Is It Advisable to Use Rubber Dipping for Car Body Maintenance?

The debate over whether rubber dipping is advisable for car body maintenance has been raging in the automotive repair community. While some enthusiasts and DIYers promote rubber dipping as a temporary solution, many professionals and experts argue that it is not a viable or long-term option. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of rubber dipping, its limitations, and whether it is advisable for car body maintenance.

Understanding Rubber Dipping

Rubber dipping, often referred to as "plastidip" due to its original commercial name, involves coating the exterior of a car with a synthetic rubber compound that mimics the look and feel of rubber. This coating provides a protective layer that can improve the car's appearance and resistance to scratches, chips, and minor impacts. However, the fad of rubber dipping in automotive aftermarket modifications is short-lived and not recommended for several reasons.

The Myth of Long-Lasting Protection

One of the main claims made by rubber dipping proponents is that the process provides long-lasting protection to a car's paint finish. Unfortunately, this claim is largely unfounded. The rubber coating applied during rubber dipping is designed to be a temporary solution, typically lasting between 6 to 12 months. After this period, the coating begins to degrade and lose its protective properties. Moreover, attempting to paint over the rubber coating can lead to significant issues.

Adhesion and Paint Quality

One of the biggest problems with rubber dipping is the challenge of achieving proper adhesion when applying paint on top of the rubber coating. If you attempt to paint over rubber dipped surfaces, the paint is unlikely to stick properly. As a result, the paint layer may begin to peel almost immediately, ultimately leading to a less aesthetically pleasing and more expensive repair.

Professional Recommendations

Automotive professionals and paint shop owners generally advise against using rubber dipping as a long-term solution for car body maintenance. Instead, they recommend a more traditional and reliable approach to protecting a car's exterior. Here are some of the recommended methods:

Paint Protection Fluid (PPF): PPF is a clear, polymer-based coating that provides long-lasting protection against scratches, dirt, and minor impacts. PPF offers excellent durability and can last up to seven years with proper care. Ceramic Sealant: This treatment creates a silica-based coating that repels water and prevents dirt from adhering to the surface. Ceramic sealant can last up to five years and provides a high level of protection. Paint Mark Remover: This treatment is designed to protect the paint from UV damage, acid rain, and other environmental factors. It can provide up to three years of protection and is ideal for maintaining a car's paint finish over time.

Conclusion

While rubber dipping may have its temporary benefits in terms of appearance and minor protection, it is not advisable as a long-term solution for car body maintenance. Given the challenges of adhesion and the potential for paint to peel, it is recommended to explore more traditional and reliable methods such as Paint Protection Fluid, Ceramic Sealant, and Paint Mark Remover. These solutions offer more consistent and durable protection for your car's exterior and will save you the frustration and higher cost associated with repainting.

To ensure the best results, it is always advisable to consult a professional automotive repair shop or body shop to determine the best course of action for maintaining your car's exterior finish.