How To Remove Plasti Dip From Rims [Fast and Easy]

Plasti dip is an excellent way to protect tires from wear and scratches. Removing plasti dip will not be a complicated procedure, and in this article, you will find the steps and methods to remove it effectively.

Ways To Remove Plasti Dip

Depending on the product you purchase to do the process with, you will additionally require:

  • Kitchen sponge.
  • Brush.
  • Microfiber cloth.
  • Rubber gloves.
  • Pressure washer.

Follow the steps shown below:

  1. Jack up the vehicle and remove the wheel.
  2. Coat the rim with your desired solution, and wait if you have to.
  3. Scrub the rib with the sponge or the microfiber cloth.
  4.  Use a pressure washer to clean the rim.
  5. If you notice more plasti dip on the wheel, repeat the steps.
  6. If everything went well, replace the wheel.

1. Gasoline

Gasoline dissolves plasti dip well, but it must be handled with care. Carry a safe container and fill it with gasoline the next time you refuel. Always wear gloves and goggles. Avoid doing this on hot days. However, kerosene is less volatile and much safer to use.

2. Kerosene

For this second method, you will need:

  • A glass jar.
  • Cardboard.
  • Rags.
  • Hose.
  •  Pressure washer.
  • Toothbrush.
  • Thick rubber gloves.
  • A stick.
  • A sponge.
  • Soapy water.
  • Kerosene.

Here are the steps:

  1. Remove the wheels and place them on a surface you don’t mind getting messy.
  2. If you want the cleaning process to be easier, lay down some old cardboard over your workspace.
  3. Pour the kerosene into your glass jar but don’t fill it to the top.
  4. Dip the toothbrush into the kerosene.
  5. Let the bristles soak up.
  6. Apply the kerosene and avoid any getting on the tire’s rubber. If you do, remove it immediately.
  7. Wait at least 10 minutes.
  8. Rip the kerosene off.
  9. Use a long wooden stick with a pointy end to chip away at the plasti dip and rip off as much as you can. By using a stick, you won’t scratch the rim.
  10. Use a kerosene-soaked rag to remove the remains.
  11. Take a bucket of soapy water to scrub the smell.

3. WD-40

WD-40 is also an excellent method to remove plasti dip from rims. It will clean, it can get rid of rust and it will also help you free your wheels of plasti dip. In case you don’t have kerosene, you can always use this product to get rid of plasti dip once and for all.

All you have to do is apply WD-40 and let it act for 10 minutes. Once you finish with the pressure washer, most of the plasti dip should be off. Try using a rag to tackle the rest and wash your rims.

The product may not be as corrosive as kerosene, but this is certainly something you need to consider if you purchase WD-40. When it comes to kerosene, you have to wear gloves, but with this substance, you won’t have to worry about getting in on the tire’s rubber coating, as it won’t corrode.

4. Ethanol

This method is more physical than the previous ones, so you will damp cloth with the purest ethanol you can find and scrub hard. We suggest you use light surgical gloves to keep the alcohol from drying up your skin.

Also, avoid paper towels as they will disintegrate from all the friction and you will make a mess.

5. Paint Thinner

Paint thinner is a decent solvent, so you could try it on your plasti dip. One area it should work well on is the little strips that remained on the rims after using a different substance.

You can also use it on the plasti dip as a whole if it’s all you have right now. The process to remove the dip is simple. All you have to do is apply it, let it soak, and then start scraping.

Note that the paint thinner might only take out some of the plasti dip, so you can repeat the procedure until it is stripped away layer by layer. Scrubbing the plasti dip using a paint thinner soaked toothbrush might help you move the process along, but it may also be no more effective than using a cloth.

6. Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can effectively dissolve various organic substances. If this is the only thing you have, you can use it on your rims. Since rubbing alcohol is not too toxic, you won’t need to cover your eyes or your hands.

Use light layers of it, let it soak in, and then start peeling. Add more alcohol as you go until there is no trace of the plasti dip on your rims. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious with this product.

It may get on your tires and damage them if you don’t clean them on time.

7. Use your hands

Plasti dip can peel as it becomes more brittle, so you can use your hands and a plastic object to scrape it off. However, this method will demand a lot of time from you, but the bright side is that it won’t cost you anything.

Still, we recommend at least using strong alcohol to accelerate the process. Depending on the method you choose, the process may take longer or less. Plasti dip is very resilient and won’t start peeling until the coating has been damaged. Because of that, relying on a pressure washer to clear all of the plasti dip is not recommended.

Liam Dare

As CEO of ReplicarClub.com, my passion for the automotive world motivates me to build online businesses that provide information and entertainment to users. I am proud to contribute in a positive way to the automotive community.