Plastisol Coating Explained

March 9, 2024

One of the most popular plastic coatings available, plastisol is everywhere, making our lives safer, easier, and more comfortable. In use for over a century, plastisol coatings can be nearly any colorand special additives can enhance its natural qualities.

What Is Plastisol?

Versatile, durable, and very cost-effective, plastisol is a blend of a plastic resin (usually polyvinyl chloride, aka PVC) and a plasticizing compound, which makes it stretchy and rubbery.

How Is a Plastisol Coating Applied?

Most commonly, plastisol coatings are applied with a hot dip method, meaning the part to be coated is heated as is the liquified plastisol. Once the part is immersed as far as desired, it must be heated again to solidify the coating. Plastisol can also be cold dipped, where the part isn't preheated, as well as applied to hollow or complex parts through slush and rotation molding techniques. The temperature of the part greatly influences the thickness of plastisol coatings with hot dip coatings generally ¼" or less and cold dip coatings under 1/16".

Popular Uses for Plastisol Coatings

Plastisol's unique characteristics and versatility make it a useful coating for nearly any industry. It is most commonly found as a coating for:


  • Tool handles — adding comfort and improving grip
  • High-voltage parts and tools — providing excellent insulation
  • Automotive parts — helping eliminate noise and damage from vibrating and rattling components
  • Exercise equipment — making a better grip and protection from moisture
  • Gas pump handles— adding comfort and protection from chemicals
  • Playground and sports equipment — improving durability and protection from rust, wear, and abrasions
  • Screenprinting inks— flexible and long-lasting
  • Aerospace and aviation parts — performing well under extreme conditions


At Precision Dip Coating, we have decades of experience with plastisol and other plastic coating and molding services. Contact us today to learn more about our full capabilities, so we can put our plastic coating expertise to work for you.

Share by: