Plasti Dip Harley: A Guide to Coating for a Sleek Finish

Plasti dipping is a popular and cost-effective way to change the color of your Harley Davidson motorcycle. It involves spraying a rubberized coating onto the bike’s parts, which can easily be peeled off if you want to return the bike to its original color. Plasti dip Harley is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including matte, gloss, metallic, and pearl.

Plasti dipping your Harley can be a fun and rewarding project, but it’s important to do it right to ensure a durable and long-lasting finish. The process involves several steps, including cleaning and preparing the parts, taping off areas you don’t want to spray, and applying the plasti dip in thin, even coats. It’s also important to let each coat dry completely before applying the next one, and to avoid spraying in humid or dusty conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Plasti dipping is a popular and cost-effective way to change the color of your Harley Davidson motorcycle.
• The process involves several steps, including cleaning and preparing the parts, taping off areas you don’t want to spray, and applying the plasti dip in thin, even coats.
• With proper preparation and application, plasti dip can provide a durable and long-lasting finish that can easily be peeled off if you want to return the bike to its original color.

The Basics of Doing a Plasti dip Harley

When it comes to customizing your Harley, plasti dip can be a great option. Plasti dip is a flexible, rubberized coating that can be sprayed onto various parts of your motorcycle to change the color or add a protective layer. It is very important to prep the surface before applying plasti dip to ensure a smooth and even finish.

First, clean the area you wish to plasti dip with soap and water. Make sure the area is completely dry before proceeding. Next, tape off any areas that you do not want to be covered in plasti dip. It is important to be patient and take your time when taping to avoid any overspray.

Once you have prepped the area, shake the can of plasti dip well and spray it onto the surface in a sweeping motion. Make sure to hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the surface and apply the plasti dip in thin layers. It is better to apply multiple thin layers than to apply one thick layer, as thick layers may not dry evenly and may peel or crack.

After applying the first layer of plasti dip, wait about 5-10 minutes before applying the next layer. It is recommended to apply at least 3-4 layers of plasti dip for a durable and long-lasting finish. Once you have applied all of the layers, wait at least 24 hours before removing the tape and using the motorcycle.

It is important to note that plasti dip is more sensitive to heat than regular paint, so avoid using it on engine components or other parts that will get hot. Additionally, plasti dip can be removed easily if you decide you no longer want the coating on your motorcycle.

Overall, plasti dipping your Harley can be a fun and cost-effective way to customize your ride. Just make sure to properly prep the surface and apply the plasti dip in thin, even layers for the best results.

Process and Techniques To Plasti dip Harley

When it comes to Plasti dip Harley, there are a few essential steps that you need to follow to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.

First, it is essential to clean the parts that you want to dip thoroughly. Any dirt, grease, or grime on the surface can prevent the plasti dip from adhering correctly. We recommend using a degreaser or a mild soap and water solution to clean the parts. After cleaning, make sure to let the parts dry completely before proceeding.

Next, you should tape around the parts that you do not want to dip. This step is crucial to prevent overspray and ensure that you get a clean finish. Use tape to cover anything that you want to maintain the original color. For example, if you’re dipping the wheels, tape the tire and the tire stem.

Before spraying, shake the spray can well to ensure that the plasti dip is mixed correctly. Then, hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the part you want to dip and spray in a sweeping motion. Apply several thin coats of plasti dip, waiting at least 5 minutes between each coat. It is very important to apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat to avoid drips and ensure a smooth finish.

After you have applied the desired number of coats, wait at least 30 minutes for the plasti dip to dry completely. Once the plasti dip has dried, you can remove the tape and admire your work.

If you want to dip a larger part, such as the gas tank or the fenders, it is recommended to sand and prime the surface before dipping. This step will help the plasti dip adhere better and ensure a more durable finish.

Overall, plasti dipping your Harley is a fun and easy way to customize your ride without breaking the bank. With a few coats of plasti dip and some patience, you can transform your bike from stock to custom in no time.

Durability and Maintenance

When it comes to Plasti Dip, one of the most common questions people have is about its durability. As motorcycle enthusiasts, we know that durability is key when it comes to any modification or customization. So, how does Plasti Dip hold up when applied to a Harley Davidson?

Well, the answer is that it depends on a few factors. First and foremost, it’s important to apply the Plasti Dip correctly. This means putting on at least 6 coats or spray on everything, as recommended by Harley Davidson Forums. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using the right amount of thinner and applying the Plasti Dip evenly.

If applied correctly, Plasti Dip can be quite durable. However, it’s important to note that it’s not a permanent solution. While it can last for a few years, it will eventually start to wear and peel off. This is actually one of the benefits of Plasti Dip – if you decide you want to remove it, you can simply peel it off without damaging the original paint underneath.

In terms of maintenance, cleaning Plasti Dip is fairly simple. However, it’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as this can damage the Plasti Dip. Instead, use a gentle soap and water to clean off any dirt or grime. If you live in an area with lots of rain or snow, you may need to clean your Plasti Dip more frequently to prevent buildup.

Overall, Plasti Dip can be a great way to customize your Harley Davidson without committing to a permanent solution. While it may not last forever, it can provide a durable and easy-to-maintain option for those looking to switch up their bike’s look.

Case Studies and Success Stories

We’ve seen many success stories of Harley owners who have painted their bikes with Plasti Dip. In an older thread on the Harley Davidson Forums, a user named brnbser shared their transformation of a ’12 Ultra Classic with Plasti Dip. They were pretty happy with the finish product and posted a before and after picture. Another user on the same thread commented that they had also used Plasti Dip to determine how something would look before sending it off to be powder coated.

In a new thread on Road Glide, a user named JPRitchie shared their experience of using Plasti Dip to paint their lower fork legs. They used Plasti Dip as a method to determine how the black sliders would look against the chrome bells before deciding to paint them permanently. The user wasn’t a fan of the contrast look but thought that using Plasti Dip was a great idea to test out different looks.

One user on Reddit shared their experience of using Plasti Dip to paint their rims before going on a long ride. They made saddlebags from weatherproof cases and painted the rims with Plasti Dip over the weekend. They were planning to ride from Louisiana to New York in October and hoped to accomplish an ironbutt ride in the process.

On the Harley Davidson Forums, a user named 2much posted a thread about their experience of using Plasti Dip to paint their Street Bob. They used two cans of Plasti Dip to black out their tail light, rear turn signals, and battery band. For their first attempt, they thought it came out pretty good with only some streaking on the tail light.

One important thing to note is that Plasti Dip can be easily removed if you don’t like the finish or want to repaint your bike. You can simply peel it off, clean the surface, and repaint it with Plasti Dip or a different paint. It is very important to properly prepare the surface and clean everything thoroughly so the Plasti Dip sticks properly and you don’t get dirt trapped in the finish.