Applying Plasti Dip with Preval Sprayer

 

Applying Plasti Dip with Preval Spray Gun

In a recent post, I discussed the application of Plasti-Dip by Brush.  Today, I will talk  about spraying Plasti Dip with the ever so handy Preval Sprayer. 

The Preval Sprayer is essentially and aerosol canister that is attached to a glass reservoir.  In this reservoir, you can put properly thinned paint or just about any liquid for that matter. 

How to Thin Plasti Dip for Spraying

Again we will be using VM & P Naphtha.  It is really simple, just mix equal volumes of dip with naphtha.  In the photo above, I had a purple mix of a little more than an ounce.  I added the equal portion of naphtha and it was the consistency of milk.

This is turning out to be quite a useful solvent as it is also for oil based paint.  Just a note, if it is really warm where you are working, you might want to blend xylene with the naphtha.  Work outdoors or use a respirator. 

It sprayed just like any paint I have tried and it definately left a rubber coating despite being thin.  It was actually less prone to runs and dripping than I anticipated.  There is actually no need for newspapers to catch drippings unlike brush application.  I know the can says to wait at least 30 minutes between coats, but it can be recoated in less time if the naphtha dries fast enough. 

Cleanup is also alot easier.  The thinned dip does not cling to the insides of the jar and spraying until it wont spray will leave you with 5ml perhaps.  Just cramming a paper towel into the jar will soak the remainder up.  Then just a rag dampened with clean naptha will finish the cleanup of the jar.  I ran a few ml of thinner through the Preval power unit as well so I can use it for different colors.

Applying Plasti Dip by Brush

Plasti Dip Create Your Color

I am so excited because my Plasti Dip Create Your Color arrived at my local Ace Hardware.  It has been since 2005 since I last worked with plasti-dip.  Back then, there where only 5 colors available.  I played around and mixed and created colors but I needed several containers and it was messy.  It was fun and I got to mess around with colors and even applied a drip pattern which added grip and a “one of a kind” look to some screw drivers.

With this kit, I just have a large can of clear and I pour what I need into one container and add the tints required to achieve the color I want.  My first technique is going to be applying with a paint brush.  I do this because if I am only mixing one ounce of a color and I need to dip a nine inch handle, it is not practical to dip the tradional way.

 

When mixing in the tint, start with the lightest color first.  Different colors of tint have different intensities.  For instance the yellow tint is easily overcome by the slightest amount of blue.  You do not necessarily get grass green from equal portions of blue and yellow.

 To apply by brush, you need to thin with 20% thinner to 80% Plasti-Dip.  Solvents that can be used are VM&P Naphtha, Toluene, And Xylene.  The temperature the day of the brushing was 63 degrees Fahrenheit so I chose Naphtha because it is the fastest evaporating of the three.  Dipping, especially after addition of solvents, is an endeavor best carried out in the outdoors.  The naphtha is also less toxic than the aromatic hydrocarbons xylene and toluene.  It does bear mentioning that the naphtha solvent smells like gasoline or lighter fluid, not necessarily my favorite smell.

The Verdict

If you want to dip with a limited quantity of dip, brushing is a good application method with minimal equipment.  There are some drawbacks to consider though.  You need to apply the dip in thick coats and if you hang your work pieces like I do, you need some newspaper to catch drippings.  Another point is the cleanup.  There will be a significant use of solvents to clean utensils .  To cut back on the thinner used is to use disposable containers.  That way, you only need to clean the brush.  Next time I will evaluate spray application.