Ethan Clarke
There are several methods to refurbish the plastic on your UTV. Firstly, it is important to clean the plastic thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. This can be done using a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water, or specialised products such as X-Tream's MX/ATV Wash or Torque Detail Decon Soap. Once the plastic is clean, there are several restoration methods that can be used, including applying a mixture of boiled linseed oil and paint thinner, using a vinyl floor liquid wax, or painting with a spray paint specifically designed for plastic. Other methods include using a heat gun or blow torch, although these may make the plastic more brittle over time. Finally, preventative measures such as coating the plastic with a high gloss coating like SC1 can help maintain the plastic's condition.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Dawn dishwashing liquid, isopropyl alcohol, Torque Detail Decon Soap, X-Team Spray Cleaner, Simple Green, X-Tream’s MX/ATV Wash, X-Tream products, XTC MX / ATV Wash, Decon Wash Pack |
| Restoration products | Linseed oil, boiled linseed oil, paint thinner, vinyl flooring liquid wax, car wax, automotive wax, Penetrol, SC1 high gloss coating, Torque Plastic Restore, X-Tream products, XTC MX / ATV Wash, 303 Aerospace, WD40, Mother's Back to Black, Original Armor All, acetone, peanut butter |
| Restoration methods | Apply restoration products with a dry cloth, polish, sand, use a heat gun or blow torch, use a paint stripper, scrub with a metal sponge, scrub with magic erasers, apply with a paintbrush, spray |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry
To refurbish the plastic on your UTV, it is important to start with a clean surface. This is because dirt, dust, and grime can cause a streaky finish on your plastic. A simple soap and water rinse is not enough to clean the plastic parts of your vehicle.
One recommended method is to clean the plastic with isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, and let it dry. Isopropyl alcohol is a colourless liquid made by combining water and propylene or ethylene. It is a potent disinfectant that can kill bacteria and viruses, and it evaporates quickly, leaving no residue.
However, it is important to note that while isopropyl alcohol can be an effective cleaner in many situations, it should not be used on certain surfaces, including some plastics. Isopropyl alcohol can cause acrylic plastics to become cloudy or discoloured and can weaken their structural integrity over time, leading to cracks or breaks. Therefore, it is important to test the alcohol on a small area of the plastic first to ensure it does not cause any damage or discolouration.
If you choose to use isopropyl alcohol to clean the plastic on your UTV, make sure the area is well-ventilated and wear protective gloves. Apply the alcohol to a clean cloth and wipe down the plastic surfaces, ensuring that you reach all areas, including the bottom sections of fender flares that are hard to reach. Allow the alcohol to dry completely before proceeding with the next steps of the refurbishment process.
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Use a 60/40 mix of paint thinner and boiled linseed oil
To refurbish the plastic on your UTV, you can use a 60/40 mix of paint thinner and boiled linseed oil. This method can restore discoloured plastic to almost new.
Before applying the mixture, it is important to clean your UTV thoroughly. Remove the skid plates and racks. If they are severely damaged, you may want to replace them. For the best results, you should also remove any other parts of the machine that are covering the plastics.
Once your UTV is clean, you can apply the mixture to the plastic using a dry cloth. The linseed oil will remove the oxidization that is causing the fading. After applying the mixture, allow it to dry for a full day.
While this method can be effective, it is worth noting that the paint thinner may tarnish the colour over time. As an alternative, you can use boiled linseed oil on its own to wipe down the plastic, making it clean and shiny.
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Apply vinyl floor liquid wax with a car wax applicator
To apply vinyl floor liquid wax with a car wax applicator, you must first ensure that the surface is impeccably clean and free of debris. This is crucial as it ensures a consistent finish. Start by removing any large pieces of dirt or debris with a brush or cloth. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface, ensuring that all dirt and dust are removed.
Once the surface is clean and prepared, you can begin the wax application process. It is recommended to use a flat wax applicator mop equipped with microfiber pads for liquid waxes. Start from the center of the surface and work outwards in a circular motion to ensure even coverage. Apply a thin, even coat of wax to the surface, working in manageable sections. Remember to follow the grain of the surface if it is wooden. It is important to avoid over-waxing, so apply the wax lightly and evenly.
After applying the first thin layer of wax, allow it to dry completely before adding additional layers. Different types of wax will have varying drying times, so always check the manufacturer's instructions. You may need to apply multiple coats of wax, depending on the desired level of protection and shine. Each subsequent coat should only be applied after the previous one has dried completely.
Finally, once the final layer of wax is dry, you can buff the surface with a clean mop or buffing machine to achieve a high shine. This step is optional but will enhance the appearance of the surface. Remember to maintain your floor wax applicator by washing it with water and allowing it to dry after each use.
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Use a product like Solution Finish or CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer
There are several products available on the market that can help restore the plastic on your UTV. Solution Finish and CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer are two popular options that have received positive reviews from customers. These products can help restore discoloured plastic and bring it back to its original condition, or even better.
Solution Finish is a black plastic and vinyl trim restorer that can be used on cars, trucks, ATVs, UTVs, boats and other recreational vehicles with plastic vinyl trim. It instantly revives the colour of trim, bumpers, mud flaps and more. The product is silicone-free and VOC-compliant, and it comes in a 12 oz bottle. To use it, simply apply a small amount to a clean cloth and gently rub it onto the plastic or vinyl surface. Wipe off any excess product with a dry cloth for a smooth, revived finish.
CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer is another effective product that can bring plastic, rubber and vinyl back to life. It is a user-friendly trim restorer that is safe for auto detailing. The product is made with the latest advancements in science and the best equipment available, ensuring consistently high-quality results. It is not oily or greasy, and it completely dries to the touch. CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer also provides UV protection, shielding away harmful UV rays that cause fading, browning and cracking. It comes in an 8 oz kit with a foam applicator.
When using any plastic restorer product, it is important to follow the instructions on the label for safe and proper application. These products can help improve the appearance of your UTV's plastic and protect it from further damage.
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Sand the plastic and paint with a spray-on bed liner
To refurbish the plastic on your UTV, you can sand the plastic and paint it with a spray-on bed liner. This process will give the plastic a rough, textured look.
First, you need to remove any decals or stickers from the plastic surface. Then, you can start sanding the plastic with coarse sandpaper, working your way up to finer sandpaper. You can use an oscillating tool to speed up the sanding process, but make sure to wear safety gloves to protect your hands. Finish the sanding process by using steel wool to smooth the surface.
Once the plastic is sanded, you can start applying the bed liner paint. Bed liner paint is known for its strong adhesion and ability to fill in gouges and imperfections. It is important to note that bed liner paint may not be flexible, so it could crack if knocked. You can apply the bed liner paint with a small roller or brush, or you may need to have it professionally sprayed. It is recommended to apply multiple light coats of paint rather than one heavy coat.
There are different brands of bed liner paint available, such as Rustoleum, which is known for its ability to blend and match existing coatings. You can also find bed liner kits that include all the necessary supplies for restoring plastic. Before applying the bed liner, make sure to clean the plastic surface with a mixture of dish soap and water to remove any grease or oils.
Overall, sanding and painting with a spray-on bed liner is an effective way to refurbish the plastic on your UTV, giving it a new, textured look while also hiding imperfections.
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Frequently asked questions
First, give your UTV a thorough clean, removing any dirt, dust, grease, or grime. Then, you have several options:
- Use a heat gun or blow torch to melt the top layer of the plastic, giving it a new shine. However, this method will make the plastic more brittle over time.
- Apply a mixture of boiled linseed oil and paint thinner to the plastic using a dry cloth. This will remove oxidation, but it takes a long time to dry.
- Use a vinyl flooring liquid wax and apply it with a car and truck wax applicator. This process is more complex but usually has longer-lasting results.
- Try a plastic restorer product like Solution Finish or CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer.
- For a splotchy finish, scrub the plastic with magic erasers, then apply Penetrol, which forms a protective layer to prevent sun damage.
You can use a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water to remove grease and oils from the surface. For a more thorough clean, use isopropyl alcohol and let it dry. You can also use special cleaning products like Torque Detail Decon Soap, X-Team Spray Cleaner, or Simple Green.
You can use a high-gloss coating like SC1 to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime. X-Tream also offers a range of products, including a mud guard, to protect your UTV from mud and debris.
Avoid using a heat gun or blow torch to melt the plastic, as this will make it more brittle and susceptible to breaks. Also, avoid using peanut butter, as it will only temporarily improve the appearance of the plastic.
Avoid using regular paint strippers, as they may remove the original paint. Instead, use acetone or paint thinner to remove overspray.
