Chloe Zhang
Keeping your ATV plastic clean and scratch-free can be a tedious task, especially when the vehicle spends most of its time outdoors, exposed to dirt, mud, snow, water, and sunlight. The plastic body of ATVs can get scuffed and scratched by boots, passing debris, or even the tiniest bit of dirt on white plastic surfaces. To restore your ATV's plastic to its former glory, there are several methods you can use, ranging from simple cleaning to more intensive restoration techniques. The first step is usually to remove the plastic surfaces and give the ATV a good initial clean with soapy water or dishwashing liquid to remove surface grime and grease. From there, you can decide whether to use a pressure washer, bleach, stain erasers, or even a heat gun for deeper scratches. With the right products and techniques, you can keep your ATV looking brand new.
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What You'll Learn
Use a heat gun to remove scratches
To remove scratches from ATV plastics, you will need a heat gun. First, remove the plastic components to prevent the heat gun from damaging the paint or materials of other objects. Clean the plastic with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils and dirt from the surface of the plastic.
Turn the heat gun on high and position it approximately 1" away from the plastic. Begin applying heat in a circular motion while moving the gun up and down, side to side, etc. Keep the heat gun moving and avoid applying heat directly to one spot to prevent melting your plastics. Once the scratches disappear, immediately remove the heat and move on to the next section.
Using a heat gun is a great option for restoring your plastics as it will remove fine scratches, some deeper scratches, and can also remove some faded areas. It is faster and less costly than sanding and buffing, and there is no risk of adding new scratches that will then need to be buffed out.
However, it is important to exercise caution when using a heat gun as there is a fine line between removing scratches and warping the plastic. It is also not suitable for removing deep scratches or gouges, as it may cause more damage to the plastic.
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Wash with dish soap and water
To clean scuffs off ATV plastic, one method is to wash the plastic with dish soap and water. This can be done with a bucket of soapy water and a rag, or a hose and a rag. If the plastic is caked in mud, it is recommended to use a pressure washer first.
It is important to remove as many components from your ATV as possible, such as the skid trays and rack, to get a real clean. You can then begin to wash the plastic. It is recommended to take your time to get into all the nooks and crannies.
After washing with dish soap and water, you can coat the plastic in SC-1, which will make it easier to clean the next time. You can also use a de-greaser such as purple power or tornado, but this should be diluted properly and not sprayed on bare aluminium parts dry.
To dry the ATV, use a heavy towel to absorb excess water, then switch to a microfiber cloth to wipe up the remaining water and residual dirt and grease. Microfiber cloths will also leave your ATV streak-free.
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Bleach white plastic
To clean scuffs off ATV plastic, it is recommended to first remove the plastic components from the vehicle, as this will prevent damage to the paint or other materials. The plastic can then be cleaned with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils and dirt, and a heat gun can be used to remove scratches by applying heat in a circular motion.
When it comes to bleaching white plastic, there are several methods that can be used. One approach is to submerge the plastic in a bleach solution and soak it until it turns white again. The plastic should then be washed with mild soap and rinsed thoroughly. Another method is to create a paste with baking soda and a mild soap such as Dawn, and apply it to the plastic using a sponge. The plastic should then be rinsed with water and dried with a towel. Additionally, hair bleach has been used to whiten plastic, and peroxide solutions are also recommended for bleaching yellowed plastics. It is important to note that bleach should not be used on plastics that come into contact with children, and it should not be mixed with ammonia.
Before bleaching, it is important to remove surface dirt and grime from the plastic. This can be done using a pressure washer, a bucket of soapy water, or a stain eraser like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. After bleaching, the plastic may need to be polished to restore its shine. It is also recommended to wash the plastic between bleaching batches to avoid residue buildup.
Overall, while bleaching can be effective for whitening white plastic, it may not always restore the plastic to its original uniformity. Additionally, it is crucial to prioritize safety by wearing gloves and a mask when handling bleach and avoiding mixing it with other products.
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Sand and wax the plastic
Sanding and waxing your ATV's plastic parts can help restore their shine and remove scratches. It is important to note that sanding can be a lot of work and there are alternative methods to achieve similar results, such as using a heat gun.
Before sanding, it is important to clean the plastic with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils and dirt. This will ensure that the sanding process is effective and does not cause further damage. It is also recommended to remove the plastic components from the ATV to prevent damage to other parts and to have easier access during the cleaning and sanding process.
When sanding, it is crucial to use the proper grit sandpaper. The grit refers to the size of the abrasive particles on the sandpaper, and the appropriate grit will depend on the depth of the scratches and the level of damage. For deep scratches, start with a lower grit, such as 180 or 220, to remove the scratches. Then, switch to a finer grit, such as 400, 600, or even 1000, to smooth out the surface and create an even finish. It is recommended to wet sand, using plenty of water to prevent the plastic from burs and to achieve a smoother result.
After sanding, it is important to remove all the sanding dust and clean and dry the plastic. This will ensure that any wax or polish applied will adhere properly and create a smooth, shiny finish.
Once the plastic is clean and dry, you can apply a wax to protect and shine the surface. It is recommended to use a silicone-based wax, as the plastics are typically made from oil, and water-based waxes may not spread as easily. Apply the wax with a small, clean wax applicator or a soft cloth, such as a terry cloth towel. You can finish the process by buffing the waxed surface with a buffer or a soft cloth to create a tough, shiny finish.
It is worth noting that sanding can be a time-consuming and physically demanding process, and it may require multiple coats of wax and several steps of sanding with different grits of sandpaper to achieve the desired results.
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Use a plastic restorer product
To restore the plastic on your ATV, you can use a plastic restorer product. There are several products on the market that can assist with this, including Torque Detail Plastic Restore, which is particularly popular and effective.
Before using a plastic restorer, it is important to first remove as many components from your ATV as possible, such as the skid trays and rack. This will allow you to access all the nooks and crannies of your ATV and ensure a thorough clean.
One option for a plastic restorer product is the PC Racing Plastic Renew kit, which retails for around $20.95. This kit includes sandpaper, steel wool, Plastic Renew chemical, and an applicator towel. To use this product, you first need to sand out the scratches on the plastic. Then, you apply the Plastic Renew chemical with a paper towel. It is recommended to apply 3 to 5 coats of the product, allowing five minutes between each coat to dry. This will restore the shine to your ATV's plastic and make it look like new again.
Another option for a plastic restorer product is to use a mix of paint thinner and boiled linseed oil. This method can be used to restore oxidized plastic and bring it back to its original shine. The recommended mix is 60% paint thinner and 40% boiled linseed oil.
It is important to note that when using any plastic restorer product, you should always follow the instructions on the product label and take the necessary safety precautions.
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Frequently asked questions
Most scratches occur when getting on and off the four wheeler. Your boot touches the plastic and pushes dirt across it, creating scratches.
First, clean the plastic with rubbing alcohol. Then, use a heat gun on high and slowly remove the scratches by applying heat in a circular motion. Keep the gun moving to prevent melting the plastic.
First, remove as many components as possible, such as the skid trays and racks. Then, use a pressure washer or a bucket of soapy water to remove surface grime.
Linseed oil can be used to restore discoloured plastic, but it takes a long time to dry. It is recommended to use boiled linseed oil and mix it with paint thinner in a 40/60 or 60/40 ratio.
Before your next ride, coat your ATV in something like SC1 high gloss coating. This will prevent the buildup of gunk and make cleaning easier.
