Maya Ellison
ATVs are fun to ride, but they require maintenance to keep them in good condition. The plastic body of an ATV can become discoloured and damaged due to exposure to outdoor elements like sunlight, dirt, mud, and water. Regular cleaning and proper care can prevent this damage and keep your ATV looking like new. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to care for and restore ATV plastic, including cleaning methods, the use of waxes and polishes, and repairing cracks and discolouration. We will also explore the pros and cons of different restoration techniques to help you choose the best approach for your vehicle.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Clean your ATV with dish soap and water
To clean your ATV with dish soap and water, you'll first want to spray off any mud and dirt with a hose. If your ATV is caked in mud, consider using a pressure washer instead. Next, create a soapy mixture with warm water and dish soap. You can use any dish soap you have on hand, but some people recommend Dawn.
After you've prepared your soapy mixture, use a rag or sponge to scrub your ATV. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. If your ATV has a lot of built-up dirt or grime, you may need to use a brush or a bug and tar sponge with mesh netting. Once you've scrubbed everything down, rinse the ATV with clean water to remove any remaining soap.
If you're planning to use your ATV right away, be sure to dry it off with a microfiber cloth or a leaf blower. You can also let it air dry if time isn't a concern. To prevent mud from sticking to your ATV and making it harder to clean next time, consider coating it with a product like SC-1, WD-40, or boiled linseed oil. These products can also help restore the plastic's shine and protect it from fading due to sun exposure.
Plastic Power: Strength Beyond Weight
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sand the plastic with fine sandpaper
Sanding is an important step in ATV plastic restoration. It helps to remove scratches, smooth out imperfections, and create an even surface before applying a protective or glossy coating. When sanding ATV plastic, it is crucial to use the correct type of sandpaper and technique to avoid damaging the plastic.
First, select the appropriate grit size for the sandpaper. Start with a finer grit if the plastic has minor scratches or discolouration. For deeper scratches or imperfections, you may need to start with a coarser grit and then progress to a finer grit to achieve a smooth finish. It is recommended to have a range of grit sizes available, such as 180, 220, 400, 600, and 1000 grit sandpaper.
Next, it is important to keep the sandpaper and the plastic surface wet during the sanding process. This is known as "wet sanding." Dip the sandpaper into a bucket of water and keep it soaked at all times. This helps to prevent the plastic from burs and creates a smoother finish. Sand in a circular motion to avoid creating lines that are difficult to remove.
Work on the areas with scratches first, using the appropriate grit size to remove the scratches effectively. Once the scratches are gone, move on to the next finer grit size and sand the entire vehicle until the colour is even and scratches are no longer visible. Repeat this process, progressing through the finer grit sizes until you reach the highest grit.
Finally, dry the ATV completely. At this stage, the plastic may still look foggy or faded, but that is normal. After sanding, you can proceed with the next steps in the restoration process, such as applying a rubbing compound, buffing, or polishing to restore the shine to the ATV plastic.
The Plastic Crisis: Oceans in Peril
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Apply a liquid wax
To apply a liquid wax to your ATV's plastic, you will first need to clean the vehicle thoroughly. Remove the rack and any other parts covering the plastic. Next, sand the plastic with fine sandpaper, working your way up from the lowest to the highest grit. You can use an oscillating tool to speed up this process, but be sure to wear gloves. Finish by sanding with steel wool.
Now you're ready to apply the wax. Using a car or truck wax applicator, apply thin coats of vinyl floor liquid wax to the plastic. Work on one section at a time, allowing each area to dry before moving on. Apply several coats, buffing the plastic after each application.
Once the final coat is completely dry, finish with a layer of automotive wax for added shine. This process is more complex than some other restoration methods, but it usually has longer-lasting results.
Reducing Plastic Waste: Small Steps, Big Impact
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use linseed oil to remove oxidization
To remove oxidization from ATV plastic, you can use linseed oil. This is an easy, homemade remedy that can restore the plastic trim of your ATV. Firstly, clean your ATV thoroughly. For the best results, remove the rack and any other parts covering the plastic. Then, pour some boiled linseed oil onto a clean, white cloth. You can also use a 40/60 proportion of linseed oil and paint thinner. Rub the oil onto the plastic, in small, concentric circles, ensuring you cover all the plastic parts, especially those that are hard to reach. Allow the oil to dry, which will "moisturize" the surface and remove the whitish/grey oxidization. Linseed oil can take a long time to dry, so it is recommended to use boiled linseed oil, which dries faster. After application, the restoration will last a few months if the ATV is covered and not used daily. However, if the ATV is used outdoors, the treatment may need to be repeated in 4-6 weeks.
It is important to note that linseed oil may cause yellowing on light-coloured plastics over time. Additionally, while some sources recommend using a heat gun to restore discoloured plastic, this method has its downsides. The extreme heat can erode layers of plastic, making it more brittle and susceptible to breaks. Therefore, using linseed oil is a safer and more effective way to remove oxidization from ATV plastic.
Custom Auto Interiors: Plastic Fabrication Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cover with a new coat of paint
Painting your ATV plastic can be a great way to restore its appearance, but it requires careful preparation and a significant time commitment. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Clean the Plastic
Start by giving your ATV a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, mud, or debris. Pay special attention to areas that are hard to reach, as these spots are often more prone to fading. You can use a product like XTC MX / ATV Wash, which includes a washing compound and a shielding agent to protect against future dirt buildup.
Sand the Surface
Once the plastic is clean and dry, you'll need to sand the entire surface to create a rough texture that will help the paint adhere. Begin with fine-grit sandpaper (180-grit) and work your way up to higher grits, such as 320-grit. This process will take some time and effort, but it is crucial for achieving a smooth finish.
Degrease and Remove Residue
After sanding, use a product like Scotchbrite and a bucket of soapy water to degrease the surface and remove any remaining dirt or residue. Hose off the plastic and allow it to dry completely.
Apply Primer
The next step is to apply a primer to the sanded and cleaned surface. Look for a high-build waterborne primer surfacer, which will fill in any scratches or pits left by the sanding process. Be sure to follow the instructions on the primer and allow it to dry completely before proceeding.
Sand Smooth and Fill Imperfections
After the primer has dried, use fine-grit sandpaper (320-grit) to sand the surface smooth. This step ensures that the primer is evenly distributed and creates a uniform base for your paint. If there are any low spots or imperfections, fill them with a product like Putty Flex to create a flawless finish.
Apply the Paint
Now it's finally time to apply your chosen paint colour. Look for a paint specifically designed for plastic surfaces, and be sure to select a flexible paint or one with flex agents, as regular paint will not adhere properly to the plastic. Apply at least two coats of paint, following the instructions on your chosen product, and allow each coat to dry completely before moving on.
Protect Your Paint Job
After the final coat of paint has dried, you may want to consider applying a clear coat or sealer to protect your hard work. This step is optional but will provide an extra layer of protection against the elements and help your new paint job last longer.
Remember that painting your ATV plastic is a time-consuming and detailed process. Take your time with each step, especially the preparation stages, to ensure the best possible outcome.
Plastic Gift Cards: Type 1 or 2?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
ATVs are often used outdoors and can get discoloured from the sun's rays, mud, dirt, snow, and water. To care for your ATV plastic, you can use products such as linseed oil, liquid wax, or plastic restorers.
To restore discoloured ATV plastic, you can use boiled linseed oil, which can be mixed with paint thinner to speed up the drying process. First, clean your ATV thoroughly and remove any parts covering the plastics. Then, apply the mixture to the plastic using a dry cloth. Allow the mixture to dry for a full day.
There are several products available to restore ATV plastic, including Solution Finish, CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer, and Torque Plastic Restore. You can also use a heat gun to bring the oils inside the plastic to the surface, but be aware that extreme heat can make the plastic more brittle and susceptible to breaks.
