Maya Ellison
Painting ATV plastics is a great way to transform the look of your ATV without investing in new body parts. It is a rewarding process that is not as difficult as it sounds, provided you have the right tools and plan ahead. The key to success is proper preparation, which includes cleaning and sanding the plastic to remove any contaminants that may prevent paint from sticking. After sanding, you can apply a plastic adhesion promoter or primer, followed by paint in thin coats with proper drying time. Finally, you can optionally apply a clear coat for protection and shine. With the right approach, you can achieve a lasting and visually appealing paint job on your ATV plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean the plastic | Use warm soapy water to clean the plastic |
| Remove the original paint | Use a Scotchbrite pad to remove the shiny film |
| Sand the plastic | Use 180 grit sandpaper or 800-grain sandpaper |
| Remove contaminants | Use Scuff Magic and a red scuff pad |
| Sand again | Use 180 grit sandpaper to remove any spots |
| Sandblast | Use 80-grit aluminum oxide |
| Clean the plastic | Use Polyvance plastic cleaner |
| Apply Plastic Magic | Apply 2 heavy coats |
| Apply primer | Use a high-build waterborne primer surfacer |
| Sand the surface | Use 320-grit paper |
| Fill in imperfections | Use Putty Flex |
| Apply a sealer | Use All Seasons Waterborne Flexible Bumper Sealer |
| Apply basecoat and clear coat | Use a flex additive in the topcoat |
| Apply adhesion promoter | Use Duplicolor rattle can adhesion promoter |
| Apply primer | Use Omni MP282 high build, primer, surfacer, 2K |
| Apply paint | Use Dupont Centari |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic
To paint ATV plastics, you need to start by cleaning the plastic thoroughly. This is done to remove all the dirt, dust, and grime from the plastic. The cleaner your ATV is at the start, the better the plastic restoration will go. Even if you can't see it, dust, dirt, and grime particles are still there, and if left there before restoration, you will end up with a streaky finish on your plastic.
Firstly, remove as many components from your ATV as possible. Take off the skid trays, racks, and any other bulky pieces you can detach. Then, wash the plastic with warm soapy water. You can also use a product like Torque Detail Plastic Restore, which is both water and sun-resistant and is safe and eco-friendly. Some ATV owners use an anti-mud coating when they are cleaning their vehicles, which is an extra step that can ensure their vehicle looks fantastic long into the future.
Next, you need to remove the "crust" that has formed on the plastic. Fenders that have been in the sun and are subjected to the elements tend to get a really thin "crust" on them. To remove this, sand the entire surface with 180-grit sandpaper. You can also use a Scotch Brite pad to rub the plastic until the shiny film comes off and it has a dull finish.
After sanding, scrub all the plastic with Scuff Magic and a red scuff pad. This will help to remove any water-soluble contaminants and also help to remove any contaminants that may have been ground into the plastic from the previous step. You can then sand again with 180-grit sandpaper to remove any spots or "crust" that you missed.
Finally, sandblast the ATV plastic with 80-grit aluminum oxide. Make sure you cover the entire surface area that you intend to paint. You can also clean the plastic with a Polyvance plastic cleaner or isopropyl alcohol.
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Sand the plastic
Sanding is a critical step in preparing your ATV for painting. It helps to smooth out rough and sharp edges and create a surface to which paint can adhere. There are two methods of sanding: wet and dry. Wet sanding is done with a lubricant and creates less dust than dry sanding.
Before you begin sanding, ensure you have the right tools and equipment. You will need sandpaper in various grits, and you may also need a sandblaster for larger areas. For wet sanding, you will also need a solvent or detergent.
Start by cleaning the ATV's plastic body and fenders thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or contaminants that could interfere with the paint adhesion. You can use warm soapy water, a solvent such as acetone or alcohol, or a chemical cleaner with a surfactant. Once the plastic is clean, you can begin sanding.
Use 180-grit sandpaper to sand the entire surface of the ATV plastic. This will help remove any thin "crust" that may have formed due to exposure to sunlight and the elements. You may need to go over the surface multiple times to ensure all spots and "crust" are removed.
After sanding, scrub the plastic with a plastic cleaner like Scuff Magic and a red scuff pad to remove any remaining contaminants. Then, sandblast the entire surface with 80-grit aluminum oxide to ensure an even finish.
Finally, if you are using a primer, you will need to sand the primer coating lightly with 120 to 220-grit sandpaper in a circular pattern. This will help the paint adhere better and create a smoother finish.
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Apply primer
Before applying primer, it is important to clean the ATV plastic thoroughly with warm soapy water to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could obstruct the paint coat. It is also crucial to ensure that the plastic is completely dry before applying the primer.
Once the plastic is clean and dry, the next step is to sand the surface. This process helps to create a rough texture on the plastic, which will allow the primer and paint to adhere better. It is recommended to use 180-grit sandpaper or a Scotch-Brite pad to sand the entire surface evenly. It is important to be gentle during this process to avoid creating wells or scratches in the plastic.
After sanding, it is advisable to clean the plastic again to remove any dust or debris created during the sanding process. This step ensures that the surface is completely free of any contaminants that could interfere with the primer adhesion.
Now, you are ready to apply the primer. Choose a primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as a plastic adhesion promoter or a high-build primer. Apply two to three light coats of the primer, allowing adequate drying time between each coat. It is crucial to follow the instructions on the primer product you have chosen, as drying times may vary.
Some primers may require mixing with a reducer and hardener, as mentioned in some ATV forums. It is important to refer to the product instructions for the correct mixing ratio and application method. A light fog coat followed by a couple of wet coats is a technique that has worked for some ATV enthusiasts.
Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step, which is applying the paint. A thorough job of priming will ensure better paint adhesion and a smoother finish.
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Paint the plastic
Painting ATV plastics is a straightforward process that can be done cheaply and easily. It is important to prepare the plastic properly to ensure the paint adheres well and does not chip or peel.
First, clean the plastic with warm soapy water to remove any dirt and dust. Then, use a Scotchbrite pad or sandpaper to rub the plastic until the shiny film comes off and it has a dull finish. You can also use a Scotchbrite pad to remove the thin "crust" that develops on plastic that has been exposed to the sun and other elements. Be sure not to press too hard with the sandpaper, as you do not want to create wells in the plastic.
Next, scrub the plastic with Scuff Magic and a red scuff pad to remove any water-soluble contaminants and any other contaminants that may have been ground into the plastic. Sand the surface again with 180-grit sandpaper to remove any spots or "crust" that remain.
After this, sandblast the plastic with 80-grit aluminum oxide. Clean the plastic with a plastic cleaner, and then apply two heavy coats of Plastic Magic. Allow the first coat to flash off before applying the second coat and let it dry completely.
Now you can apply a high-build primer surfacer to fill in any sand scratches and sandblast pits. Allow the primer to dry completely before sanding the surface smooth with 320-grit paper. Any low spots or imperfections can be filled with Putty Flex.
Once the primer is prepared, you are ready to start painting. Apply your chosen paint in thin coats, allowing proper drying time between coats. Finally, apply a clear topcoat to seal and protect the paint job.
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Seal and protect the paint job
Sealing and protecting the paint job is a crucial step in painting ATV plastics. It ensures that the paint adheres well to the plastic surface and is protected from the elements. Here are the detailed steps to achieve this:
Choose the Right Primer and Paint
Select a primer and paint specifically designed for plastic adhesion. Common brands include Krylon, Valspar, and Rust-Oleum, which offer paints formulated for plastic. Using a plastic primer will help prepare the surface and enhance paint adhesion.
Clean and Prepare the Surface
Thoroughly clean the plastic surface with a plastic cleaner, such as Polyvance, to remove any dirt, dust, or chemicals that may interfere with the paint. After cleaning, ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding.
Sand the Surface
Lightly sand the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper (180-220 grit). This process helps create a rougher surface for better paint adhesion. It is crucial to remove any "crust" or shiny finish that may have formed due to exposure to sunlight and other elements. You can use a Scotch-Brite pad or sandblasting for more effective crust removal.
Remove Contaminants
After sanding, use a scuff pad and a suitable solution to remove water-soluble contaminants and any other impurities that may interfere with the paint. Pay close attention to this step to ensure a smooth and glossy finish.
Apply Primer
Spray a light coat of plastic primer onto the surface. Two to three coats are usually sufficient, and it is best to leave them overnight to dry completely. The primer will provide a base for the paint and improve adhesion.
Apply Paint and Clear Coat
Once the primer is dry, apply the chosen paint specifically designed for plastic adhesion. Apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Finally, apply a clear coat to protect the paint job. You can use a clear acrylic sealer or a clear coat paint, such as Krylon Flat Clear, to provide an extra layer of protection.
Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, including a mask and clothes you don't mind getting ruined, as painting can be a messy process.
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Frequently asked questions
The basic steps are to clean the plastic, sand it down, apply a primer, paint, and optionally add a top coat to seal and protect the paint job.
Clean the plastic with warm soapy water to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
Use 180-grit sandpaper to sand the entire surface of the plastic. This will help remove any thin coating or "crust" that has formed due to exposure to sunlight and other elements.
A plastic adhesion promoter or a high-build primer surfacer is recommended. Apply 2-3 light coats and let them dry completely before moving on to painting.
Use a paint specifically designed for plastic, such as Krylon Fusion Spray Paint. Apply thin coats and allow proper drying time between coats.
