Sofia Martinez
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are often used outdoors, where they are exposed to sunlight, dirt, mud, snow, and water. This can cause the plastic body of ATVs to become discoloured, scuffed, and scratched. There are several ways to restore the plastic on an ATV, ranging in cost and difficulty. Some methods include using boiled linseed oil, liquid wax, plastic restorers, and heat guns. Other methods involve sanding and painting the plastic. This paragraph introduces the topic of professionally restoring ATV plastic, highlighting the causes of damage and providing an overview of the various restoration techniques available.
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and sanding
To restore ATV plastic, the first step is to clean the vehicle thoroughly. Use a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water to remove all grease and oils from the surface. For best results, remove the rack and any other parts of the machine that are covering the plastics.
Once the ATV is clean and dry, you can begin the sanding process. Start by removing the skid plates and racks. If they are severely damaged, you may need to replace them. The sanding process will depend on the extent of the damage to the plastic. If there are deep scratches, you may need to start with a lower grit sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grit. It is important to wear safety gloves during the sanding process. Begin with 180-grit sandpaper and smooth out the scratches. Then move on to 220-grit, 400-grit, and 600-grit sandpaper to refine the surface. Finally, use 1000-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish. You can also use an oscillating tool to speed up the sanding process.
After sanding, you can use steel wool to further refine the surface and prepare it for the next steps. It is important to note that sanding will create dust and debris, so wear a mask and eye protection during this process. Additionally, it is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling plastic dust.
Some sources suggest using additional methods to restore ATV plastic after cleaning and sanding. These include applying a mixture of linseed oil and paint thinner to remove oxidation and restore colour, using a heat gun on low-heat settings to work out small cracks, and applying liquid wax or plastic restorer products to restore shine.
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Using linseed oil
Restoring the plastic on your ATV can bring back some colour and shine to dull, faded plastic. Linseed oil is a popular method for achieving this.
Firstly, you'll want to clean your ATV thoroughly, removing the rack and any other parts covering the plastic. This will ensure that when you apply your mixture, the plastic will absorb it effectively. You can use a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water to remove grease and oils from the plastic surface.
Next, you'll want to prepare your mixture. Linseed oil can be effective in restoring colour, but it takes a long time to dry. Boiled linseed oil is a better option as it has been pre-treated to dry faster. You can mix this with paint thinner to speed up the process even more. A common ratio for this mixture is 60/40 (paint thinner/linseed oil).
Once your mixture is ready, apply it to the plastic using a dry cloth. You can also use a paint thinner to remove oxidation before applying the linseed oil. Leave the mixture on the plastic for around 5-10 minutes, then wash it off with wax. You can then use polish to further improve the appearance.
This method will not provide a permanent solution, and if your ATV is used outdoors often, you may need to repeat the process every 4-6 weeks.
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Waxing
To restore the ATV plastic, you can use waxing. This is a more complex process than using linseed oil and paint thinner, but it usually has longer-lasting results.
First, clean the ATV thoroughly using a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water to remove grease and oils from the surfaces. Next, remove the racks and skid plates. If you intend to restore the racks, you should note the hardware used for each rack part and keep it safe. Then, sand the plastic with fine sandpaper, working your way up from the lowest number of sandpaper grit to the highest. You can speed up the process by using an oscillating tool. Make sure to wear gloves and finish by sanding with steel wool.
After sanding, apply a wax to the plastic. You can use a liquid wax, such as vinyl floor liquid wax, or a paste wax, such as Turtle wax, Mothers, or Maguires. Apply the wax thinly, working on one section of the plastic at a time while allowing the other sections to dry. You will need to apply several coats, buffing out the plastic after each application.
After the final coat is completely dry, finish with an automotive wax for an extra layer of sheen. This will provide an instant layer of luster to the ATV plastic.
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Painting
Before painting, you should clean the ATV thoroughly using a dishwashing liquid such as Dawn, which helps remove oils and grease from the surface. If there are scratches, you will need to sand the plastic surface with fine sandpaper, working your way up from a lower to a higher grit. You can speed up the process by using an oscillating tool. Remember to wear gloves and finish by sanding with steel wool.
After sanding, you can apply the primer and paint with a spray-on bedliner. Work in thin layers, allowing each section to dry before moving on to the next. Once the paint is dry, you can apply a top coat for added protection.
While painting can make your ATV look like new, it is not a permanent solution. The paint will eventually start to fade, and you may need to reapply it periodically. Additionally, if the plastic is severely damaged or cracked, it may be better to replace the entire plastic part rather than attempting to repair it.
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Using a heat gun
Make sure to clean your ATV plastic thoroughly before using the heat gun. You can use fine steel wool to remove any dirt, stains, or grime. Once the plastic is clean and dry, you can start the heat gun treatment.
When using a heat gun, always start with a low setting and work your way up if needed. Hold the heat gun about 1-3 inches away from the plastic and keep it moving to avoid overheating any one area. As soon as the plastic becomes shiny, start to move the heat gun to another area. Be patient, as this process can take some time.
The heat from the gun will open up the cells of the plastic, allowing moisture to escape and bringing the natural oils and pigments of the plastic to the surface, restoring its colour. You can follow up the heat treatment with automatic transmission oil or car wax to restore shine and further enhance the colour.
The results of this process may vary, and the treatment may only be temporary. Some users have reported that the colour fades again within minutes or hours after cooling. Others have claimed that the treatment can last up to a year or more.
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Frequently asked questions
If your ATV has been used outdoors, its plastic body may become discoloured from sunlight and damage from dirt, mud, snow, and water. The plastic can also get scuffed by boots or passing debris, and cracks can appear in the body or windshield.
You can use boiled linseed oil, liquid wax, or a plastic restorer to restore discoloured ATV plastic. You can also use a heat gun to restore ATV plastics, but this may make the plastic more brittle.
First, wash your ATV thoroughly with a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water to remove grease and oils. If there are scratches, you may need to sand the plastic surface. Then, mix boiled linseed oil with paint thinner in a 40/60 ratio and apply it to the plastic with a dry cloth. Allow the mixture to dry for a full day.
First, remove the skid plates and racks. Sand the plastic with fine sandpaper, working your way up from the lowest to the highest grit. Then, apply a vinyl floor liquid wax to the plastic using a car wax applicator. Apply thin coats to one section of the plastic while the previous section dries.
Yes, PC Racing offers a Plastic Renew kit for $20.95 that can restore a shiny finish to dyed plastics and OEM bodywork panels.
