Chloe Zhang
Outdoor plastic toys are prone to damage from the sun, rain, snow, and ice, which can cause them to fade, discolour, or become dirty and covered in peeling labels. Fortunately, there are several ways to refurbish these toys and make them look almost new again. This can be done by cleaning the toys with soapy water or vinegar, removing decals and labels, and using sandpaper to restore hard plastic. If the toy is still discoloured, you can set it out in the sun and apply hydrogen peroxide to the affected areas. If all else fails, you can always paint the toy, using masking tape to mark off different sections to be painted.
How to Refurbish Plastic Outdoor Toys
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Use a hose to spray off dirt from larger toys. Wash smaller toys in hot soapy water. Use a sponge to clean out every nook and cranny. |
| Decals and labels | Use a razor blade to scrape off any decals and labels that are faded or peeling. |
| Drying | Leave toys in the sun to dry. |
| Painting | Use Krylon spray paint. Hold the can at least 10 inches away from the toy and apply an even coating of paint. Check carefully for any uneven patches and wipe away while the paint is still wet. Apply a second coat when dry. Alternatively, use a brush and acrylic paint. |
| Fading | Fading is often caused by oxidation, which can be removed with sandpaper, vinegar, or a bleach solution. Use distilled white vinegar for outdoor play equipment. |
| Discoloration | Use hydrogen peroxide to reverse discoloration caused by bromine. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning plastic toys
When it comes to cleaning plastic outdoor toys, the first step is to give them a good wash. For larger toys, you can use a hose to spray off any dirt and grime. If there are stuck-on bits of dirt, use a sponge and some hot soapy water to scrub them away. Smaller toys can be washed in a laundry basin with hot soapy water, while larger toys can be cleaned with a bucket of the same. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies with your sponge.
After washing, leave the toys in the sun to dry. If you want to remove any old decals or labels, use a razor blade to gently scrape them off.
Once the toys are clean and dry, you might want to give them a new coat of paint to really spruce them up. Choose a suitable spray paint, ensuring that it is safe to use on plastic, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.
To maintain plastic toys, it is recommended to clean and disinfect them weekly, especially if they are played with daily. This can be done using a disinfectant spray or wipes, but be careful as some products can degrade or discolour plastic and leave behind residue, so always check the ingredients and do a patch test first. A natural alternative to chemical disinfectants is to use a plant-based product, such as disinfecting wipes containing thymol, a component of thyme oil. These are effective against germs but work more slowly than traditional wipes, requiring the surface to stay wet for 10 minutes.
For solid plastic toys, the dishwasher's top rack can be utilised, placing larger toys securely between the tines and putting small pieces in a mesh bag to prevent them from moving around too much.
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Removing decals
When refurbishing plastic outdoor toys, removing decals is a crucial step to achieving a smooth and polished finish. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Prepare the Surface
Start by giving the plastic toy a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could cause scratches during the decal removal process. Use a damp cloth or sponge and a mild detergent or soapy water to gently wipe down the surface. Ensure that you reach into all the nooks and crannies of the toy. Rinse off any detergent residue with water and allow the toy to dry completely before proceeding.
Soften the Adhesive
To facilitate easy removal of the decals, you need to soften the adhesive underneath. Apply gentle heat to the decal using a hairdryer or heat gun set on a low temperature. Hold the heat source a few inches away from the surface and move it in a circular motion to evenly distribute the heat. Be cautious not to overheat the paint or plastic surface.
Lift and Peel
Once the adhesive is softened, it's time to start lifting the decal. Using your fingernail, a plastic scraper, or a card, gently lift a corner of the decal at a 45-degree angle. Avoid using metal tools as they can easily scratch the surface. Slowly and carefully, continue to peel back the decal in a side-to-side motion, pulling it back gently rather than straight up. This reduces the risk of tearing and helps remove larger pieces more cleanly.
Remove Leftover Adhesive
After removing the majority of the decal, there will likely be some adhesive residue remaining on the surface. To remove this, you can use an adhesive remover that is safe for plastic surfaces. Test the adhesive remover on a small, hidden area first to ensure it doesn't damage the surface. Apply the remover to a clean cloth and gently wipe over the residue. Alternatively, you can use natural solutions like vinegar or nail polish remover for more stubborn stains. Allow the solution to soak into the residue for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
Final Cleaning
Once all the decals and adhesive residue have been removed, give the toy a final wipe-down with a clean, damp cloth and mild detergent or soapy water to ensure no residue remains. Dry the toy thoroughly before proceeding with any painting or additional refurbishment steps.
Remember to work carefully and patiently throughout the entire process to avoid damaging the surface of the plastic outdoor toy.
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Painting plastic toys
Painting plastic outdoor toys can be a great way to give them a new lease of life. It is a simple process, but it requires some preparation to ensure the paint adheres to the plastic and that the toy is safe for children to play with after being painted. Here is a step-by-step guide to painting plastic toys:
Firstly, the toy should be thoroughly cleaned. Use a sponge or scrub brush with soap and water to clean all surfaces. Any kind of build-up on the plastic can reduce the ability of the paint to stick to the surface. If there is mildew, algae, or any other kind of stubborn residue, you may need to put in a bit of elbow grease to get the toy clean. If you suspect any kind of build-up on the plastic, use rubbing alcohol to wipe down the surface before painting.
Next, you should sand the toy with fine-grit sandpaper. As most plastic surfaces are smooth, sanding will roughen the surface, giving the paint something to stick to. Fine sandpaper will roughen the surface without leaving visible sanding marks, so be sure to stick to a fine grit.
Once the toy is clean and sanded, you should apply a primer. Primers specifically formulated for plastic, such as Krylon Fusion, are available at hardware stores. Spray the plastic with the primer and allow it to dry.
Now the toy is ready to be painted. Use spray paint that is specially formulated for plastic. Krylon Fusion, Rust-Oleum Universal, and Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover are some of the most popular choices. Use light, even strokes when spraying and allow the paint to dry completely between coats. Repeat coats until the desired colour and coverage are achieved.
Finally, if desired, you can apply a protective clear coat to ensure the paint job lasts longer.
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Using sandpaper
To refurbish plastic outdoor toys, you can use sandpaper to restore hard plastic. Firstly, wash the plastic surface with clean water and mild soap, then rinse with fresh water. For tough dirt, scrub the toys by hand using a soft scrub brush and a bucket of soapy water. Rinse the toys with clean water and leave them to dry in the sun. Once the toys are clean and dry, you can start the sanding process.
For hard plastics that haven't been painted, fill a bucket with soap and water. Dip 150-grit sandpaper into the soapy water and rub the surface in a circular motion. Cover every faded area 5-6 times. Repeat this process using a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper. Cover each section 5-6 times before rinsing the surface. If there are any remaining scratch marks, you can continue using a finer grit sandpaper.
If the plastic toy is vinyl, you can spray it with vinegar and water. Mix 5 cups (1.2 L) of distilled vinegar with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of hot water in a clean spray bottle. Hold the bottle 1-2 feet away from the toy and spray it liberally. Let the solution sit for 2-3 minutes, then rinse the toy with cold water and dry it with a cloth or paper towel. If the toy is still faded, repeat the process, but this time scrub the solution into the surface with a sponge.
After sanding, you can paint the plastic toy to hide any remaining fading. First, place the toy on top of a drop cloth outside. Then, spray the entire item with a spray primer designed for plastic and let it dry for 1-2 hours. Once the primer is dry, hold a spray paint can made for plastic 8-12 inches away from the surface. Move the can back and forth while holding the nozzle down to apply a layer of paint. Allow the paint to dry for 1-2 hours.
It is important to note that you should always wear protective gear, such as rubber gloves, and eye protection when working with chemicals and sandpaper. Additionally, ensure that the work area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes.
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Restoring discoloured plastic
To restore discoloured plastic, there are several methods you can try. Firstly, determine the type of plastic you are working with, as some methods are more suitable for certain types of plastic than others.
One popular method is to use a mixture of baking soda and water to form a gentle abrasive paste. Spread this paste on the stained areas and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, scrub the area gently with a damp sponge and wash it with hot, soapy water. If stains remain, the process can be repeated.
Another method is to use a mixture of vinegar and water. Fill the container with equal parts vinegar and warm water and let it sit for at least 24 hours. Then, pour out the mixture, wash the container with hot soapy water, and rinse with warm water.
Additionally, you can try using a denture-cleaning tablet. Fill the container with hot water and add the tablet, allowing it to dissolve and work its whitening magic on the plastic.
For more severe discolouration, a mixture of powdered oxygen bleach and warm water can be applied to the stained area. Cover the paste with plastic wrap to keep it moist, and let it sit for at least four hours. Then, remove the plastic and scrub the container with a damp sponge before washing it with hot soapy water.
For smaller plastic toys with tough, stuck-on dirt, a good scrub with hot soapy water and a sponge can work wonders.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash the toy with soapy water, using a hose for larger toys and a basin or bucket for smaller ones. Remove decals and labels, then leave the toy to dry in the sun. If the toy is still discoloured, you can try leaving it in direct sunlight for several hours, or applying hydrogen peroxide to the affected areas. If it remains discoloured, you may need to paint it.
Cover the ground with old newspapers and place the toy on top. Use a spray primer designed for plastic, holding the nozzle 8-12 inches from the surface of the toy and moving the can back and forth to apply an even coating. Wait 1-2 hours for the primer to dry, then apply spray paint in the same way, using a paint designed for plastic. You can use masking tape to mark off different sections of the toy if you want to paint it multiple colours.
Use a razor blade to scrape them off.
You should use spray paint designed for use on plastic. Krylon is one brand that offers this type of paint.
