[Almaretto]

Originally Posted by TheBlackGT

Void warranties? Wow, now that's just sad (sorry to be harsh). Under no way should powder coating be any sort of means to void a warranty lol. It's like saying painting your badges or trims voids the warranty.

He said painting was fine. Powder coating is what can void. And, not entire vehicle warranty; just things directly related to coated product. SA alleged that process somehow weakens metal. I was not ready to immediately believe that process does, but was inclined to believe BMW would use any excuse to not cover costs. Plus, the same SA changed my complaint wording so my unscheduled service would be covered under maintenance.

[TheBlackGT]

Originally Posted by Almaretto

He said painting was fine. Powder coating is what can void. And, not entire vehicle warranty; just things directly related to coated product. SA alleged that process somehow weakens metal. I was not ready to immediately believe that process does, but was inclined to believe BMW would use any excuse to not cover costs. Plus, the same SA changed my complaint wording so my unscheduled service would be covered under maintenance.

I see. Still, powder coating in no way really compromises the metal, maybe unless you're doing it 100x on one wheel.

However, good to know your SA is watching out for you.

[Almaretto]

Originally Posted by TheBlackGT

I see. Still, powder coating in no way really compromises the metal, maybe unless you're doing it 100x on one wheel.

However, good to know your SA is watching out for you.

I just ran a quick search. Some said it had to do with sandblasting or those shops that powder coat at higher temps (eg 400 degrees) or for extended periods. Additionally, BMW does offer some black wheels and it made me wonder which process was used for them.

Back to topic, even with skilled installer, I think Vinyl will look better; especially if wrapping entire vehicle..

[JMX2M35i]

Originally Posted by K-A

I guarantee if you get up close to that Audi the "paint" will look about as refined as the price of it insinuates. I'm cool with plastidipping areas of a car, but the whole car just seems to wrong. I'm not a big vinyl fan for the record either, but I think the finish and overall sheen should/would look more consistent than plastidip.

Plus, if anyone asks "what paint is that" you have to say "plasti-dip". Talk about talking your car down to the lowest depths.

Agree with every word.

[Silent_308]

Both have their drawbacks, in my opinion Plastidip is for small items such as motorcycle fenders, wheels, accent parts, ect. I'd never Plastidip an entire car. The reason I feel people do Plastidip an entire car is cause it's cheaper than paying for a real paint job, and it's semi reversible. Vinyl on the other hand I would use to do an entire car or large portions of a car. Vinyl gives you the same options as Plastidip as far as revsibility, but with vinyl your your options as far as style are far greater, it's more durable, and when done right, can look just like paint.

As far as the choice, for me it depends on the application. If you build a drift car or track bike, Plastidip, or if you want to change the look of your rims, Plastidip. If you want to change the color of your car, go with vinyl, you want have a carbon fiber roof but don't want to pay for custom hand laid CF, go with vinyl. Plastidip to me like everyone looks cheap if you put it on too wide of an area...

[bimmer722]

Originally Posted by FaintReality

Autoflex. End of story.

A complete game changer in the dipping game. I think it will be better than vinyl and cheaper to install.

[Zer0Cool92]

Just dipped my car for the first time. Did a bad ass job, if I may say so.

All my buddies that see it in person think it's vinyl wrapped. Dip is a good DIY, inexpensive and holds up good . Costed me 400 for the dip kit, including the spray gun.

[gulfstream69xr7]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

Just did the shadow trim on the windows and it came out great! I went with gloss black for the fact I can use the left over pieces to do the door...front reflectors...and side trim.

Did you use vinyl or dip?

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by gulfstream69xr7

Did you use vinyl or dip?

vinyl! it was referred to me from a fellow member here

http://www.shadowlinetrim.com/

[EL Jeffe 5]

plastidip Looks like shit I wouldn't paint my wheelbarrow with it
Vinyl is nice as long as you buy good quality

[FaintReality]

Originally Posted by TheBlackGT

Interesting how this thread was revived from so long ago... lol.

I've seen autoflex in person. Looks great from a few feet away, but still when I come close, the orange peel gives it away. Autoflex has brought liquid vinyl a long way, but I firmly believe vinyl will still have the edge for now.

Autoflex lays smoother than oem paint so you either seen a bad plasti dip job or a horrible autoflex job. The good thing about autoflex is that the imperfections, if any, can be wet sanded and polished like normal paint, giving a flawless glass finish.

Google autoflex images and you will see nothing but perfection and close ups at that.

[belarus27]

plasti dip is for small details on the car , trim , emblems , grill , some moldings, wheels
vinyl wrap if you wanna do the whole car.
no brainer.

even tho plasti dip looks aite if do the whole car... but....