Ethan Clarke
Repainting the plastic on your quad is a time-consuming and challenging process, but it can be done. It involves several steps, including removing the plastic, cleaning it, sanding it, applying primer and paint, and allowing adequate drying time. The key to success is proper preparation and using the right products, such as flexible primer and paint designed for automotive plastic. While it is possible to achieve a custom colour scheme and a quality finish, it may be more cost-effective to buy new plastics, especially considering the time and effort involved in repainting.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cleaning the plastic
To prepare your quad's plastic for repainting, it is essential to start with a thorough cleaning process. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning the plastic:
Removing Decals and Initial Cleaning:
Start by removing any decals or stickers from the plastic surface. Use dish soap and steel wool (grade 00 or 000) to gently scrub the surface. This initial cleaning step will help remove any dirt, grime, or grease built up on the plastic. Be sure to wear gloves and protective gear when handling chemicals like methylene chloride-based paint remover to avoid skin contact.
Wet Sanding:
Once the plastic is clean, it's time to address any scratches or imperfections. Use 600-grit sandpaper for wet sanding to smooth out deep scratches or high spots caused by scratches. Wet sanding helps to create a uniform surface by gradually sanding down the affected areas. Be sure to sand in the direction of the scratches to avoid creating new visible scratches.
Removing the "Crust":
After extended exposure to the sun and elements, plastic fenders can develop a thin "crust." To ensure a smooth finish, it is crucial to remove this "crust" by sanding the entire surface with 180-grit sandpaper. This step may require some elbow grease, but it is essential for achieving a professional-looking finish.
Scrubbing with Scuff Magic:
After sanding, use a product like Scuff Magic and a red scuff pad to scrub the plastic. This step helps remove any water-soluble contaminants and ensures that the surface is free from any ground-in impurities introduced during the initial sanding process.
Final Sanding:
For a smooth and consistent finish, it's essential to perform a final sanding step. Use 180-grit sandpaper again to remove any remaining spots or "crust" that might have been missed during the initial sanding. This step ensures that the plastic surface is as smooth as possible before proceeding to the next steps.
Plastic Cleaner:
Finish the cleaning process by using a plastic cleaner specifically designed for this purpose. Polyvance plastic cleaner is a recommended option for effectively cleaning ATV plastic. This step ensures that any remaining residue or contaminants are eliminated, providing a pristine surface for the upcoming painting process.
Remember, proper preparation is key to achieving a successful paint job on your quad's plastic surfaces. Taking the time to thoroughly clean and prepare the plastic will ensure a smooth and durable finish.
Straightening a Warped Plastic Ruler: Easy DIY Techniques
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$15.34 $17.22
Sanding the plastic
Start by removing the plastic parts from your quad. This will make the sanding process easier and more effective. Once removed, use a degreaser or paint thinner to remove any grease or oil buildup from the plastic surface. This step is crucial as it ensures that the paint will properly adhere to the plastic.
After the plastic is clean and dry, inspect the surface for any deep scratches, high spots, or imperfections. Use a fine-grit sandpaper, such as 600-grit wet/dry sandpaper, to sand out these imperfections. Wet sanding is recommended as it helps to reduce friction and prevent overheating of the plastic. Be careful not to over-sand, as this can damage the plastic and create more work in the long run.
Once the imperfections have been addressed, move on to sanding the entire surface of the plastic. Use a slightly coarser grit, such as 180-grit sandpaper, for this step. Sand the plastic evenly and thoroughly to create a uniform texture. This step is crucial in removing the thin "crust" that can form on plastics that have been exposed to the sun and elements.
After sanding, use a scuff pad, such as a red scuff pad, along with a plastic cleaner or degreaser, to scrub the surface. This will help remove any remaining contaminants and ensure a clean surface for painting. Pay close attention to tight spots, sharp curves, and edges that may require more intricate sanding.
Finally, repeat the sanding process with a finer grit sandpaper, such as 320-grit, to smooth out the surface and prepare it for priming. Remember to sand in smooth, even strokes, always following the direction of the plastic's grain. Once you've finished sanding, ensure that you remove all sanding dust and debris from the plastic surface before proceeding to the next step of priming and painting.
Installing a Plastic Access Panel: A Quick Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Applying primer
When it comes to applying primer to the plastics on your quad, there are several steps to follow for effective results. Firstly, it is essential to select a suitable primer for plastics. Opt for a flexible primer to ensure the paint job's longevity and durability. A high-build primer is ideal for filling in any scratches or imperfections on the plastic surface. Spray primers, such as SP/1895, are also suitable for repairing patches and small surfaces, offering good adhesion to various substrates.
Before applying the primer, thorough preparation is crucial. Clean the plastic surface with warm soapy water or a plastic cleaner to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. This step is vital as it ensures the paint will adhere correctly to the plastic. Once the plastic is clean, sand the entire surface with sandpaper, such as 180-grit sandpaper, to create a rough texture that the paint can grip onto. If there are any tight spots, sharp curves, or edges that the sander cannot reach, use a finer grit sandpaper, such as 320-grit, to ensure an even finish.
After sanding, remove any residual dust or debris with a clean brush or cloth. It is crucial to ensure the surface is entirely clean and dry before proceeding. You can use an air gun to blow away any remaining particles. Additionally, you may want to use a product like Scuff Magic with a red scuff pad to scrub the plastic, removing any water-soluble contaminants and ensuring a contaminant-free surface.
Now, you can apply the primer. If using a spray primer, follow the instructions on the can for the recommended number of coats and application technique. For example, you may need to apply a light fog coat first, followed by a couple of wet coats. If using a high-build primer, mix it according to the instructions and apply it with a spray gun or HVLP gun. Ensure you are working in a controlled environment, as contaminants in the air can affect the adhesion of the primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step, which typically involves sanding the surface smooth with fine-grit sandpaper to prepare for the application of the basecoat and clear coat.
Plastic Forks and Electric Conductivity: What's the Truth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Painting the plastic
Cleaning and Preparation:
Start by removing the plastic parts from your quad. If you are repainting old plastic, use a product like brake cleaner or paint thinner to degrease the surface and remove any dirt, grease, or contaminants. If there are any decals or stickers on the plastic, remove them carefully. Clean the plastic thoroughly with dish soap and steel wool (00 or 000 grade) to ensure the surface is free of any residue.
Sanding:
Sanding is a crucial step in preparing the plastic for painting. Use 600-grit sandpaper to wet sand any deep scratches, high spots, or imperfections on the plastic. This process will help create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. After addressing the scratches and imperfections, wet sand the entire plastic surface with 600-grit sandpaper and mineral spirits. This step ensures that the plastic is uniformly sanded and ready for the next steps.
Flame Treatment:
Use a flame spreader attached to a blowtorch to lightly go over the sanded plastic surface. This step helps prepare the plastic for better paint adhesion. Be very careful during this step to avoid overheating or damaging the plastic.
Painting:
Within an hour of the flame treatment, start applying the paint. It is recommended to apply 4 to 6 light but wet coats of paint, allowing a few minutes of drying time between each coat. Krylon Fusion is a popular choice for painting ATV plastics, as it is specifically designed to bond with plastic surfaces. However, you can also explore other automotive plastic paints available from automotive paint suppliers.
Drying and Curing:
After painting, leave the plastic undisturbed for at least 30 minutes to allow the paint to dry. However, understand that it will take about 7 days for the paint to fully cure and harden. During this curing period, avoid using the quad or exposing the paint to excessive handling or abrasion.
Final Touches:
Once the paint has fully cured, you can enhance the finish by wet sanding with progressively finer grits of sandpaper (starting from 400, then 800, and finally 1500 grit). This process will help create an even smoother surface and a more polished look. After sanding, apply new decals if desired, and use a car wax to add shine and protection to your freshly painted plastic.
Remember, painting ATV plastics can be a tedious and detailed process, but with patience and proper preparation, you can achieve a high-quality and durable finish.
Avoid Plastic Cups: Tea's Worst Enemy
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sealing and finishing
Sanding
Before you begin sealing and finishing, it is crucial to prepare the surface by sanding it. Use 180- to 220-grit sandpaper to gently sand all the surfaces that will be repainted. This step is important, especially when using an electric sander on the plastic. Make sure to use a soft, clean brush or fabric to remove all the dirt and dust from the sanding process.
Removing Contaminants
After sanding, it is essential to remove any water-soluble contaminants from the surface that will be painted. Use a scuff pad or a Scotchbrite pad and a solution of your choice to scrub the surface. This step ensures that any contaminants that may have been ground into the plastic during the previous step are removed. Pay close attention to this step, as a spotless surface is crucial for the paint to adhere properly and maintain its texture and gloss.
Sealing
Once the surface is thoroughly cleaned and prepared, it's time to apply a sealant. Choose a freeze-tolerant waterborne bumper sealant and apply it evenly to the surface. Make sure to follow the instructions on the sealant product and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Painting
After the sealant has dried, you can begin painting. Apply your chosen paint colour in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. It is generally recommended to apply at least two coats of paint for adequate coverage.
Clear Coat
After the paint has dried, it's time to apply a clear coat. This step will add an extra layer of protection and shine to your paint job. Again, apply the clear coat in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Two coats of clear paint are generally recommended.
Flex Additive
Finally, consider using a flex additive on the overcoat. Flex additives help improve the bond between the paint and the plastic surface, making your paint job more durable and flexible.
Remember that the sealing and finishing process is crucial to the overall quality and longevity of your paint job. Take your time with each step and ensure that the surface is properly prepared and cleaned before moving on to the next step.
The Ultimate Guide: Burying Plastic Water Lines
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The first step is to remove the plastic from the quad.
Clean the plastic with a mixture of dish soap and steel wool (00 or 000). You can also use a product like brake cleaner or paint thinner to degrease it.
Krylon Fusion is a good option for painting ATV plastic as it is a plastic etching paint that melts a little into the plastic to bond with it. Bulldog adhesion promoter and Plasti-dip are also recommended.
The paint will dry to the touch in 30 minutes or less, but it is recommended to wait 7 days for a full cure.
![Warhammer Games Workshop Horus Heresy - Legions Imperalis: Thunderbolt Fighter Squadron [Epic Scale] - Plastic Model kit](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71G7e38Q3JL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
