Maya Ellison
Painting the plastic on an ATV requires careful preparation and multiple steps. It is recommended to remove the plastic from the ATV, clean it with dish soap and steel wool, and then sand it down to remove any scratches or imperfections. After this, a primer is applied, followed by the paint itself. The type of paint used is important, with some paints performing better than others. It is also important to follow safety precautions when painting, such as wearing gloves and goggles when using certain chemicals. The process can be time-consuming but can yield good results if done properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Clean the plastic, sand the surface, scrub with Scuff Magic and a red scuff pad, sand again to remove any remaining spots, sandblast, and clean with a plastic cleaner |
| Primer | Apply 2 heavy coats of Plastic Magic, then a high-build waterborne primer surfacer, sand the surface smooth, and fill any low spots or imperfections with Putty Flex |
| Sealer | Apply a waterborne flexible bumper sealer |
| Paint | Apply a basecoat and clear coat, add a flex additive to the topcoat |
| Alternative paints | Krylon Fusion, Bulldog adhesion promoter, thinners and boiled linseed oil, Methylene Chloride-based paint remover |
| Tips | Remove plastic from the ATV before painting, remove decals, use a flame spreader on a blowtorch before painting, apply several light and wet coats of paint, allow to dry |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding the plastic
Firstly, it is important to start with a clean surface. Use a plastic cleaner or a dish soap and steel wool to ensure that any dirt, grease, or contaminants are removed from the plastic surface. This will help the sandpaper grip the plastic better and prevent any impurities from getting embedded into the surface during the sanding process.
Once the plastic is clean and dry, you can begin sanding. Start with a medium-grit sandpaper, such as 180-grit or 400-grit. Wrap the sandpaper around a sanding block or a flat surface to ensure even pressure and sand the entire plastic surface. This initial sanding will help you remove any thin "crust" that may have formed on the plastic due to sun exposure and weather elements.
After the initial sanding, it is important to inspect the surface for any remaining "crust" or spots that you may have missed. Use the same grit sandpaper or a slightly finer grit, such as 600-grit, to sand these areas and ensure a uniform finish. You can also use a scuff pad during this step to help remove any remaining contaminants.
Next, you can move on to a finer grit sandpaper, such as 600-grit or higher. Wet sanding with this finer grit will help you smooth out any deep scratches or high spots on the plastic. Take your time with this step to ensure that all imperfections are adequately sanded away.
Finally, you can further refine the sanding process by using an even finer grit sandpaper, such as 1000-grit. This step will help you achieve an ultra-smooth finish on the plastic surface. Remember to keep the sandpaper and surface lightly wet during this step to wash away any resulting powder and prevent it from clogging the sandpaper.
By following these steps and sanding the plastic diligently, you will create a smooth and even surface that is well-prepared for the subsequent painting process. Remember to take your time and use the appropriate safety equipment, including gloves and goggles, during the sanding process.
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Removing decals
Firstly, decide on the method you want to use to remove the decals. You can use a heat gun, a hair dryer, or a steamer gun. If you are worried about damaging the plastic, it is recommended to use a hair dryer or steamer gun as they are less intense than a heat gun. Apply heat to the backside of the plastic to avoid any visible damage. Keep the heat on the decal until it starts to peel off.
Once the decal is peeled, you will likely have some glue residue left behind. To remove this, you can use a variety of products such as WD-40, 3M adhesive remover, acetone, Goo Gone, or nail polish remover. These products will help dissolve the glue without damaging the plastic. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product you choose and test it on a small area first to ensure it does not affect the plastic.
If you do not want to use chemicals, you can try physical methods to remove the glue residue. One option is to use a pressure washer or a hot water car wash to blast off the remaining glue. Alternatively, you can use a putty knife to carefully scrape off the glue, being careful not to scratch the plastic.
Finally, once all the decals and glue residue are removed, clean the plastic surface with dish soap and water. You can then use methyl hydrate to ensure the surface is free of any remaining residue or film. This step is crucial to prepare the plastic for the painting process.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove the decals from your ATV and prepare the surface for a new paint job. Just be cautious of the heat levels when using heat guns or hair dryers to avoid melting the plastic.
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Cleaning the plastic
To paint ATV plastic, the first step is always to clean the plastic. This is because proper preparation is key to successfully painting ATV plastics.
First, remove the plastic from the quad. Then, remove any decals and clean the plastic with dish soap and steel wool (00 or 000). It is important to be cautious when using acetone, as it may melt the plastic if it puddles. A proper paint pre-cleaner is recommended.
Next, sand the entire surface with sandpaper. Start with 600-grit sandpaper to wet sand out any deep scratches or high spots due to scratches. You can also use a 3M headlight restoration kit's 800-grit discs. After fenders have been in the sun and are subjected to the elements, they tend to get a thin "crust". You need to remove this crust by sanding.
After sanding, scrub all the plastic with a scuff pad. This will help remove any water-soluble contaminants and any contaminants that may have been ground into the plastic from the previous step.
Sand again with 600-grit sandpaper to remove any spots or crust that were missed in the first round of sanding. You can also sandblast everything with 80-grit aluminum oxide. Finally, clean the plastic with a plastic cleaner.
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Applying primer
Before applying primer, it is important to clean the ATV thoroughly and sand it down. Use 180-grit sandpaper for this step, and ensure you sand the entire surface. You can also use a sandblaster for larger areas. After sanding, scrub the plastic with a plastic cleaner to ensure it is free of any chemicals or substances that might interfere with the paint.
Now, you are ready to apply the primer. You can use a high-build waterborne primer surfacer, which will fill any sand scratches and sandblast pits. Apply two heavy coats of the primer, allowing the first coat to dry before applying the second. The primer will need to dry completely, which usually takes 4 to 6 hours.
Once the primer is dry, sand it again with 120 to 220-grit sandpaper. This step will help the paint adhere better to the surface. You can also use 320-grit sandpaper to sand the primer smooth. If there are any low spots or imperfections, fill them with putty at this stage.
After priming and sanding, you can move on to applying the paint and clear coat.
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Painting the plastic
Firstly, remove all the plastic parts you plan to paint from the ATV. This is important as it allows for more thorough cleaning, sanding, and painting. Next, clean the plastic thoroughly. Use dish soap, steel wool, and if needed, a methylene chloride-based paint remover to get rid of any contaminants, old paint, or substances like Lemon Pledge or Maxima SC2 that may hinder paint adhesion. After cleaning, dry the plastic parts completely.
Once the plastic is dry, begin the sanding process. Sand the entire surface with sandpaper, starting with a lower grit, such as 180 or 400, and working your way up to a finer grit like 600 or 1000. Sanding helps create a smoother surface and removes any thin "crust" that may have formed due to exposure to the elements. After sanding, use a scuff pad and a product like Scuff Magic to further clean and prepare the surface.
Some sources recommend an additional step of sandblasting with 80-grit aluminum oxide for more effective results. After sanding, clean the plastic again with a plastic cleaner to ensure no contaminants are left on the surface.
Now, you can begin the priming and painting process. Apply a plastic primer designed for automotive use, being careful to avoid over-flexing the plastic. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Once the primer is dry, apply two heavy coats of a product like Plastic Magic, ensuring the first coat flashes off before applying the second.
After the Plastic Magic dries, apply a high-build waterborne primer surfacer. This will fill in any remaining scratches or imperfections. Sand the surface smooth with 320-grit sandpaper to achieve an even finish. If needed, fill any remaining low spots with a product like Putty Flex.
Finally, apply a sealer, such as a waterborne flexible bumper sealer. Once the sealer is dry, you can apply your chosen paint colour as the basecoat and finish it off with a clear topcoat, remembering to add a flex additive.
Please note that painting ATV plastics may reduce the value of the machine, and a wrap may be a more durable alternative.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the plastic from the quad and clean it with dish soap and steel wool. Next, sand out any deep scratches or high spots with 600-grit sandpaper. Then, wet sand the entire surface with 180-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining "crust" from sun exposure. Finally, scrub the plastic with a plastic cleaner and a red scuff pad to ensure good adhesion.
Krylon Fusion paint is a good option for ATV plastic, as it has shown fairly good durability with no signs of chipping or poor adhesion. You can also use Bulldog adhesion promoter, which can be ordered from paintscratch.com.
First, lightly go over the plastic with a flame spreader on a blowtorch. Then, apply 4-6 light but wet coats of paint within 1 hour of the flame treatment. Allow a few minutes between coats.
