Sofia Martinez
ATV plastic fenders are prone to damage due to their material, and repairs can be costly. Fortunately, there are several DIY methods to restore them. Some involve using products like TriNova restorer, X-Tream's MX/ATV Wash, or Penetrol, while others suggest employing tools like a heat gun or plastic welder. Before attempting any restoration, it's crucial to thoroughly clean the fenders, as dirt and grime can impact the final finish. Preventative care is also key to maintaining the plastic's condition.
How to restore ATV plastic fenders
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent fading and cracking |
| Cleaning | Use a specialised ATV cleaner or soap and water to clean the plastic fenders |
| Repairing cracks | Use a plastic welder to repair cracks and missing pieces. For deeper cracks, reinforce with stainless steel mesh |
| Repairing scratches | Use sandpaper with a grit of 1500, wetting the surface before buffing |
| Repairing fading | Use a heat gun on a low setting, held at a distance of around 1 foot, or a specialised restorer product |
| Protection | Apply a product such as Penetrol to form a protective layer against sun damage |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning your ATV plastic fenders
Start by giving your ATV a good wash. This will help remove any built-up dirt, mud, and grime that may have accumulated on the plastic fenders. A simple soap and water rinse won't be enough, so consider using a specialised ATV wash product. X-Tream's MX/ATV Wash, for example, contains a washing compound, a wax compound for polishing, and a Mud Guard shielding agent. Apply it with a light, even coating across a cloth, rubbing in small concentric circles, and be sure to reach all the nooks and crannies of the fenders.
Next, if your ATV's plastic is in really bad condition, consider using a magic eraser to scrub every inch of plastic. This will help remove any stubborn dirt and grime. You can also try using sandpaper of 1500 grit, which you wet before buffing away at the fender surface.
If your fenders are faded, you can use a heat gun to restore their shine. This technique needs to be mastered carefully, as too much heat can erode layers of plastic, making it more susceptible to breaks. Always test on a hidden area first, starting with the lowest heat setting and holding the gun about a foot away from the fender. Slowly move closer, aiming the heat at a specific area until the finish brightens and smooths.
Finally, there are products that claim to 'restore' the plastic finish, such as TriNova Restorer, which can help bring deeper layers of oil to the surface. However, these products need to be applied to a surface that is free of dirt and bugs, as they can get trapped in the finish. You can also expose the ATV to the sun for up to 12 hours after application to harden the material, but be sure to periodically wipe off any residue to prevent streaking.
Remember, preventative care is the best way to stop the plastic on your ATV from fading or deteriorating. Keeping your ATV clean and protected will ensure it looks its best for years to come.
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Using a heat gun to restore shine
Using a heat gun is one of the methods to restore shine to ATV plastic fenders. However, it is a difficult technique to master, and overuse can make the plastic more brittle and susceptible to breaking.
To use a heat gun, first ensure that the ATV is clean and free of dirt and bugs, as these can get trapped in the finish. Then, test the heat gun on a hidden area of the fender to get a feel for the technique. Begin with the heat gun around 1 foot away from the fender, using the lowest heat setting. Slowly move the heat gun closer to the fender, focusing on one area at a time. Continue until the finish in that area is brighter and smoother. If the finish is not satisfactory, you can repeat the process once or twice more. Just be careful not to overheat the plastic, as it may melt or become permanently deformed.
After using the heat gun, exposing the ATV to the sun for up to 12 hours will help harden the material. Be sure to periodically wipe off any residue to prevent streaking.
While the heat gun method can restore shine, it is important to note that there are other products and techniques available for restoring ATV plastic fenders, such as plastic restorers, pre-made cleaners, and sandpaper.
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Repairing cracks with plastic welding
Repairing cracks in ATV plastic fenders can be done through plastic welding, which is an economical option compared to buying replacement fenders. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Prepare the Plastic for Welding
Firstly, ensure the plastic is clean and free of dirt, bugs, and grime. This is important as any foreign particles can get trapped in the finish and create a streaky effect. You can use a pre-made cleaner designed for ATV plastic or simply wash with soap and water.
Heat the Plastic
Use a heat gun on its lowest setting to apply heat to the cracked area. Hold the heat gun about a foot away from the plastic and slowly move it closer, focusing on the crack. This will melt the edges of the crack, allowing you to reconnect them without melting the rest of the plastic. Alternatively, a soldering iron can be used for larger cracks.
Weld the Crack
Once the plastic is pliable from the heat, use the tip of the welder or soldering iron to push the plastic together, filling in the crack. For added strength, you can bury a piece of stainless steel reinforcing mesh into the plastic along the crack before it cools. However, this may not look aesthetically pleasing, so consider doing this on the backside of the fender.
Cooling and Finishing
Allow the plastic to cool completely before touching or using it. This usually takes about an hour. Once cooled, the plastic will be set, and you can finish the repair by wiping away any residue that has built up during the process.
While plastic welding is an effective way to repair cracks in ATV plastic fenders, it may not be completely invisible, and you may still be able to see where the repair was made. Additionally, be aware that using a heat gun on plastic can make it more brittle and susceptible to future breaks.
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Painting ATV fenders
Preparation:
Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that your ATV fenders are clean and free of any dirt, grime, or residue. Use a suitable cleaning agent, such as soap and water, or a specialised plastic cleaner like X-Tream's MX/ATV Wash, which includes a washing compound and a wax compound for polishing. Pay extra attention to areas like fender flares that are prone to dirt buildup.
Sanding:
Once the fenders are clean, it's time to sand the entire surface. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper, such as 180 grit, to remove any "crust" or oxidation that has built up due to sun exposure. After the initial sanding, scrub the plastic with a scuff pad and a product like Scuff Magic to remove any remaining contaminants. Repeat the sanding process with 180 grit sandpaper to address any spots you might have missed.
Priming:
Before painting, it is essential to apply a suitable primer. Choose a flexible primer designed for use on plastics, as regular primers may not adhere properly and could flake off. Apply at least two coats of primer, following the manufacturer's instructions for drying time between coats.
Painting:
When selecting a paint, opt for a flexible paint designed for plastics, such as Krylon Fusion Paint. Avoid using cheap, regular paint as it may not withstand the bending and wobbling of the plastic. Apply at least two coats of paint, allowing sufficient drying time between each coat. If you desire a matte black finish, this colour is easy to work with and touch up if needed.
Clear Coating:
After the paint has dried, apply a clear coat to protect the paint job and add shine. Again, choose a flexible product designed for plastics, and apply at least two coats for maximum durability.
Finishing:
Do not touch or handle the fenders for at least a week to allow the paint and clear coat to fully cure. You may need to wetsand the fenders with high-grit sandpaper (600-800 grit) to achieve a smooth finish and remove any remaining scratches. Finally, you can apply a wax coating to enhance the shine and protect your paint job.
Remember that proper preparation is key to a successful paint job. Take your time with each step, and don't be afraid to invest in quality products designed for ATV plastics. With the right techniques and materials, you can achieve a long-lasting and attractive paint finish on your ATV fenders.
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Preventative care to stop plastic from fading
Preventative care is the best way to stop plastic from fading. Firstly, it is important to understand that most plastic fading is a result of oxidization, which causes plastic to wear down and develop a rougher texture. This is accelerated by sun exposure, which is why plastic ATV fenders are particularly prone to fading.
To prevent fading, you can use a UV sealant, store the vehicle in a shaded area, and regularly clean the plastic surfaces with soap and water. You can also use specific products to protect the plastic, such as X-Tream’s MX/ATV Wash, which contains a washing compound, a wax compound, and a shielding agent to protect the plastic and make it easier to remove mud and debris.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution, you can explore fade-resistant solutions from companies such as EuP Egypt, which are designed to withstand time, UV exposure, and wear. Their advanced anti-UV additives are engineered to boost the durability and longevity of plastic products under harsh sunlight and weather conditions.
Additionally, you can use products such as Meguiar’s Ultimate Black, which is designed to restore and maintain exterior plastic and rubber trim. It provides a dark, glossy finish and includes UV protection to help prevent future fading. However, it may wear off in heavy rain or after a few car washes, so it is important to reapply it regularly.
Finally, it is worth noting that while heat guns can be used to restore colour to faded plastic, they should be used with caution as they can also damage the plastic if used incorrectly.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use X-Tream’s MX/ATV Wash, which contains a washing compound, a wax compound, and Mud Guard. You can also use TriNova restorer, but it takes longer to dry and needs to be free of dirt and bugs. Another product is Penetrol, which forms a protective layer to prevent sun damage.
You can use a heat gun, but be careful as the heat can erode layers of plastic and make it more susceptible to breaking. You can also use an ATV Fender Welder, which is a plastic welder designed for DIY enthusiasts.
First, scrub every inch of the plastic with magic erasers. Then, use a pre-made cleaner like X-Tream’s MX/ATV Wash, and rub in small concentric circles across all the plastic parts.
You can use plastic welding to repair cracks. Cut a piece of stainless steel reinforcing mesh about 1 inch wide and push it into the plastic with the tip of the welder. Let it cool, and then finish the repair.
