Whether you're brand new to dipping or you've been eyeing a color change for a while, here's everything folks usually want to know before they pull the trigger. Tap a question to open the answer.
What is Plasti Dip?
Plasti Dip is a peelable rubber coating I spray onto your vehicle in thin, even layers. Once it cures, it becomes a flexible protective skin that completely changes your car's color while shielding the factory paint underneath. Think of it as a fully reversible alternative to paint or a vinyl wrap — when you want a change, it peels right back off. I broke the whole thing down in my dip vs wrap vs paint guide.
Is Plasti Dip safe for my paint?
Yes. The dip sits on top of your factory finish instead of bonding into the clear coat, so it actually protects the paint from UV, rock chips, salt, and bird droppings. Applied and removed properly, it peels off clean with no residue and leaves the original paint exactly as it was. I wrote a full explainer on whether Plasti Dip is safe for your paint if you want the deep dive.
How long does Plasti Dip last?
With proper care, a professional dip lasts several years. Hand-washing, parking in the shade when you can, and keeping pressure washers off the edges all stretch its life. Wear tends to show on high-contact spots first, and those can be refreshed without redoing the whole car. Here's more on how long Plasti Dip lasts, plus a note on how it holds up against our salt air.
Is Plasti Dip really peelable and removable?
It really is — that's the magic of it. When it's installed with enough even coats and removed correctly, it peels off in sheets and strips with zero residue and no harm to your factory paint. That reversibility is what makes dip such a low-risk way to run a bold color. And if you ever want it off, my dip removal is free with your next dip.
How much does it cost to dip a full car?
Full-vehicle dips start from $1,600 for a small car, $1,700 for a medium one, $1,900 for a large vehicle, and $2,200 for an X-large SUV or truck. Those are starting prices in a standard color and satin matte finish — your real number depends on the vehicle, color family, and prep. See the full breakdown in what it costs to dip a car, or just build a free quote.
Can you dip just the wheels, trim, or badges?
Definitely. Wheels are $500 for all four (or $125 per wheel). A roof or hood is $400 each. Trim and grille start from $50, and badges are $50 per area. I also do badge shaving — $50 each, or $25 paired with a dip. A chrome delete and partial dips are some of the most popular ways to sharpen a car's look without a full color change.
What's the difference between gloss and satin matte?
Satin matte is the standard finish — smooth, low-sheen, stealthy, and great at hiding imperfections. If you want shine, I add a top coat: Ultra High Gloss gives a deep, glass-like wet look, while Dip Armor gives a hard, slick, paint-like satin feel. The right pick comes down to the vibe you want and the color you choose.
How many colors can I choose from?
172 colors, across four families: Plasti Dip Spray, Performance Series, Pearl TopCoat, and ColorShift. You can browse and filter them all in the color browser and use the "View on AI Car" preview to see a color on a vehicle before you commit. Premium colors carry an upcharge that varies by family and vehicle size. If you've got a truck or Jeep, check out my favorite colors for trucks and Jeeps.
What are Dip Armor and Ultra High Gloss?
They're premium peelable top coats that go over your dip. Dip Armor is ultra-durable — scratch, chemical, gasoline, and stain resistant, with a hard slick paint-like satin feel, and it can even be ceramic coated. Ultra High Gloss is a clear top coat that adds a deep, glass-like wet shine like a painted car, resists UV, and makes pearls and color-shifts really pop. Ultra High Gloss is +$400 (+$500 X-large); Dip Armor is a premium add-on I quote per vehicle. More on color-shift and pearl finishes.
How do I wash a Plasti-Dipped car?
Hand-washing is best. Use a gentle soap and a soft mitt, skip the automatic brush car washes, and don't blast the edges with a pressure washer — that's the one thing most likely to lift a coating. Treated right, your dip stays fresh for years, and a top coat like Dip Armor makes cleaning even easier. Here's my full care guide for a dipped car.
Should I DIY my dip or hire a pro?
You can absolutely DIY a small project, and plenty of people start there. But a full vehicle is a different animal — even coats, the right thickness, clean lines around trim, and proper prep are what separate a great dip from a streaky one. Most folks don't nail it the first try (I sure didn't). For a full car, professional results are worth it, and my work is guaranteed. I laid out the honest trade-offs in DIY vs professional Plasti Dip.
How do I book or get a quote?
Easiest way is to build a free quote on the homepage — pick your vehicle, color, and finish and you'll see a starting price right away. Or just call or text 423-GET-DIPD (423-438-3473) or email info@dipmyryde.com. I'm at 6 Mulroy Ct, Charleston, SC 29414, open seven days a week.
Still have a question that's not covered here? Text me at 423-GET-DIPD — I'd rather answer it straight than have you guess. And when you're ready, build a free quote and we'll get your ryde dialed in.