How To Remove Plasti Dip From Rims At Home With 7 methods (Step Guide)

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A lot of us like plasti dip on our cars, especially its non-slip feature, economical advantage, and super coating capacity.

However, a time will come when we don’t like the color of this air-dry, flexible rubber coating on our car rim again.

It’s at this point we want to remove the plasti dip from the rims and other parts we’ve applied it to.

We apply this multicolor rubber coating to several surfaces, including some parts of our vehicles.

We can use plasti dip on the rims, steering wheels, and several other surfaces. Usually, I love spraying or brushing my plasti dip on my rims, despite their complex designs.

On the surface of it, removing plasti dip from rims might seem a hard nut to crack for a beginner DIYer. This is because the design of the wheels and rims isn’t as simple as many other surfaces that take the product.

But if you go along with me in this article, you’ll learn a lot about how straightforward it’s to remove the incredibly insulating glaze. You’ll also get an insight into why you’d want to get rid of plasti dip.

But let me start by asking, ‘what is plasti dip?’

What Is Plasti Dip?

Plasti dip is a specialty rubber coating. It is used to varnish and protects a wide range of items against the shenanigans of moisture, rust, and corrosion.

As an air-dry insulator, plasti dip works on different projects around the garage, garden, home, and elsewhere.

Although it’s often used as a temporary coating product, plasti dip is a highly durable, non-slip, insulating varnish.

In addition, it comes in multiple colors and is used for many purposes. The product’s multicolor feature makes it suitable for craft and several DIY projects.

The product won’t crack or become brittle regardless of the degree of extremity or harshness of the weather.

Why You Should Choose Plasti Dip

  • Protects car rims from rusting and corroding
  • Non-toxic and non-acidic
  • Reinforces perfect grip, control, comfort, and quality traction
  • Remains stretchy, flexible, and non-slip[ overtime
  • Provides amazing coating solution
  • Enables customization and improvement of the automotive look
  • Peelable and removable from auto surfaces
  • Works in low temperatures range of -30°F to 200°F

Why Would You Choose To Remove Plasti Dip

As durable and good-looking as plasti dip may be on your car rims, it may fall out of favor after some time. This may be a consequence of the improper application of the product. Some other reasons can be responsible. Let’s explore them.

Age

It’s a no-brainer to attribute aging to the reason why you’d want plasti dip out of your car rim. The older its gets on your rims, the higher the chances that the product will start to peel off.

As a result, your car rims will start to look unattractive. Once the rims aren’t looking good anymore, the best thing to do is to get rid of plasti dip.

Coating Preference

Plasti dip may be an amazing product to use on the car; yet, not everyone likes to use it. If your car comes with plasti dip coating, you may want to change to a different coating.

In that case, what you have to do is to get rid of the existing varnish and replace it with a new treatment.

Color Upgrade

Every car owner has a preference for the color they want. Sometimes, the choice of the plasti dip color you’d chosen earlier may not be looking attractive to you anymore.

The next thing to do is to opt for a different color hue. If you choose to change the color of your car or wheels, you’ll have to remove the existing PD and apply new color and product.

Car Resale

Another reason you may want to get rid of plasti dip from your car rims is if you’re planning to get off the car from your garage. A car you’re prepping for a resale needs to look good.

You have service, repaint, and make it look appealing to the potential buyer. A stock is the number one thing to consider before offering a car for sale.

Now that you’ve considered all options and decided to remove PD from your car wheels, how would you go about it? 

Let’s find out in the next section. But it suffices to say that the activity can be a bit time-consuming and energy-sapping. But trust me, it’s worth it.

Guide To Remove Plasti Dip From Rims

The good thing is that there is a wide range of methods and solvents available in the auto industry to remove PD coating from car wheels.

You can use Dip dissolver, kerosene, rubbing alcohol, paint thinner, WD40, and Goo Gone. Each has its pros and cons, but the dip dissolver is considered the most efficient method.

To use any of the solvents, you must choose a day with an outdoor temperature of about 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

I’ll take them one after another.

Stage 1: Prelim Prep

1: Prepare Your Workspace

You can do PD removal in the garage or outdoors. Whichever you opt for, make sure the place is well-ventilated, without smoking or exposure to open flames.

Get all supplies ready, including all protective kits. Note that the supplies needed if you’re using kerosene might be slightly different if you opt for a PD dissolver.

2: Detach The Wheels Off The Car

The first thing to do before stripping your rim of plasti dip is to remove the rims from the car. It is better not to remove the four wheels at the time since you have to plasti dip removal one wheel after another.

3: Prepare The Solvent

This stage applies to every solvent or method you want to use. You should prepare the solvent. Mix the ones that need to be mixed and add all the necessary substances and chemicals.

Stage 2: Applying The Methods

After making all the essential preparations, it’s time to start applying the various methods. Let’s begin.

Method 1: Using Dip Dissolver

The Dip Dissolver is a product from Plasti Dip Store. It comes as the best method to remove thin coats of plasti dip. Typically, thick coats of plasti dip will peel off the rim; thin treatments don’t. You’ll need a pressure washer.

Step To Apply Dip Dissolver:
  • Start with the preliminaries above
  • Allow the wheel to lie flat on a clean, level surface
  • Spray a generous amount of Dip Dissolver on the wheel. Allow all parts of the wheel to get damp.
  • Wait for about 5 minutes so the formula can dissolve the coating
  • Rub the coat off with a finger
  • Rinse off the soaked and softened plasti dip using the pressure washer
  • You can reapply the PD Dissolver if the adhesive doesn’t remove completely or come right off.

Method 2: Using Kerosene

Kerosene has been the fastest and most cost-effective method of removing plasti dip from rims. This is because kerosene serves as a degreaser and cleaning agent.

But, you’ll need to go for no or low-odor kerosene, often called heater fuel.   

Supplies needed:

  • Kerosene (Low Odor)
  • Cardboard
  • A pair of plier
  • A piece of scrap wood or plastic-bladed scraper
  • Small can
  • Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
Steps To Apply Kerosene:
  • Start with the preliminary steps above
  • Pour ½ or 1 cup of kerosene into a clean, empty jar or can
  • Dip a paintbrush into the kerosene and apply a reasonable amount of it on the PD-coated surfaces of the rims
  • Allow the kerosene to soak in between 8 and 10 minutes
  • Push the coating with your scraper, starting from the edge of the wheel
  • With a plier scrape the coating and remove it from the rim surface
  • Repeat the process until you no longer see any trace of PD coating

Method 3: Using WD-40

WD-40 is one of the most-used substances to strip a car rim of plasti dip.

It doesn’t only peel PD; this anti-rust formula also lubricates, clears, and protects your rim with quality coating. Alternatively, you can use mineral spirit.

Supplies needed:

  • Plastic-bladed scraper
  • Microfiber towels
  • Soap and water
Steps To Apply WD-40:
  • Begin with the preliminary stages above
  • Spray the entire wheel with a light coating until it gets wet
  • Soak a paper towel with the WD-40 formula
  • Apply the solvent to the wheel, pressing it firmly to the corners, crevices, and under the wheel.
  • Scrub off the PD using the plastic-bladed scraper
  • Continue and repeat the process until the wheel’s surface is fully covered with the WD-40- saturated paper towels.
  • Spray the paper towel with the WD-40 formula
  • Wait between 57 to 10 minutes
  • Remove the paper towels one after the other.

Method 4: Using Goo Gone Adhesive Remover

Adhesive remover like the Goo Gone formula also works as an effective adhesive to peel off plasti dip from the surface of your car rim.

It has the power to dissolve and break down chemical compounds. It’s highly efficient to soak up and attack PD.

The good thing is that this remover is not as toxic or acidic as many other substances, but more potent and corrosive than kerosene. To apply to rubbing alcohol, you’ll need to wear a safety mask and glove.

Steps To Apply Goo Gone Remover:
  • Start with the preliminary steps above
  • Apply the Goo Gone adhesive remover
  • Massage the remover well and let it get into the wheel well
  • Allow it to stay on the stain, dissolve and break it down for about 10 minutes
  • Start to peel off the PD using a scraper or stick. You can use your finger or a wet rag
  • Apply a sponge or soapy water to rinse the rim
  • If the rim isn’t completely clear of plasti dip, repeat the process until nothing is left on the surface of the car rim.

Method 5: Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another method to use to break down adhesive or organic compounds on your car rim. It is very efficient as many other adhesive removers.

However, it’s not as toxic or acidic as others. Even at that, you will need to wear a glove or mask as you’d if you’re using kerosene, Dip Dissolver, or Goo Gone adhesive remover.

Yet, it provides the same or even more potent result. Overall, be cautious not to let the substance get to your eyes or skin.

Steps To Apply Rubbing Alcohol:
  • Start with the initial steps of prepping the workspace, removing the wheel, and prepping the solvent.
  • Apply rubbing alcohol in light, thin coats
  • Allow it to soak up and disintegrate the organic substances for about 10 minutes
  • Start peeling the plasti dip using your finger, plastic-bladed scraper, depending on the extent of the mess.
  • Rinse with pebble-free soapy water
  • Inspect the surface for any residue of PD.
  • Repeat the process if you still notice any trace of plasti dip on your rims.

Method 6: Using Paint Thinner

It may not be as potent as other solvents, paint thinner works well to degrease and remove adhesives. It is best applied on thin treatment and little strips of PD left on your rim surface.

The process of applying paint thinner is the same as above. Don’t forget to start with the preliminary steps of preparing your workspace, solvent, and detaching your wheel.

If you’re not satisfied with the result this formula provides, you can opt for more potent adhesives. Using a brush-on method (toothbrush) will be best to soak and scrub plasti dip with paint thinner.

Method 7: Using Nails

Nails are the least-used but most daring method to scrub and soak plasti dip from car rims. You should consider nails in case there are no solvents available. It is best used for thick layers of plasti dip.

Steps To Apply Nails:
  • Start with the preparatory steps
  • Get a 3-inch nail
  • Chip the plasti dip to peel it
  • Never use a hammer to hit the nail

Tips To Remove Plasti Dip From Car Rims

There are safety and technical tips you have to follow to successfully get off DP from your car wheels.

Wear Protective Gear

Some of the chemicals recommended in this guide are toxic and acidic. Hence, they could irritate the skin and eyes if they get exposed to solvents.

The products could also cause damage to the eyes when spraying or brushing them. Hence, you’ll need to wear protective goggles, nitrile mechanic gloves, boots, and a mask.

Remove All Wheels

Make sure you do the job wheel by wheel. Detaching each rim will allow you to apply the PD to the proper places on the rim.

If you mistakenly apply the chemicals to the brake hoses, calipers, and brake rotors, you may cause collateral damage to key components.

Detach Plastic Wheel Parts

Some plastic parts of your car are susceptible to damage if they come in contact with some of the PD dissolving solvents. The wheel’s center hub cover is usually plastic.

It can be a victim of inadvertent application of the formula. To remove the hub, all you have to do is to use a small hammer and soft wooden dowel. With this tool, simply tap outward the hub from inside.

Avoid Spraying Tires

This is another important tip you must follow when removing PD from your wheels.

Never spray the tires with any of the acidic solvents when you apply them to the wheels. While a small amount of the chemical may be harmless, overspray could destroy the tire completely.

Use Well-Ventilated Workspace

When carrying out the PD removal process, make sure your workspace is well-ventilated. Allow air to come in and quickly diffuse the strong odor of the chemical.

Do not use a closed garage or space to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. If the place isn’t ventilated you stand a risk of a potential explosion or fire outbreak.

Avoid Smoking

This is a no-brainer. As much as possible, do not smoke when spraying these chemicals. Also do not expose yourself to open flames when working with the formulas.

Best Plasti Dip Auto Remover: Goo Gone Adhesive Remover Spray Gel

If you’re in search of the best plasti dip remover to get rid of PD from your car rim, this formula ticks all the boxes.

This kit comes with all the needed features that completely strip your rims of the mess plasti dip has become on your car.

It’ll remove plasti dip from your rim while also protecting the underlay. The product will break down any adhesive take off all thin and too-difficult-to-peel PD chemicals.

It doesn’t hold back even the smallest amount of stain.

What’s more, the chemical can work comfortably under a minimum temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is less toxic with no acid. It has a chewing–smelling scent.

In addition, it works on a wide range of surfaces, including automotive, grout, tile, grill, and oven. It also works on fabric, carpet, floor, and painted surfaces.

Pros
  • Works under harsh condition
  • Peels off PD completely
  • Serve as a PD remover and rim protector
  • Causes less skin or eye irritation
Cons
  • Can slightly overspray
VIEW AT AMAZON

Final Words

The beauty of plasti dip comes out only when you can easily remove it from your car rim.

Don’t forget, the wheel doesn’t come flat or simple. The complexity of its design can make you simply outsource the process of removing the insulator.

But now, you have a guide to follow and you’ve seen how simple the entire process is. I’m sure you’ve equipped yourself with the proper information.

So, you get things done in good time the next time you want to remove plasti dip from the rims. What’s certain is that this article gets you covered. Go ahead and implement this guide. It’s super clear, easy, and fast.