Plasti-dip or Powder coat
 

Hi everyone!

New owner (and first time poster, sorry if I do something wrong!) of a Red 2015 IS250 - with rims that look like this one:

Attachment 403477

I want to make the rims black, and I was wondering if anyone has experience plasti-dipping or powder coating theirs. Which one should I do? Is the superiority of the powder coat worth the extra cost? Do you think changing to black is a good idea?

I'd love to hear your thoughts, thanks!

Depends on what you are trying to do. Plastidip is temporary as it eventually peels off, and looks horrid. Powder coat is much more longer lasting, permanent, and cleaner. Looks like you are in WA - the elements will break down the PD much faster. Are you going to sell your car in 2 years? Plastic dip, you can literally pick off the paint.

That being said, I would powder coat and not go cheap with PD.

That makes sense. No, I'm going to drive it for at least five years, Sounds like powdercoat may be the best thing. If it looks cleaner it's probably worth the extra cost. I may dip to make sure I like the look, then coat after a few months.

Look into PVD - Physical Vapor Deposit coatings. Strongest of all and has, if you like the look, a shiny black finish rather than matt.

Thanks for your response. How much do you think that would cost? I think powder coating, if I'm not mistaken, is usually around $300-$350.

Plasti dip will last a long time if you prep what you're working with really well, not go through any kind of power wash, clean with simple green and protect it with DipCoat spray. Ive had it on my window trim for about a year now and still looks like just the day i put it on. On my wheels, they were gunmetal grey colored plasti dip (black base coat with metallic grey top coat) started to peel around 8000 miles in at the edges but honestly i think it would have lasted at least 20k until big noticeable peeling. I have changed my wheels since and got them powdercoated ($350 ish in Southern California for 19's).

If you drive alot in snow, i'd go with powdercoat to be safe or if you want to save money - normal rattle can paint (PREPPING is key). Plastidip is good because its peelable, just throw some paint thinner or gasoline and it comes off.

Plastic dip on wheels makes the car look Cheap! If ur going to spend the money to powder coat, u might as well look into new after market black wheels period.

A whole new set of rims would be significantly more expensive than a $350 powder coat, seems kind of pointless if I like mine.

Thank you for the information! That's great advice, I will be sure to take that into account if I like the dipping option... I think you're right about powder coating to be safe. $350 isn't bad, and it's better than worrying about peeling,