, a defect will develop and it will no longer be possible to stop it. Discuss all the details of the car wash in advance.

Technology of coating a car body with liquid rubber

To paint a car with liquid rubber you will need the following materials and equipment:

Liquid rubber (thick, in cans);
Liquid rubber solvent;
Masking tape, polyethylene, cardboard (to protect non-painted areas of the body);
Sprayer and compressor, or a regular electric spray gun;
Knife for removing excess coating residue.

Painting a car with liquid rubber occurs in three stages:

Preparing the machine for applying rubber coating.
Preparing paint and sprayer.
Applying liquid rubber to a car.

Let's look at each stage of painting a car with rubber paint in detail, and just below everything will be shown in detail in the video instructions .

Preparing a car for painting with liquid rubber

Before painting a car with liquid rubber, the car must be thoroughly washed and dried (our instructions: how to properly wash a car), after which the surface to be painted should be degreased, and traces of dirt, wax and other substances and protective coatings must be removed from it.

Next, all areas that are not subject to painting must be protected from contact with liquid rubber:

Radiator grilles, bumpers, air intakes, etc. covered with cardboard or sealed with masking tape;
The headlights and taillights do not need to be covered, since after drying the liquid rubber can be easily removed from them in one whole piece;
It is better to remove the mounting frames for state license plates altogether;
Cover the rubber glass seals with masking tape, and it is better to cover the glass with plastic film;
Don't forget to also cover the wheels if you don't want to paint them to match the car's color.

If you are going to paint the wheel rims, then take care of reliable protection from rubber paint getting on the elements of the brake system and the brake discs in particular.

Despite the fact that it is possible to paint a car with liquid rubber without prior disassembly, we still strongly recommend removing and painting separately such elements as door handles, spoilers, deflectors, etc.

Preparing liquid rubber and spray for painting

Since the starting material of liquid rubber is very thick, in order to obtain an even layer of paint on the surface of the car body, it must be diluted to the desired consistency with a special solvent recommended by the liquid rubber manufacturer.

Depending on the manufacturer, liquid rubber can be diluted with solvent in proportions 1:1 (PlastiDip) or 1:2 (RubberPaint). In any case, read the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations, which are printed on each can of liquid rubber.

Pour diluted rubber paint into the sprayer through a standard mesh filter. This is done so that during the painting process, coarse particles do not prevent the paint from being sprayed evenly.

It is best to fill the sprayer with the prepared liquid rubber solution half or 2/3 of the volume. Do not fill the paint to the brim.

After filling the sprayer with liquid rubber, it must be adjusted correctly. To do this, you need to set the minimum paint supply and test it on any convenient surface. By increasing or decreasing the feed, achieve an even layer of paint without smudges.

Applying liquid rubber to a car

When applying liquid rubber, always strictly adhere to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. Also, do not forget to protect your respiratory system; work should be performed in a respirator and in a well-ventilated area.

The temperature in the room where painting is carried out must be at least +18 °C. Also avoid drafts and direct sunlight.
The sprayer should be kept at a distance of 13-16 cm perpendicular to the surface to be painted. The paint should be applied smoothly (without sudden movements) in 2-3 layers. And don’t try to paint the entire surface of the car at once.
The first layer should be very thin, so that subsequent layers will adhere firmly to the car. Pay special attention to ends, curves and edges. And you shouldn’t worry about the fact that the first layer did not paint the surface evenly or completely; 50% transparency is the norm!
After applying each layer of liquid rubber, let them dry for at least 10-15 minutes.
The second layer of liquid rubber is applied similarly to the first, only more slowly and carefully. After applying it, the transparency of the rubber coating will be somewhere around 70%, and stripes and transitions will still be visible through it.
After the second layer has dried, you can begin applying the third, fourth, etc. The number of layers will depend on the desired result: the more saturated the color you want, the more layers of rubber paint will be required.
So that your car can be easily freed from liquid rubber over time, manufacturers recommend applying at least 10-12 layers to the car body.
After applying all layers, the coating must be dried for at least an hour.
When the material dries, you can carefully remove the masking tape and liquid rubber from those parts on which it should not be (headlights, locks, etc.). Until the rubber paint has completely dried, it can be removed very easily.
The liquid rubber will finally harden only after 12-24 hours, and it is better to leave the car in the box while it dries.

Video instructions for painting a car with liquid rubber

After painting with liquid rubber, the car cannot be washed for three days, and you will be able to use brushes and automatic car washes no earlier than after a month! Also, do not allow fuel to leak around the filler neck, as the rubber coating is afraid of gasoline.

Approximate consumption of liquid rubber when painting

Below we provide tables with the approximate consumption of Plasti Dip liquid rubber when painting cars. The tables indicate the consumption of both finished paint in aerosols and concentrate in cans for high-quality car painting. Also note the notes below each table.

Painting a car with liquid rubber: pros and cons.

AutoOt.ru » DIY tuning » Painting a car with liquid rubber, pros and cons.

Most car enthusiasts try to distinguish their car from the general flow and at the same time protect the surfaces of the car from the effects of the external environment. Modern manufacturers of car cosmetics offer a large selection of materials that can satisfy these wishes.

To protect car surfaces, plastic body kits, liquid glass and carbon film are offered. Painting a car with liquid rubber yourself or in specialized workshops is one of the ways to make a car stand out in city traffic and at the same time reliably protect the car’s tail from chips and scratches.

What is liquid rubber?

The drug is widely used in the American market and has conquered almost the whole world. The uniqueness of liquid rubber lies in the fact that it can be applied to almost any appropriately treated object without much effort. And if necessary, it is also easy to remove the protective film.

Despite the fact that the drug is quite new and does not contain nanotechnology, it became widespread in the automotive sector relatively recently. The coating is usually used as a decorative material for exterior finishing and in some cases as sound insulation.

Car surfaces treated with liquid rubber significantly increase corrosion resistance, and the rate of paint coating burnout is practically absent, so when the car is sold, it will look like a new product with a short service life.

Selection of liquid rubber

You can purchase liquid tires at any fairly large automobile store or order them online.

The leader in this sector is the American company Performix with the Plasti Dip brand.

The lower level is occupied by the Chinese manufacturers Liquid Rubber Coating, Rubber Paint and Shenzhen Rainbow; democratic prices for the liquid rubber offered allowed them to occupy a significant part of this sector of auto products.

The Italian manufacturer Liwrea is located in the middle price range. It is slightly inferior in quality to the leader, but significantly better in price.

Liquid rubber for cars is offered in pressurized cans ( spray ) and as a concentrate in cans. The product in cans can be used without additional equipment in any suitable conditions.

Liquid rubber in cans is more economical; the cost of a 5 liter can starts from 5.5 thousand rubles. But to perform the work you will need special equipment and a concentrate diluent. To completely paint a class C car with liquid rubber, you will need 5–7 kilograms of concentrate.

Painting wheels with liquid rubber. Video:

Painting equipment

To carry out work using liquid rubber concentrate, you will need special equipment: an air compressor and a spray gun, or you can use an electric spray gun.

When choosing an air compressor, you should pay attention to the presence of an oil separator; drops of oil entering the solution can ruin all the work done. The selected compressor must have good performance; applying liquid rubber requires a large air flow.

There are no special requirements for the spray gun. Work should be carried out at a temperature of +5 °C and preferably in a closed but well-ventilated area. In summer, work can be carried out outdoors in dry, windless weather.

offered by manufacturers in a can has positive reviews and does not require the purchase of additional equipment.

DIY painting

Preparation

Painting a car with liquid rubber is a fairly simple operation, but requires careful preparation. The main condition for high-quality work is the cleanliness of the surface.

Before starting work, the car should be washed with car shampoo and all grease stains and drops of bitumen should be removed. After the car is thoroughly washed and dried, you can use a hair dryer at home.

To prevent paint from getting into the interior or onto untreated surfaces ( glass, lights, chrome elements, etc. ), they are sealed with film and masking tape.

Before starting work, the windshield wiper blades are removed from the car, and the windshield is covered with film.

If you paint discs with liquid rubber yourself, you should paint them separately from the car or carefully cover the brake discs, calipers and other elements. Work should be carried out wearing a respirator and in a well-ventilated area.

Coloring

The best quality work can only be achieved indoors. Like the car being treated, it must be clean and dry. The optimal temperature is 20 °C, but work can be carried out at temperatures close to this value.

If the paint is in a can, then shake it vigorously for 1-2 minutes in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and you can start working. If the material was purchased in the form of a concentrate, it should be thoroughly mixed with a mixer with the solvent specified in the instructions.

Liquid rubber should be applied to surfaces from a distance of 20–25 cm. When applying paint to a surface using a spray gun, the maximum possible supply of coloring material should be set and the output pressure should be 1.2–1.5 bar.

If painting involves a complete change of tone, then more layers may be required, especially when changing from black to white.

During work, the sprayer should be held so that its angle does not change and the optimal distance should be maintained. When the distance from the spray gun to the surface decreases, smudges form; when it increases, a rough surface forms.

It is better to apply the first layer very thinly to create a base and let it dry for half an hour. Unpainted areas found during inspection are not so critical, the main thing is that there are no swellings or peelings of the liquid rubber.

Next, the following layers are applied with intermediate drying of the layer for 10–15 minutes. After painting is completed, the liquid rubber should be allowed to harden for 1.5–2.0 hours and then remove the masking tape and remove excess paint. Complete hardening of liquid rubber occurs after 20–24 hours.

All about liquid rubber

Liquid rubber is a current type of tuning, necessary not only for the aesthetic effect, but also for protection from scratches and small chips. The coating created by engineers does not contain harmful substances and has many advantages.

Liquid rubber - good tuning or a waste of money?

Liquid rubber (or Plasti DIP, rubber paint, etc.) is a coating for a car made using innovative technologies to improve the appearance and style of the car. In general, liquid rubber is a kind of paint with a rubber structure that can be applied to the body or individual parts of the car, as well as to wheel rims.

Liquid rubber is really good for protecting the car body from minor scratches, chips and other troubles. In addition, the coating is practically waterproof, elastic and resistant to temperature changes. In addition, it is easy to remove if necessary.

Rubber paint can vary in texture, color, type and manufacturer.

· Thermal (capable of changing color when the ambient temperature changes);

· RF/PRC: Rubber Paint (popular and relatively inexpensive);

· RF: Dip Team (less popular).

Saturation of the Russian market

The leader among car enthusiasts in Russia is the American Performix tires from Plasti Dip. To coat the body with paint, paint is usually used in spray cans using a special solvent.

In addition to the American manufacturer, manufacturers from England, Spain, and Switzerland enjoy trust.

The cost of liquid rubber depends on the manufacturer, seller, and packaging. The average price per liter varies from 1,400 to 1,600 per liter, while when buying 5 liters in a jar at once, you can save about 1-2 thousand rubles.

Based on the brand of car, the cost of painting will be from 9 to 20 thousand rubles, and the cost of materials depends on the manufacturer and the size of the painting area - from 10 to 23 thousand rubles.

Benefits of rubber paint

Liquid rubber has a number of advantages over other types of car painting:

No toxicity;
Cheaper than vinyl film;
High elasticity;
Resistance to moisture and temperature;
Good adhesion;
Resistant to impacts and scratches;
Easy to apply (spray from a can);
Does not require special knowledge or serious effort during application;
Easy to apply with your own hands;
Available for purchase in stores and online;
Available in any volume;
Easily removed from the surface of the car;
Can be applied to surfaces both horizontally and vertically;
Seamless structure;
Can be applied to a damaged vehicle;
Painting work takes no more than 12 hours;
Possibility to paint the car in parts.

In addition, liquid rubber can be used not only for painting clear-coated cars. It can be applied to plastic. In addition, with the development of technology, there are no restrictions on the color palette. If the desired color is not in the standard set, they can be mixed to achieve the desired result.

Disadvantages of rubber paint

Among the many advantages, there are also disadvantages to using rubber paint:

Not such a long service life for a fairly high price - no more than 2 years. Although, on average, liquid rubber is removed from a car after 6-12 months after painting;
There is no possibility of drawing and volume;
If not removed correctly, rubber paint may leave unwanted marks on the car's clear surface. Such a trace is almost impossible to remove;
The color of rubber paint may fade over time;
The coating will not be able to protect the car from the impact of sharp objects with great force.

In addition, in some cases, after improper painting, fingerprints or stains may appear on the car.

Opinions differ about the advantages and disadvantages of this painting method; the only thing that remains unchanged is the opinion that for a successful result it is worth using high-quality materials.

Preparing the car for painting

Before painting the car, you should prepare the body itself, as well as the room for painting. The room does not have to be specialized, but compliance with the following conditions is important:

The temperature in the paint booth cannot be less than 16, but should not be more than 22 degrees;
Dust should be completely absent in the painting room;
Lighting should be as comfortable as possible.

Preparation for painting includes the following points:

The car must be perfectly clean (you need to wash it immediately before painting);
The machine must be completely dry (small drops of water in hard-to-reach places are not allowed!);
Parts that do not need painting should be covered to protect them from paint (glass, mirrors, etc.);
The surface must be degreased before painting.

If possible, remove the roof and door seals (if they are easily removable). If after washing there is still dirt on any parts of the machine, it should be removed by all available means.

Do-it-yourself car body treatment with rubber paint

The main rule when painting is to follow the instructions from the manufacturer. When painting involves the use of a spray gun, you need to dilute the paint with a special solvent, the name of which is indicated in the instructions for the paint. The main thing here is not to save money, otherwise the result of painting may be unexpected.

The sprayer should be located from 13 to 16 cm from the car;
The paint should be applied smoothly and without sudden movements. The car should be painted in at least 10 layers (12 layers is even better);
The first layer should be made as thin as possible to better adhere the paint to the car. The first layer can be transparent;
After applying the 1st layer, you need to let the rubber dry for 10-15 minutes, then proceed to subsequent painting;
The second coat must be applied slowly and carefully. After application, the rubber may still remain transparent;
Let the layer dry again for 10-15 minutes;
Next, the next layer is applied and dried. And so on until the state you want to achieve. The more layers, the brighter the color.
After applying all layers, you need to let the car dry for at least an hour;
Then remove the masking tape from the headlights, windows and mirrors;
Wait for the rubber paint to completely harden within 24 hours. During this time, it is advisable to leave the car in the paint booth.

For detailed instructions on painting a car with liquid rubber, see below: