Alexei Volkov
There are several ways to restore the plastic on a four-wheeler or ATV. The plastic body of ATVs can become faded from the sun, as well as from dirt, mud, snow, and water. It can also get scratched or cracked. To restore the plastic, you can use a dedicated plastic restorer product, paint, linseed oil, liquid wax, or a heat gun. Before applying any of these treatments, it is recommended to clean the ATV with a dishwashing fluid and sand the plastic surface with sandpaper.
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What You'll Learn
Sanding the plastic
Sanding is a crucial step in restoring the plastic on your 4-wheeler and preparing it for treatment or painting. Here's a detailed guide on how to go about it:
Choosing the Right Sandpaper:
Start by selecting the appropriate sandpaper for the job. It's recommended to use fine-grit sandpaper and work your way up from the lowest grit number to the highest. If you have deep scratches, you may need to start with a coarser grit to save time and effort. However, be cautious, as using a very coarse grit can make the plastic wavy and ruin the final finish.
Wet Sanding:
Always use wet/dry sandpaper, such as 3M's product, available at auto parts stores and Wal-Mart. Wet sanding is crucial to prevent the buildup of plastic debris on the sandpaper, which can then scratch the plastic surface. Keep both the sandpaper and the plastic surface wet at all times. Work in one direction with the coarse grits to avoid creating a whirlwind of scratches.
Working on Scratches:
Focus on deeper scratches first, and then move towards the nicer, less damaged parts of the plastic. This ensures that any remaining scratches are finer and easier to address. Remember that every scratch you leave behind will be highlighted once you start buffing or applying a finishing compound, so take your time to sand out all imperfections.
Power Tools:
To speed up the sanding process, consider using an oscillating tool, such as a Dremel. However, you may need to make your own triangles of sandpaper, as the correct shapes might not be locally available. Be sure to allow time for the glue to dry on these homemade sandpaper triangles.
Finishing Touches:
Once you're satisfied with the sanding results, finish off the process by using 0000 steel wool. This will give a smooth finish to the sanded plastic. Remember to wear gloves when working with steel wool to protect your hands.
By following these steps, you can effectively sand the plastic on your 4-wheeler, creating a perfect canvas for the subsequent restoration treatments or painting.
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Using boiled linseed oil
To restore the plastic on your 4-wheeler, you can use boiled linseed oil. Linseed oil can restore discoloured plastic and remove oxidation that causes fading. However, it takes a long time to dry. To speed up the process, you can mix it with a paint thinner. A recommended ratio is 40% linseed oil to 60% paint thinner.
Before applying the mixture, you should clean your 4-wheeler thoroughly. If there are scratches, you will need to sand the plastic surface. Start with fine-grit sandpaper and work your way up to the highest grit. You can also use an oscillating tool to speed up the process. Finish off with 0000 steel wool, making sure to wear gloves.
Once the surface is prepared, apply the mixture to the plastic using a dry cloth. Allow it to dry for a full day. If you don't use your 4-wheeler daily, this restoration can last a few months. However, if you use it outdoors frequently, you may need to reapply the treatment every 4-6 weeks.
It's important to note that while boiled linseed oil can enhance the appearance of faded plastic, it may not be a permanent solution. Some users have reported that the oil makes the surface look good initially, but it can attract dirt and dust, making it look dirty quickly. Additionally, be cautious when using cloths or rags to apply boiled linseed oil, as they can be prone to spontaneous combustion if not properly dried and stored.
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Applying liquid wax
Liquid wax is a great option to restore your 4-wheeler's plastic. Before applying liquid wax, it is important to prepare the plastic surface. Start by removing any skid plates and racks that may be covering the plastic. If they are severely damaged, it is advisable to replace them. Then, give the 4-wheeler a thorough cleaning using a dishwashing liquid that removes oils and grease, such as Dawn. Ensure that you dry the vehicle completely after washing.
Once the 4-wheeler is clean and dry, it's time to sand the plastic surface. Use fine-grit sandpaper, starting with the lowest grit number and working your way up to the highest. This will help create a smooth surface for the wax to adhere to. Be sure to wear gloves during this process. After sanding, use 0000 steel wool to finish off the surface. If there are only minor scratches or oxidation, you can skip the sanding step and just use the steel wool to scuff up the plastic.
Now, the plastic is ready for waxing. Choose a liquid wax specifically designed for plastic restoration, such as a vinyl liquid wax or a wax without polishing agents to avoid scratching the soft plastic. Apply the wax to the plastic surface using a microfiber cloth. Massage the wax into the plastic, ensuring even coverage. Follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.
After applying the wax, allow it to dry completely. The drying time may vary depending on the product, environmental conditions, and usage patterns of the 4-wheeler. For example, if the 4-wheeler is used outdoors frequently, the wax may need to be reapplied more often. Regular maintenance and protection of the plastic surfaces will help maintain the vehicle's showroom finish.
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Using a heat gun
Before starting the restoration process, gather your materials. In addition to a heat gun, you will need sandpaper with varying grits (120, 220, and 400) to sand down any rough or faded areas on the plastic, and protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses. It is important to wear protective gear when working with a heat gun due to the high temperatures it can reach. You may also want to cover any parts of the 4-wheeler that you do not want to be heated, such as decals or stickers.
To begin the restoration, use the sandpaper to sand down any rough or faded areas on the plastic. This will create a smooth surface for the heat gun to work on. Once the plastic has been sanded, wipe off any dust or debris.
Next, you will use the heat gun to restore the plastic. Start by preheating the plastic for about 30 seconds before applying direct heat. This will make the plastic more malleable and easier to work with. Be cautious when using the heat gun, as too much heat can damage the plastic. If the plastic starts to bubble or warp, turn off the heat gun immediately. Set the heat gun to the lowest setting and hold it a few inches away from the plastic, moving slowly over the discoloured areas. Move the heat gun in small circles to evenly distribute the heat and avoid burning any localized spots.
The heat from the gun will melt the top layer of the plastic, giving it a new look. However, this effect is not permanent, and the plastic will return to its original state after a few weeks or months. Additionally, the plastic will become more brittle with each use of the heat gun, making it more prone to cracking. Therefore, while the heat gun method can be effective, it may not be the best long-term solution for restoring 4-wheeler plastic.
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Painting the plastic
Preparation:
Firstly, you will need to gather your supplies, which include paint, primer, sandpaper, a plastic cleaner, gloves, and a mask. It is important to select paint that is suitable for plastic. Spray paint, acrylic, or enamel paint are good options, and brands such as Krylon, Valspar, and Rust-Oleum offer paints specifically designed for plastic.
Cleaning and Sanding:
Before painting, it is crucial to clean the plastic surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or oils. A plastic cleaner can be applied generously and wiped off after 20 minutes. Once the surface is clean and dry, you can begin sanding. Sanding helps create a rough surface that will allow the paint to adhere better. Use fine-grit sandpaper and start with a lower grit number, working your way up to a higher grit. An oscillating tool can also be used to speed up the process. Remember to wear gloves during this step.
Priming:
After sanding, the surface needs to be primed before painting. Apply a coat of primer evenly over the entire surface and let it dry completely. The drying time can vary, but it is usually around 4 to 6 hours. Once dry, lightly sand the primed surface with fine-grit sandpaper (120 to 220 grit) to create an even smoother surface for the paint to adhere to.
Painting:
Now it's time to apply the paint. Choose your desired colour and apply an even layer to the primed surface. Be careful not to apply too much paint in one area to avoid drips. Allow the first coat to dry, and then apply a second coat if needed. Refer to the paint instructions to determine the exact drying time.
Finishing:
Once the paint is dry, you may need to wait a specific period before washing your four-wheeler, depending on the type of paint used. Check the paint instructions to ensure you don't wash it too early. After washing, gently clean and maintain your newly painted plastic to preserve its beauty and protect your masterpiece.
Remember, this process allows you to customise your four-wheeler and transform it into a unique work of automotive art.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use boiled linseed oil, a paint thinner, liquid wax, a dedicated plastic restorer product, or a heat gun.
Mix boiled linseed oil with paint thinner in a 40/60 ratio and apply it to the plastic using a dry cloth. Allow it to dry for a full day.
Wash your 4-wheeler with Dawn dishwashing fluid to remove any oils and grease, then dry it thoroughly. If there are scratches, sand the plastic surface with fine sandpaper, working your way up from the lowest grit to the highest.
If your 4-wheeler's plastic is severely damaged, you may need to replace it. You can use a plastic welder specifically designed for this purpose, such as the ATV Fender Welder, or bury a piece of stainless-steel reinforcing mesh into the crack to strengthen it.
