Chloe Zhang
Sun exposure is a common cause of colour fading in plastic items, and while you may want to encourage this if you're trying to remove stains, it's less desirable if you're trying to maintain the original colour of your plastic toys, furniture or vehicle trim. To fade plastic, place the item in a sunny window or outdoors and leave it until it has faded to your desired shade. However, if you want to restore the colour of a faded plastic item, there are several methods you can try, including using a heat gun, cleaning solutions such as vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide, or repainting the plastic.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of fading | Oxidization, sun exposure, pigment breakdown |
| Removal methods | Sandpaper, vinegar, bleach solution, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and water paste, specialized plastic cleaner, polishing compound, heat gun, paint |
| Prevention methods | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Using a heat gun
When using the heat gun, hold it 3 to 6 inches (about 7.5 to 15 cm) away from the plastic's surface. It is recommended to keep the heat gun on its lowest setting to avoid overheating. Move the heat gun in a slow, concentric pattern around the area, ensuring that you do not hold it in one place for too long. As you apply heat, you may notice spots begin to appear, which is known as "sweating." This indicates that the plastic is reaching its glass-transition temperature, causing the crystal structure of the molecules to break down and allowing them to move around again.
As you continue, you may observe the plastic beginning to deepen in colour and return to its original shade. Be cautious if you notice any shiny spots, as this could indicate that the plastic is melting due to excess heat. In this case, stop applying heat and allow the plastic to cool down. It is crucial to be mindful of the angle of the heat gun, adjusting it to the contours of the plastic to avoid overheating certain areas while trying to treat others.
After you have heated and treated the desired area, you can apply a protectant or sealant to the plastic while it is still warm. This step will help extend the results of the colour restoration. It is important to be aware that repeated use of a heat gun on plastic will make the material more brittle over time, increasing the chances of cracking and breaking. Additionally, the colour restoration may only last for a variable amount of time, depending on the specific plastic's chemical makeup and exposure to the environment.
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Removing oxidation
One way to remove oxidation is to use a mixture of baking soda and water. This mixture should be rubbed onto the plastic surface with a soft cloth. The plastic should then be rinsed and dried. For tougher oxidation, a specialised plastic cleaner or polishing compound can be used.
Another method is to sand or buff the plastic to remove the oxidized layer and restore the original colour. For hard plastics, 220-grit sandpaper should be fine enough to remove scuff marks. Softer plastics may require a finer grit sandpaper. Sanding can also be used to prepare plastic for painting, creating a good bonding surface for new paint.
Oxidation can also be removed using a mixture of vinegar and water. This method is suitable for vinyl plastic. A solution of detergent, household cleaner, water, and bleach can also be used, particularly for softer plastics.
For plastic that has turned yellow or brown, a solution of hydrogen peroxide can be used to reverse bromine discolouration. This method involves submerging the plastic in a bowl of 3% hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours or covering the plastic with peroxide cream and plastic wrap.
Other methods for removing oxidation from plastic include using a heat gun, a 60/40 mix of mineral spirits and boiled linseed oil, or a gas-soaked rag. Additionally, commercial products such as Protecticoat Oxidation Remover & Plastic Restorer are available and can be effective for removing oxidation and restoring colour and shine.
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Painting the plastic
Painting plastic can be a great way to refresh the look of an old item, but it requires a bit more care than painting other surfaces. Firstly, it's important to prepare your work area. Set up outside if possible, to avoid inhaling any fumes. Put down a tarp, plastic sheet, or a large piece of cardboard to protect the surrounding area from paint.
Next, you'll want to prepare the plastic surface itself. Clean the plastic with a scrub brush, first using a dry brush to remove any loose paint or dirt, and then going over it again with soapy water to ensure the surface is clean. If the item has been used outdoors, you may need to put in a bit more effort to remove any mildew, mould, or algae. You can use an all-purpose or sanitizing cleaner and allow it to dry completely. If the plastic has a chalky texture, use a cleaner like TSP to remove dirt, chalking, or grease.
Now, you'll want to sand the item with fine-grit sandpaper. This will give the plastic a rougher texture, allowing the paint to stick better. Make sure to wipe away any remaining dust with a dry cloth, and then a wet rag with mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol. You can also use a wax and grease remover for this step.
Once the surface is prepared, you can apply a plastic-specific primer. Spray the primer in thin, even coats, moving in one direction in a close zig-zag pattern. You can then start spraying with your chosen paint. Hold the nozzle 8-12 inches away from the surface and move the can back and forth while holding the nozzle down. Allow the paint to dry for 1-2 hours. If you want to add another layer of paint to deepen the colour, wait until the first layer is completely dry before applying the next one.
Finally, if you want to add an extra layer of protection, you can use a product like Fusion All-In-One Clear, which is non-yellowing and will protect your paint job from the elements.
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Using natural sunlight
Sunlight has a natural bleaching effect on plastic, and exposing plastic to direct sunlight will cause the colour to fade. This process can be done outside or through a window, although it will take longer if the item is kept indoors. If you want to fade the colour of a plastic item using natural sunlight, follow these steps:
Firstly, decide whether you want to place your item outside or inside, next to a window. If you choose to keep the item indoors, place it on a windowsill, ensuring that the discoloured section is directly exposed to sunlight. If multiple sides of the plastic are covered, you may need to repeat this process for each side. If you opt to place the item outside, set it down on the ground or outdoor furniture, making sure that it is in full sunshine.
Once you have chosen a location, the next step is to wait. The amount of time this process takes will vary depending on the intensity of the sunlight and whether the item is kept indoors or outdoors. If you are keeping the item outside, you may notice light fading within a few hours. However, if the item is placed indoors, it may take a few days to achieve the same results. Remember to rotate the item a couple of times a day to ensure an even fade.
It is important to monitor the item throughout this process, checking on it at regular intervals to assess the level of fading. Once the item has faded to your desired shade, bring it inside or remove it from the windowsill.
It is worth noting that this method may not work for all plastics, and certain colours may be more susceptible to fading than others. Additionally, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause plastic degradation, so it is important to be mindful of the duration of exposure.
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Removing stains
Identify the Stain Type
Different stains require different treatments. Common stains on plastic include food dyes, coffee, tea, juice, soda, and tomato sauce. Ink stains are also common on plastic items and can be treated with hand sanitiser, which contains alcohol, a powerful stain-removing ingredient.
Use Natural Cleaners
For a natural, food-safe option, vinegar is a great choice. It can remove watermarks and stains from plastic without causing any harm to the material. Mix five cups of distilled vinegar with one gallon of hot water, pour the mixture into a spray bottle, and apply it to the plastic surface.
Try Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild abrasive and a useful cleaner for removing grease and organic residue. It can be used as a paste with water or isopropyl alcohol, scrubbed onto the stain, and left to set before being wiped away.
Soak in Bleach
Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that can remove stubborn stains from plastic. Mix one part chlorine bleach with ten parts water, apply the solution to the stain, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Always dilute bleach and be cautious when using it.
Dish Soap and Sun
For lighter stains, a simple solution of dish soap and warm water can be effective. Soak the stained plastic item in the solution for 30-60 minutes, then wash it. Leaving the item in the sun for a few days after cleaning can also help remove stains, as the sun's rays act as a natural bleaching agent.
Denture Tablets
Denture tablets are an innovative way to remove stains from plastic containers. Simply fill the container with warm water, drop in a few tablets, and let the fizzing action, or effervescence, do the work. This method is especially useful for removing stains from nooks and crannies.
Remember to always rinse and dry plastic items thoroughly after treating them for stains to prevent residue build-up and ensure the cleaning solution is completely removed.
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Frequently asked questions
Fading the colour of plastic items can be done by placing them in direct sunlight. The time it takes for the plastic to fade will depend on the intensity of the sunlight and the type of plastic. For example, leaving plastic outside in full sunshine will cause light fading within a few hours, whereas plastic designed for outdoor use may take a few weeks to show noticeable discolouration.
There are several ways to restore faded plastic, depending on the type of plastic and the cause of the discolouration. Firstly, identify the cause of the fading. Most fading is a result of oxidation, which causes plastic to wear down and develop a rougher texture. Oxidation can be removed with sandpaper, vinegar, or a bleach solution. If the plastic has faded to a yellow or brown colour, it was likely made with bromine, which causes the plastic to change colour over time. Bromine discolouration can be reversed with hydrogen peroxide. Vehicle plastics typically fade due to sun exposure, which traps dirt in the plastic, but this can be removed with a rinse and a heat gun.
Using a heat gun on its lowest setting, hold it 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) away from the plastic and move it back and forth until the plastic returns to its original colour. This method works by melting the surface layer of the plastic, bringing oils and dyes back up to the surface. However, it requires caution as excessive heat can easily melt or warp the plastic, causing irreversible damage.
