Omar Khalid
Faded plastic can be an eyesore, but there are many ways to restore it to its former glory. The method you choose will depend on the type of plastic you are working with. For instance, hard plastics can be restored with soapy water and sandpaper, while softer plastics may require a mixture of detergent, household cleaner, water, and bleach. If your plastic lens is yellow or brown, it was likely made with bromine, which can be reversed with hydrogen peroxide. If your plastic lens is on your car, you can try using a heat gun or olive oil to restore its shine. For a more permanent solution, you can also try respraying the plastic lens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Baking soda, toothpaste, cleanser, sandpaper, vinegar, bleach solution, hydrogen peroxide, detergent, olive oil, baby oil, linseed oil, car soap, water, Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer, Autoglym Bumper and Trim Gel, Swissvax Pneu, UV-resistant trim shine, microfiber cloths, brushes, heat gun, flame-resistant tarp |
| Process | Mix chosen material with water to form a paste or solution. Apply to plastic lens using a brush or cloth, working in circular motions. Leave to dry. Buff away residue with a clean cloth. Rinse with water and polish until dry. |
| Considerations | Avoid using too much product to prevent warping the plastic. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying any products. Cover surrounding areas with a tarp to avoid damaging other surfaces. Wear protective gloves and goggles when handling chemicals. |
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What You'll Learn
Use olive oil to restore black plastic
To restore black plastic, start by washing and drying the plastic surface. Wash it with soap and warm water, then dry it off with a towel. This step is important as it helps the olive oil absorb better into the plastic.
Next, pour a coin-sized amount of olive oil onto a cloth. You can use a washcloth or paper towel for this. Rub the olive oil onto the plastic surface in a circular motion for a few minutes. Olive oil can restore black plastic's natural colour, clearing up any faded or discoloured areas.
After rubbing the plastic, buff it with a dry cloth to remove any excess oil. Inspect the plastic for residual discolouration. If you notice any patches that the olive oil didn't restore, try the process again, targeting the stubborn area more directly.
For severe fading or discolouration, you may need to resort to other methods such as using a heat gun, black spray paint, or a black plastic trim moisturiser. Keep in mind that olive oil may need to be reapplied periodically, especially if the plastic is exposed to sunlight. It may also attract more dirt and dust, so consider using an alternative method if this is a concern.
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Clean with soapy water and sandpaper
To restore a plastic lens, one method is to clean it with soapy water and sandpaper. This method is specifically for hard plastics that haven't been painted. Firstly, fill a bucket with soap and water. Take some 150-grit sandpaper and dip it into the soapy water. Then, rub the surface of the lens in a circular motion, covering each faded area 5-6 times. Next, take a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper and repeat the process, again covering each section 5-6 times. Finally, rinse the lens off with water.
If the lens has electronic components, spot wash the area you restored with a soft sponge. If the lens is part of a car, such as a side mirror, bumper or trim, you can fill a bucket with one part car soap and two parts water. Soak a sponge in the bucket and scrub the lens with it, using circular motions until any dirt and residue are completely removed. Then, rinse the soap off with water and dry the lens with a microfiber cloth.
If the lens is discoloured, you can try using olive oil to restore it. First, wash and dry the lens with soap and warm water. Then, pour a coin-sized amount of olive oil onto a cloth and massage it into the plastic. If discolouration remains after using the olive oil, you may need to use spray paint.
If the lens is part of a car, you can also try using a heat gun to restore it. Heat guns bring out the natural oils in black plastic and restore its lustre, although this is not a long-lasting solution. Cover any nearby non-plastic objects with a tarp before using the heat gun, as it can warp or discolour their surfaces.
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Bleach, detergent and cleaner for soft plastics
If the plastic item has been painted, the only way to fix fading is to repaint it. Set the plastic down outside on a drop cloth and spray the entire item with a spray primer designed for plastic. Wait 1-2 hours for the primer to dry, then spray paint with a product designed for plastic. Hold the nozzle 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) away from the surface and move the can back and forth while spraying. Wait 1-2 hours for the paint to dry.
If the plastic is soft, you can use detergent, cleaner, and bleach to restore it. Put on thick rubber gloves and protective goggles, 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 the ingredients and add them to a spray bottle. Take your plastic outside and spray the discolored area. Let the solution soak for 2-3 minutes, then rinse the area with cold water. Wash the plastic thoroughly with soap and water afterward to remove any detergent or bleach residue. Soft plastics are commonly found in children's toys, malleable storage containers, and souvenirs.
For hard plastics that haven't been painted, you can use soapy water and sandpaper. Fill a bucket with soap and water, then dip 150-grit sandpaper into the soapy water and rub the surface in a circular motion. Cover every faded area 5-6 times. Repeat the process with 220-grit sandpaper, then rinse the surface. This method is suitable for storage bins, cutting boards, acrylic aquariums, and plastic furniture.
Additionally, if your plastic item has any electronic components, spot-wash the area you restored with a soft sponge. Wash exterior trim and plastic with water and car soap. Cover any painted areas with masking tape. Fill a bucket with one part car soap and two parts water, then soak a sponge and scrub the plastic. Rinse with water and dry with a microfiber cloth. This process is perfect for plastic side mirrors, bumpers, and trim.
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Heat guns for a temporary fix
Heat guns are a handy tool for restoring plastic items to their former glory. They are a cost-effective solution that can save you money in the long run by extending the life of your household items.
However, it is important to note that this method is temporary and comes with risks. Improper use of a heat gun can lead to melted or damaged plastic. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the necessary safety precautions and understand the material you are working with. Here are some detailed instructions for using a heat gun to temporarily fix plastic items:
Preparation:
Before beginning the restoration process, it is important to adequately prepare the plastic surface and the surrounding area. Here are the steps to follow:
- Clean the surface: Remove any dirt or debris from the plastic surface using a gentle cleaning solution and a soft cloth. You can also use soap and water or a plastic cleaner to thoroughly clean the surface.
- Remove old coatings: If the plastic has any old paint or other coatings, these need to be removed.
- Protect adjacent areas: Apply heat-resistant tape or protective sheets to surrounding areas that may be sensitive to the heat, such as glass, metal, or other plastic surfaces.
- Prepare your safety gear: Wear heat-resistant gloves and safety goggles. Ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes released during the process. Keep the area free of flammable materials.
- Test the process: Find a small, hidden area of the plastic to practice and ensure that the heat gun is working correctly.
Heat Gun Application:
Once your preparation is complete, you can follow these steps to restore the plastic using the heat gun:
- Set up your heat gun: Choose a heat gun with adjustable heat settings. Plug it in and select a low to medium heat setting, usually around 200°F (93°C). Let it warm up for a few minutes.
- Maintain a proper distance: Hold the heat gun 4-6 inches away from the plastic surface. This distance prevents overheating and melting.
- Apply heat evenly: Move the heat gun slowly and continuously in a circular or back-and-forth motion across the surface. Avoid staying in one spot for too long, as this can cause discolouration or damage.
- Observe the reaction: As you apply heat, watch for the colour change. The faded plastic should begin to darken and deepen in colour.
- Proceed with caution: Once you've determined the correct temperature and observed the desired reaction, proceed with the restoration. Gradually increase the temperature if needed, but be careful not to overheat the plastic.
- Allow it to cool: After heating, let the plastic cool naturally. Avoid touching the plastic until it has fully cooled.
Optional Step:
For additional protection and shine, consider applying a plastic restorer after the plastic has cooled. This step can help seal the surface and protect it from future fading.
By following these detailed instructions, you can temporarily fix and restore plastic items using a heat gun. Remember to always prioritise safety and be cautious when working with heat guns to avoid any mishaps.
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Respraying as a more permanent solution
Respraying, or refinishing, is a more permanent solution to restoring plastic lenses. This process involves sanding and polishing the lens to restore it to its original clarity. It is a time-consuming process but is well worth the effort, especially for expensive car headlights.
Firstly, the lens must be cleaned with a plastic cleaner, or a window cleaner or isopropyl alcohol if you don't have a professional cleaner to hand. Next, you need to sand the entire lens with 80-grit sandpaper, using a dual-action sander or doing it by hand. It is important to remove all surface scratches and imperfections with the coarse sandpaper before moving on to a finer grit. The next step is to switch to a finer grit sandpaper, such as 150-grit, and continue sanding until the coarse sand scratches are removed.
The process then involves moving through the grits of sandpaper, from coarse to fine, removing all scratches from the previous grit before moving on to the next. When you reach the very fine grit sandpaper, such as 1500 and 2000-grit, the lens will start to look clearer. After sanding with 2000-grit sandpaper, you can apply a coarse polishing compound and polish the lens with a machine or by hand. If using a machine, be careful not to overheat and burn the plastic. You can also use a finer grade of polishing compound to finish.
The process of refinishing a plastic lens is a simple one, but it is time-consuming and requires a lot of elbow grease. However, the results are impressive, and the lens will look as good as new.
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Frequently asked questions
A simple method to restore a plastic lens is to use a restoration kit, toothpaste, or baking soda. Apply the cleanser thickly to the lens, let it dry, and then work it around the surface gently with a brush. Buff away any residual cleanser with a clean rag.
Yes, for hard plastics, a mixture of soapy water and sandpaper can be used. Dip sandpaper into the soapy water and rub the surface in a circular motion. Rinse and repeat with a finer grit sandpaper if there are any remaining scratches.
Olive oil can be used to restore black plastic. Clean and dry the plastic, then massage the olive oil into the surface. Alternatively, a heat gun can be used to bring out the natural oils in the plastic, but this may not be a long-lasting solution.
Discolouration can be reversed with hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively, a mixture of detergent, household cleaner, water, and bleach can be sprayed onto the discoloured area. Always wear protective gear when handling bleach.
Yes, there are many off-the-shelf products designed for restoring plastic. These include Gtechniq G4 Permanent Trim Restorer, Autoglym's Bumper and Trim Gel, and Swissvax's Pneu.
