Plasti Dip vs. Vinyl vs. Paint

[ajasper6579]

How should I make my grille matte black and why should I use this technique? I do not intend to do the work myself and would ideally avoid significant cost.

 

[Kenny]

If you're going matte you might want to consider LineX - it can take the abuse better than just about anything (IMHO)

 

[NFRs2000NYC]

Plastidip. Tough, easy to remove, easy to touch up, easy to maintain, and cheap as hell. Have had mine done for years on both my rigs and has been excellent. Just make sure you do a lot of coats, 8-10.

 

[BlackRook]

100% plasti-dip. It's incredibly easy; while you may not intend to do it yourself, with plasti-dip you can, and even if you choose not to it'll still be relatively cheap. Provided you apply sufficient number of coats, it'll look great for a long time.

 

[ajasper6579]

If you're going matte you might want to consider LineX - it can take the abuse better than just about anything (IMHO)

Is LineX removable?

 

[ajasper6579]

Plastidip. Tough, easy to remove, easy to touch up, easy to maintain, and cheap as hell. Have had mine done for years on both my rigs and has been excellent. Just make sure you do a lot of coats, 8-10.

The guy I reached out to about plasti-dip said that he has to re-do it every year because the color fades...is this something you have encountered as well?

 

[ChrispyJL]

Get a price to have it vinyl wrapped.
Then get a price to have it sprayed with Plasti Dip.
Wrap it once and your good for at least 5 years.
Plasti Dip will need to be touched up every year.
vinyl is much more durable.

I think your going to find both to be about the same amount to have done.
Equal price I would have it wrapped.

Actually wrapped may cost less, due to the time both take.
vinyl is much faster to put on.
From a Professional standpoint I would have it wrapped

 

[Kenny]

Is LineX removable?

Not easily

 

[NFRs2000NYC]

The guy I reached out to about plasti-dip said that he has to re-do it every year because the color fades...is this something you have encountered as well?

No, not even close. I do treat it with vinylex but thats just to keep it nice and black. It's been 4 years now through blazing sun, and 30000 miles worth of road trips and jeep adventures, and only now, do I have minor fading...so I will take 4 minutes, take the grill off, and spray 2 fresh coats on it, and buy myself another 4 years.

 

[NFRs2000NYC]

LineX is as removable as concrete...it isn't removable at all. Wrap will get scratched, can still get chipped, and costs a bunch evertime you need to redo it. Plastidip will cost you $6. It definitely doesnt need to be redone every year, especially if you applied it properly and take care of it. It is FAR easier to touch up, vinyl cant be touched up and it WILL get damaged. If vinyl was a better option, I would have done it.

 

[am1978]

For Plastidip, how does it hold up to wheel washing (think spin brushes at a drive through, conveyor belt style wash station)?

 

[Jeep Generation]

How should I make my grille matte black and why should I use this technique? I do not intend to do the work myself and would ideally avoid significant cost.

I would say do it yourself and go with PlastiDip. That is what I did and I love it. I left the Silver/Grey Rubicon Inserts alone, and left the trim around the grill the same color as factory. Here is a video of how I did it. Let me know if you have any questions on it. It has held up nice.

 

[NFRs2000NYC]

For Plastidip, how does it hold up to wheel washing (think spin brushes at a drive through, conveyor belt style wash station)?

It holds up fine, if applied correctly.

 

[Firemedicsparky]

Get a price to have it vinyl wrapped.
Then get a price to have it sprayed with Plasti Dip.
Wrap it once and your good for at least 5 years.
Plasti Dip will need to be touched up every year.
vinyl is much more durable.

I think your going to find both to be about the same amount to have done.
Equal price I would have it wrapped.

Actually wrapped may cost less, due to the time both take.
vinyl is much faster to put on.
From a Professional standpoint I would have it wrapped

*Average cost I have encountered for the new JL grill getting vinyl wrapped is between $100-140. This is with high quality vinyl in a "Dead Space Black" or "True Satin Black"......and vinyl is removable at a later date.

*Cost of Mopars Satin Black Grill is $240 on sale, leaving you your original if and when something happens down the road.....

*PlastiDip is the cheapest option...but you get what you pay for in terms of durability I think and your limited to the ability of the user's spray technique as for quality. You could always use PlastDips clear gloss/matte coat after you apply the base coats for extra durability if your concerned. If you order from their online store your color options are limitless.

 

[Jergs]

Buy the Mopar one so you dont have to worry about doing it yourself and just swap it. If you feel like going back you always can