We wax our cars to protect the paint job from scratches, exposure to UV rays, and various elements, and to add shine. Plasti dip itself is a method of safeguarding car paint from the above.
If you have just plasti dipped your car and wondering whether you should apply a layer of wax, you need to know that this isn’t necessary.
Plasti dip isn’t car paint. Therefore, waxing doesn’t significantly improve protection or enhance aesthetics. The wax will add some shine, but there are products specifically made for this purpose.
To answer the above question, yes, you can wax over plasti dip. However, it doesn’t offer any value other than adding a little shine and some slight protection. Therefore, is it worth using your time and resources to wax over plasti dip? Probably not!
Will Wax Add Gloss to Plasti Dip?
Depending on the wax you are using, it may add some gloss to the plasti dip. However, the gloss level won’t be as much as you would get from a Plasti Dip Glossifier.
Those who have used plasti dip on several occasions should be familiar with the Plasti Dip Glossifier. This is a product that is specifically made to make plasti dip shiny.
You can get it online or from your nearest auto store. Wherever you bought your plasti dip, you should find the Glossifier there.
Compared to wax, Glossifier is made explicitly for plasti dip, and that’s why it’s so effective at adding shine. If you were contemplating applying wax to plasti dip, go for Glossifier instead.
How Do I Make Plasti Dip Last Longer without Wax?
If the reason why you are waxing plasti dip is to make it more durable, well, you can have better luck with other alternatives.
Similar to other detailing jobs, it is the wish of every car owner that plasti dip lasts for the longest time possible. Unfortunately, waxing can’t help you with that. But some things can. They include;
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Performing enough prep work
What most people do when dipping their cars is grab the plasti dip and spray it directly on a car surface without enough preparation.
This is the reason why plasti dip doesn’t last long on your cars. Before spraying the rubber coating, clean the surface thoroughly. If there are contaminants, clean them as well. If there are dents and scratches, repair them.
When you fully prep a surface, plasti dip will have something to adhere to, and that will ensure it lasts longer. Fine sanding the surface before the application can also make it last longer.
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Do not apply it on high-wear surfaces
Plasti dip is formulated to protect surfaces and does an excellent job. However, this product isn’t ‘wear-proof.
Of course, it will wear out when exposed to rough environments and consistent scratching. If you want plasti dip to last longer, instead of waxing it, do not apply it on high-wear surfaces.
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Shelter it from the elements
The same elements that plasti dip aims to protect your vehicle paint from are the same ones that will cause it to deteriorate faster.
A layer of wax may repel UV rays and rainwater, but these elements will start to affect the plasti dip after a while. If you want it to last longer, keep it away from the sun and rain. Parking your car in the garage can ensure it lasts for longer.
How to Wax Over Plasti Dip?
Should you decide to plasti dip your car anyway, you must do it correctly. There is no specific formula for waxing over plasti dip. You should wash your car as you usually would.
Then once it dries, get your wax of choice, apply it over the plasti dip, and buff it gently. Apply the wax in circular motions until the entire car is covered.
Wipe off excess plasti dip and let it cure. Similar to waxing over paint, when you are waxing plasti dip, ensure that the surface is thoroughly clean. If there are abrasives on the surface, these can scratch the plasti dip, and you won’t be pleased with the results.
What Waxes Are Recommended for Use on Plasti Dip?
After scouring the internet searching for the best waxes to use on plasti dip, there are very few options available. These options are recommendations from other car owners and not professional detailers.
Therefore, you may not get the effect or results you are expecting. It is also essential to perform a patch test before using any wax on your car.
The most popular wax for plasti dip is the Turtle Wax Ice Spay. It has been listed as the go-to choice for many car owners on various forums.
This wax stands out because it leaves behind a stunning finish on plasti dip. It is relatively easy to apply, and you don’t need any special skills. Many people have had pleasant experiences with Turtle Wax Ice Spray, and so can you.
This wax doesn’t offer much value in matters related to making the plasti dip more durable. If you are waxing over plasti dip to improve the aesthetics of the car, then this wax can offer you this.
You should also know that there are waxes that will leave streaks on plasti dip and should be avoided by all means.
A good example is California Gold. This wax works wonders on car paint. However, you will hate it when you use it on plasti dip. It will leave so many streaks that are difficult to remove.
If you are in the market looking for waxes, go for those designed to work on plastic. These should blend well with the rubber coating surface. The issue that we had explained earlier is that wax isn’t meant to be used on plasti dip. That’s why most will streak.
What about Polish?
Almost all car polishes contain some mild abrasives. Because of this reason, never attempt to polish over plasti dip. If you wax over plasti dip, there won’t be any damage not unless you are super aggressive.
However, if you polish plasti dip, the abrasives will tear into the rubber coating, and your plasti dip may start to peel off or wear out sooner than usual.
While we are on things that can damage plasti dip, kindly avoid acid rain, chemicals, or bird droppings. These, too, can contribute to plasti dip wear. If you must improve the shine of plasti dip, buy a Glossifier and apply it.
How Can I Freshen Up Plasti Dip without Using Wax?
Waxing is made for car paint. If you are interested in refreshing plasti dip, there are a couple of things you can do. One, peel it off and apply a new plasti dip. Or, spray some pledge and rub it on the plasti dip. This DIY trick has been known to freshen up the look of plasti dip.
Will Wax Damage Plasti Dip?
Wax doesn’t have any effect over plasti dip. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about spraying it on a recently dipped surface. Wax is designed to protect car paint from scratches and not damage it.
Even though it may not do the same for plasti dip, it shouldn’t have any adverse side effects. Polish, as mentioned earlier, will damage plasti dip. Do not use it on a dipped surface. Similar to wax, regularly cleaning your car won’t damage plasti dip.
You are advised to wash your car frequently if you have plastic-dipped it to ensure the dip looks clean. Harsh cleaners and solvents will damage plasti dip. These should be avoided as well.
Is It Easy to Clean Plasti Dip that Has Been Waxed?
Wax is known to make cleaning a car easier. When applied on top of plasti dip, it will have the same effect. This is another perk of waxing plasti dip. Gentle cleaners won’t remove the wax.
Plasti Dip Isn’t Designed to Last Forever
As you research whether you can or can’t wax over plasti dip, you must know that plasti dip isn’t designed to last forever. Plasti dip is used to protect car surfaces.
It does the same job as wax. Only that plasti dip lasts longer. Therefore, you shouldn’t go to extreme lengths, such as waxing over plasti dip, since eventually, it will come off.
Most car owners who plasti dip their cars do so and forget about it entirely until it’s time to peel off. If plasti dip was meant to be waxed, there would be a product specifically made for that in the market. But there isn’t, and that’s an indication that you don’t have to wax over plasti dip.
As a cautious car owner, you may want to protect the plasti dip from wearing out sooner. Unfortunately, the wax may not be of much help. Also, if you want to improve the shine, you have better luck with the Plasti Dip Glossifier.