What is Dip Coating?

March 19, 2025

Dip coating is a traditional plastic coating technique where a protective layer of liquid plastic, usually vinyl-based plastisol, is applied to a part or product. With applications across nearly every industry, cost-effective plastisol brings an array of benefits to countless projects.

How Does Dip Coating Work?

In brief, dip coating involves immersing a preheated part in liquified plastisol and heat curing it to set the coating. It results in a durable, rubbery, flexible protective layer in varying thicknesses depending on the needs of your project. Further versatility comes with a cold dip process to accommodate parts that won't tolerate preheating but can still withstand heat curing. Additional molding techniques expand plastisol's range, allowing for enhanced functionality and customization.

Why Is Dip Coating So Useful?

Dip coating with plastisol is highly versatile and offers benefits across numerous industries. Some of the most valuable advantages of plastisol dip coating include:


  • Insulation – Excellent thermal and electrical protection
  • Look & Feel – Can be color-matched, have special visual effects, and a variety of textures and finishes
  • Durability – Long-lasting and wear-resistant
  • Chemical & Corrosion Resistance – Resistant to alkalis, acids, and extreme corrosion
  • Abrasion & Impact Resistance – Bounces back from all kinds of use and abuse
  • Noise & Vibration Reduction – Minimizes noise and limits vibrations that can cause damage to parts, equipment, and workers
  • Cost-Effective – One of the most budget-friendly coatings available


Plastisol's natural qualities can be further enhanced with a variety of additives, such as improved UV tolerance or increased hardness for specialized applications.

What Industries & Products Benefit from Dip Coating?

Among the most popular applications of dip coating are:


  • Tool handles for improved grip and comfort
  • High voltage tools and other parts for the electrical industry
  • Sporting goods, including fishing lures, sports equipment, and safety gear
  • Automotive applications, such as BSR (Buzz, Squeak, Rattle) reduction, safety, and comfort features
  • Playground equipment, where durability and softness are key
  • Screen printing ink for high-quality printing applications
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) for enhanced safety in multiple industries

What Are the Differences Between Dip Coating and Powder Coating?

A common question is whether dip coating or powder coating is the better option for a given application. While both methods provide protective coatings, there are key differences:


  • Dip Coating: Offers a thicker, rubberized, flexible coating with excellent insulation and impact resistance. Ideal for tool grips, high-voltage insulation, and corrosion protection.
  • Powder Coating: Produces a thinner, harder, and more durable finish, often used for metal parts that require wear resistance, such as automotive components and industrial equipment.


Choosing between dip and powder coating depends on the material being coated, environmental conditions, and performance requirements.

Can Dip Coating Be Customized for Specific Applications?

One of the biggest advantages of dip coating is its ability to be customized for different applications. Depending on the industry and intended use, dip coatings can be tailored with:


  • Color Matching – Custom colors for branding, aesthetics, or safety coding
  • Textured Finishes – Smooth, soft-touch, or grip-enhancing finishes for different functionalities
  • UV Protection – Additives that enhance resistance to sunlight and outdoor exposure
  • Increased Hardness – Formulations that offer extra durability for heavy-use environments


Customization makes dip coating an excellent solution for specialized applications in medical, automotive, construction, and industrial sectors.

Dip Coating Solutions With Precision Dip Coating

At Precision Dip Coating, we have decades of experience providing plastisol dip coating and molding services. Whether your project requires plastisol or another plastic powder coating solution, we can give it the protection, durability, and look you need.

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