Alexei Volkov
Faded ATV plastic can be an eyesore, but there are several ways to restore its shine. Some methods include using products like WD-40, Armor All, SC1, Meguiar's Supreme Shine, Holloway House Quick Shine Floor Finish, or Pledge furniture polish. For more extensive damage, wet sanding with varying grit sandpaper, followed by buffing, can help restore the plastic's finish. While using a heat gun or blow torch can provide instant results, it may cause the plastic to become more brittle over time and is not recommended. Preventative care and regular cleaning with products like X-Tream's MX/ATV Wash can also help maintain the shine of ATV plastic.
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What You'll Learn
Using a heat gun or blow torch
When using a heat gun, it is recommended to use a low setting and hold the gun about 4 to 6 inches away from the plastic. Keep the gun moving in a spray painting motion to avoid overheating and melting the plastic. This method will smooth out the surface of the plastic, removing stress marks and small cosmetic scratches. It is important to be cautious and patient during this process to avoid damaging the plastic.
Similarly, when using a blow torch, work in small sections and skim the surface of the plastic quickly to avoid overheating. This method can remove stains, stress marks, and scratches. However, it is important to note that a blow torch may not completely remove deep scratches, and there is a risk of burning or melting the plastic if held in one spot for too long.
In both cases, it is recommended to finish the process by applying a wax or plastic treatment to enhance the shine and protect the surface.
It is also worth noting that the heat gun or blow torch method may not provide the same level of shine as brand new plastic, but it can significantly improve the appearance of faded ATV plastic.
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Wet sanding and buffing
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
You will need a bucket of water, 180, 220, 400, 600, and 1000 grit sandpaper (2 sheets each), liquid rubbing compound (medium grit), liquid wax, and a 10-inch buffer. You can also use a wool or buffing pad instead of a buffer for the final step. Additionally, consider getting some plastic buffing compound for the last step.
Step 2: Wet Sanding
Start by soaking the ATV plastic with water. Get your plastic wet and keep it soaked throughout the process. Use the 180-grit sandpaper to sand deep scratches and damaged areas. Then, use the 220-grit sandpaper on the entire surface until the colour is even and scratches are less visible.
Step 3: Progressing Through Grits
As you work through the grits from 400 to 1000, you will notice that the ATV plastic becomes smoother. Keep the surface and sandpaper wet at all times. Sand in a circular motion to avoid creating lines that are hard to remove. The higher grit sandpaper will remove the scratches left by the previous lower grit.
Step 4: Drying and Buffing
Once you have finished sanding, dry the ATV plastic completely. At this stage, the plastic may still look foggy and faded, but don't worry. It's time to move on to buffing. Apply the liquid rubbing compound and liquid wax as instructed by the manufacturer. Use the buffer or a wool/buffing pad to work the compounds into the plastic until you achieve a shiny finish.
Tips and Tricks:
- Black plastic may require more attention to detail as scratches are more visible.
- Sanding in a circular motion can help avoid creating visible lines.
- Take your time and don't cut corners. A little extra effort will make a significant difference in the final result.
- If you're unsure about using a heat gun or applying too much heat, consider practising on a scrap piece of plastic or a salvage fender first.
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Using a plastic restorer
First, ensure you have the necessary materials: a plastic restorer product like Meguiar's Supreme Shine, SC1, or 303 Aerospace, clean microfiber towels, and, optionally, a buffer or polisher. It is important to select a plastic restorer product that is suitable for the type of plastic on your ATV.
Start by cleaning the plastic surface thoroughly. Wash away any dirt, grime, or debris that has accumulated. Dry the surface completely before proceeding to the next step.
Next, apply the plastic restorer product according to the instructions on the product label. Typically, you will spray or wipe the product directly onto the plastic surface. Some products may require dilution or need to be applied with a rag rather than sprayed directly. It is important to follow the specific instructions for the product you have chosen. Allow the product to soak into the plastic surface for a few minutes.
After the product has been applied and given time to work, use a clean microfiber towel to wipe away any excess product. Buff the plastic surface gently in circular motions until you achieve the desired shine. For best results, you may want to use a buffer or polisher, which can help to speed up the process and achieve a more uniform shine.
Depending on the severity of the fading and the specific product used, you may need to reapply the plastic restorer periodically to maintain the shine. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for reapplication.
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Using a floor finish
To quickly shine faded ATV plastic using a floor finish, you can use Holloway House Quick Shine, an acrylic floor restorer that can be purchased at Walmart. Before applying the floor finish, it is important to clean your ATV thoroughly. Start by removing any dirt, grease, and oils from the surfaces using a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water, or a product like Dawn dishwashing detergent.
Once your ATV is clean, you may need to address any deep scratches on the plastic. This can be done by gently sanding out the scratches with fine sandpaper, followed by 0000 steel wool. If you use sandpaper, start with a lower grit and work your way up to a higher grit. Be sure to wear safe gloves during this process.
After sanding, remove all the sanding dust and clean and dry the plastic. Now you are ready to start applying the floor finish. Using a small clean wax applicator or a small terry cloth towel, begin applying the floor finish in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next. You may need to apply several coats to achieve the desired shine. A heat gun can be used on a low setting to speed up the drying process.
After applying the final coat, let it dry completely. You can then finish the process by waxing the surface with a high-quality car wax or automotive wax to add an extra layer of shine and protection.
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Using a polish or wax
To shine faded ATV plastic using a polish or wax, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, clean your ATV thoroughly to remove all dirt, oil, and existing wax. You can use a product like Mr. Clean for this step, washing from the bottom up. Then, dry the ATV.
Next, you'll want to sand out any deep scratches and scuff marks. For this, you can use ultra-fine sandpaper, starting with a higher grit for deep scratches and working your way down. For example, you can start with 180-grit sandpaper, then 220-grit, and so on. Keep dipping the sandpaper in water to keep it wet during this process.
Once the scratches are gone and the colour is even, dry off the ATV completely. It may look foggy and faded at this point, but that's normal.
Now, it's time to buff the plastic. You can use a buffer or a mother's ball for this step, along with a liquid rubbing compound (medium is best) and liquid wax. You can also use a small clean wax applicator or a small terry cloth towel to apply the wax. Apply several coats, as the product dries quickly. You can use a heat gun to speed up the drying process.
Finally, you can use a polish or wax to finish the job. Products like Pledge furniture polish, Armor All, WD-40, or Meguiar's Supreme Shine can be used to make the plastic shine.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to shine faded ATV plastic. Firstly, you can use a heat gun or blow torch to melt the top layer of plastic, creating a new surface. However, this method can make the plastic more brittle over time and is not recommended for long-term use. Alternatively, you can use products such as SC1, 303 Aerospace, Lemon Pledge, Meguiar's Supreme Shine, or WD-40 to shine the plastic. These products may need to be reapplied periodically. For a more intensive treatment, you can wet sand the plastic with sandpaper of varying grits, starting with 180 grit for deep scratches, and then buff it with a liquid rubbing compound and wax.
There are several products available to shine ATV plastic. Some popular options include SC1, Meguiar's Supreme Shine, 303 Aerospace, Lemon Pledge, Holloway House Quick Shine Floor Finish, WD-40, and Armor All. These products can be found at most hardware or home improvement stores, as well as online retailers.
The best way to prevent ATV plastic from fading is through preventative care and maintenance. Keeping your ATV clean and free of dirt, dust, and grime is essential. You can also use products such as waxes or coatings specifically designed for ATV plastic, such as X-Tream's MX/ATV Wash, which includes a washing compound, a wax compound, and a mud guard to protect against mud and debris. Additionally, storing your ATV indoors or under a cover can help protect it from the sun's rays, which can cause discolouration and fading over time.
