Plastidip

"Plasti-dip is the duct tape of our generation."-Kite

Plasti Dip is a multi-purpose air dry, synthetic rubber coating that can be easily applied by spraying, brushing or dipping. Plasti Dip protective coating products resist moisture, acids, abrasion, corrosion, skidding/slipping, and provides a comfortable, controlled grip. It remains flexible, stretchy and will not become brittle or crack in extreme weather conditions; -30°F to 200°F. Available in 7.25-oz Can, 11-oz Aerosol, 14.5-oz Can.

Excerpt from Esam authored by Sir Oznog: It's a rubber, not a plastic. Plasti-Dip is 3740 PSI tensile strength, 430% max elongation, and Shore 70. Shore 70 is equivalent to tire tread in a thick solid, but that doesn't tell the story for coatings, the hardness depends equally upon thickness. The PSI has a lot to do with determining practical thicknesses. The higher PSI allows for a thinner coating thus lower hardness.....the high elongation allows thinner layers because stretching is permissible...PD does not harden up in extreme cold or soften in heat either, at least not a lot.

Plastidip in Amtgard:

At Clan 2010 (7.5 rules) the Circle of Monarchs voted to alter the rules regarding shield covers. Previously, all shields required an opaque cloth cover. After this change, the rules regarding shield covers were changed to allow for any durable, opaque cover(such as cloth) to be used, with the exception that tape is never acceptable as a shield cover. Additionally, the cover may not be abrasive, so care must be taken when preparing a plastidip shield cover to ensure the result is not gritty or abrasive. Plastidip may also currently be used on non-strike legal surfaces (non-striking flats of the blade, hilts, pommels, guards, handles etc on weapons.

Plastidip makes great covering material for garb, accessories, props, monster garb etc.

How to use Plastidip:

The general process for utilizing plastidip is rather simple:

• 1st-Construct your item. If using for Shields or Weapons make sure to skin the project in a Micro Cell foam. Dap brand contact cement is generally the best adhesive to use in construction. Make sure all your edges and seams are secure and any unwanted gaps are filled.[1][2][3][4][5]

• 2nd-Cover in Plastidip: Some artisans suggest using the Aerosol spray PD for the 1st coat and then “painting” on the Dip PD using a foam brush. Others just paint it on directly. Use 2-4 coats of the Dip PD letting each coat dry fully between each application.[6][7]

• 3rd-Paint/Decorate.[8][9]

• 4th-Clear Coat: Seal with a clear coat of either the Clear Plastidip (if you can find it) or alternate like Valspars clear roofing Vinyl (thinning the Valspar with Mineral Spirits at about a 10/1 ratio according toSir Heydeez)

Additional Rescources: Facebook Plastidip group: [10]Wynar of Dagohir's super awesome tutorial: [11]

Links

• Plastidip Artists Page on Facebook Great resource containing artists from Amtgard Bell and Dag.
• Download Center Grip Shield Tutorial by Fitz
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