Alexei Volkov
Plastic is susceptible to dulling and fading over time due to various factors such as sun exposure, air exposure, and oxidization. This can be discouraging as it detracts from the item's overall appearance, giving it an outdated look. Fortunately, there are several methods to restore old hard plastic and make it look new again. This guide will explore different techniques, from DIY fixes to commercial products, that will help bring faded hard plastic items back to life, restoring their colour and shine.
How to Restore Old Hard Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for fading | Oxidization, exposure to sunlight, air, and heat |
| Solution | Sandpaper, soapy water, vinegar, bleach solution, hydrogen peroxide, paint |
| Sandpaper grit | 150–220 grit |
| Sanding technique | Circular motion |
| Number of repetitions | 5-6 times |
| Rinsing | Under a steady stream of cool water |
| Drying | Microfiber cloth |
| Prevention | Everbrite coating, CrobialCoat |
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What You'll Learn
Use soapy water and sandpaper
Restoring old hard plastic can be done in several ways, one of which is using soapy water and sandpaper. This method works best on rigid plastics like bins or outdoor fixtures and reveals a brighter layer underneath. The soap acts as a lubricant, helping to avoid scratches.
Firstly, fill a bucket with soap and water. Then, dip 150-grit sandpaper into the soapy water and rub the surface of the hard plastic in a circular motion. Cover every faded area 5-6 times. Next, grab a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper and repeat the process, again rubbing in a circular motion. Cover every section 5-6 times before rinsing the surface off. You can continue using a finer grit sandpaper if there are any scratch marks remaining on the plastic.
Before using soapy water and sandpaper, make sure your plastic is very clean. Start with deeper scratches first, then work outwards. Keep the sandpaper and plastic wet at all times, as this will prevent the plastic from building up on the paper and scratching the plastic.
After using soapy water and sandpaper, you can also use a plastic buffing compound to achieve a shiny finish.
It is important to note that restoring faded plastic may not always be successful, and the effectiveness of the method may depend on the severity of the fading.
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Bleach, detergent, and water for soft plastics
Bleach, detergent, and water can be used together to restore soft plastics. This method is ideal for restoring soft outdoor plastics like chairs, patio furniture, or toys. It can also be used on softer plastics found on children's toys, malleable storage containers, and souvenirs.
Firstly, put on thick rubber gloves and protective goggles for safety. Then, mix 1/3 cup (79 mL) of liquid laundry detergent with 2/3 cup (160 mL) of all-purpose household cleaner. Next, add 1 US quart (950 mL) of bleach and 1 US gallon (3.8 L) of water. Mix these ingredients together and add the solution to a spray bottle.
Take your plastic item outside and spray the discoloured area. Let the solution soak for 2-3 minutes before rinsing the area with cold water. Finally, wash your plastic item thoroughly with soap and water to ensure no detergent or bleach residue remains on the plastic.
It is important to note that bleach may alter the original hue of coloured plastics, so it is recommended to avoid using this method on coloured plastic items. Additionally, always test a small area first when using this method, and exercise caution by wearing gloves.
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Repaint discoloured plastics
If your plastic item has been painted in the past, the only way to fix fading is to repaint it. Here is a step-by-step guide to repainting discoloured plastics:
Prepare the plastic surface
Before you start painting, ensure that you have set up your workspace outside or in a well-ventilated area. Place your plastic item on top of a drop cloth and use masking tape to cover any surfaces that you don't want to be painted.
Apply a primer
Spray the entire item with a spray primer designed for plastic. Wait 1-2 hours for the primer to dry before moving on to the next step.
Paint the plastic
Hold a spray paint can made for plastic about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) away from the surface. Move the can back and forth while holding the nozzle down to apply a layer of paint. Alternatively, you can use a brush and an acrylic paint designed for plastic, but this is likely to leave brush marks.
Allow drying time
Wait 1-2 hours for the first layer of paint to dry. If you want to deepen or darken the colour, you can add multiple layers of paint after letting each layer dry.
Finishing touches
Once you have achieved your desired colour, remove the masking tape and allow the paint to dry completely. You can now enjoy your newly painted plastic item!
In addition to repainting, there are several other methods to restore discoloured plastics, such as using soapy water and sandpaper, or a bleach solution. However, if you are looking to completely change the colour of your plastic item or achieve a smooth finish, repainting is the best option.
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Soak yellowed plastics in hydrogen peroxide
Soaking yellowed plastics in hydrogen peroxide is a common method to restore discoloured plastic items. This method works well for white plastic items that have turned yellow due to bromine compounds. The hydrogen peroxide solution reverses the discolouration by removing the yellowed outer layer of the plastic.
To use this method, prepare a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and pour it into a container. If the item is a bowl, fill it up with the solution. If it is a plate or another flat item, find a tub that can fit the item and pour the solution into it. Fully submerge the plastic item in the solution and leave it in direct sunlight for several hours. After this, remove the item from the solution, wash it with mild soap and rinse it.
This method may not work for items with crevices, as the solution may not reach all the stained areas. In such cases, scrubbing the item with a stiff brush after soaking it in the solution may be necessary.
While hydrogen peroxide can be effective, it may not be a long-lasting solution. The process of removing the yellowed layer exposes the lower layers of the plastic to oxygen, which can speed up their discolouration. As a result, the yellowing may return and worsen with each subsequent attempt to remove it.
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Use commercial products like Everbrite coating
Commercial products like Everbrite Coatings can be used to restore old hard plastic. Everbrite is a protective coating that restores the colour and lustre of dull, faded, and chalky surfaces. It can be used on automotive trim, outdoor plastic furniture, light switches, and other hard plastic surfaces.
To use Everbrite Coatings, follow these steps:
- Prepare the surface: Ensure the plastic surface is clean and free of any dirt, dust, or debris. You may need to sand or scrub the surface to remove any oxidation or discoloration.
- Apply the coating: Follow the instructions on the Everbrite product you have purchased. Typically, you will need to apply a thin, even coat of the product to the plastic surface using a brush, roller, or spray.
- Allow drying: Everbrite coatings are self-levelling and self-annealing. Allow the coating to dry completely according to the product instructions.
- Inspect the results: Once dry, inspect the plastic surface to ensure the coating has restored the desired colour and finish.
- Repeat as necessary: Depending on the severity of the fading and the desired results, you may need to apply multiple coats. Follow the product instructions for guidance on recoating.
It is important to note that while Everbrite can restore the appearance of old hard plastic, it may not be a permanent solution. To maintain the results, you may need to reapply the coating periodically. Additionally, Everbrite Coatings offers a product called CrobialCoat, which is specifically designed to protect plastic surfaces from bacteria and microbes. This may be useful if you are restoring plastic items that are frequently touched or exposed to dirt and germs.
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Frequently asked questions
Soak the plastic item in a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide under sunlight to reverse discolouration.
Oxidisation is the likely cause. Use sandpaper and soapy water to scrub off the outer layer.
Rinse the plastic and use a heat gun to restore the plastic. Alternatively, use car soap and water with a sponge to scrub the plastic.
Yes, Everbrite coating can be used to restore automotive trim, outdoor plastic furniture and fibreglass.
