Alexei Volkov
ATVs are prone to scratches, especially on their plastic body parts, due to their outdoor usage and exposure to dirt, mud, snow, and water. Scratches can also occur from boots or passing particles, and the plastic can become discoloured by sunlight. There are several methods to restore and remove scratches from ATV plastic, including sanding, buffing, and using a heat gun or plastic welder. While sanding and buffing are effective, they can be time-consuming and costly, and require the use of proper grit sandpaper. Using a heat gun is a faster and less expensive option, but it must be done carefully to avoid melting the plastic or causing discolouration. Other methods include using plastic restorers, such as Turtle Wax scratch remover, boiled linseed oil, or commercial products like Solution Finish and CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer. Additionally, wet sanding and plastic welding are also recommended for repairing larger fractures and cracks.
How to restore ATV plastic scratches
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean the plastic | Use a shop towel, rubbing alcohol or a dry cloth to clean the plastic |
| Use a heat gun | Turn the heat gun on high and hold it about 1" away from the plastic, applying heat in a circular motion |
| Sanding | Sand with grit sandpaper, starting from 180 grit to 400 grit. Sand in one direction with each grit of paper, then move to the next grit |
| Plastic restore products | Turtle Wax scratch remover, Solution Finish, CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer, Red Max wax, Pledge with Future Shine, Pinesol, Plastic Renew, Plasti-Dip spray paint |
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Using a heat gun
To remove scratches from ATV plastics using a heat gun, first clean the plastic with a shop towel and some rubbing alcohol to remove any oils and dirt from the surface. This will ensure that the heat gun works effectively. It is recommended to work on small sections at a time, no larger than 10" x 10", to avoid damaging surrounding materials.
Once the plastic is clean, turn on the heat gun and position it approximately 1" away from the plastic. Slowly remove the scratches by applying heat in a circular motion while moving the gun up and down, side to side, etc. Ensure that you do not apply heat directly to one spot as this can cause the plastic to melt or warp. Keep the heat gun moving to allow the surface to heat up evenly and prevent damage.
The heat gun will effectively remove fine scratches and some deeper scratches. It can also remove faded areas caused by sun damage or bending. However, for very deep scratches or gouges, the heat gun may cause more damage to the plastic. Always use caution and test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
It is important to note that while a heat gun can be effective in removing scratches, the results may not be long-lasting, and the plastic may become more brittle over time. Additionally, the heat gun can discolour the plastic, so it is recommended to tape off the area and use spray paint for protection.
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Wet sanding
To begin the wet sanding process, ensure that the plastic is very clean. Wash the plastic with warm soapy water and towel dry. It is important to remove any oils or dirt from the surface of the plastic before sanding.
Next, gather the necessary materials. For wet sanding, you will need a bucket of water and several sheets of sandpaper in varying grits. The specific grits required will depend on the depth of the scratches. For deep scratches, start with 180-grit sandpaper and work your way up to 220, 400, 600, and finally 1000-grit. For finer scratches, you can start with a higher grit, such as 220.
When sanding, always keep the sandpaper and plastic wet. Dip the sandpaper in water frequently to ensure it remains soaking wet at all times. Start with the deepest scratches, using the lower grit sandpaper to sand in a single direction. Work your way up through the grits, sanding until the colour is even and the scratches are no longer visible. It is normal for the plastic to appear foggy or faded at this stage.
Once you have completed the wet sanding process, dry the plastic completely. You can then move on to buffing and polishing the plastic to restore its shine.
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Applying boiled linseed oil
To restore ATV plastic scratches, one method is to use boiled linseed oil. This oil can recover discoloured plastic, but it takes a long time to dry. To speed up the process, you can mix the linseed oil with a paint thinner. A 60/40 ratio of paint thinner to boiled linseed oil is recommended by some sources, while others suggest a 40/60 ratio.
Before applying the mixture, ensure your ATV is thoroughly cleaned and dried. For the best results, remove the rack and any other parts covering the plastic. Then, use a dry cloth to apply the linseed oil mixture to the plastic. The linseed oil will remove the oxidisation that is causing the fading.
After application, allow the mixture to dry for a full day. If you keep your ATV covered and don't use it daily, the restoration will last a few months. However, if you use your ATV outdoors frequently, you may need to reapply the treatment every 4-6 weeks.
It is important to note that while linseed oil can restore discolouration, it may not be as effective for deeper scratches. Additionally, this method may not provide a permanent solution, and other alternatives, such as sanding, may yield better long-term results.
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Plastic welding
Restoring ATV plastic can be done in several ways, depending on the severity of the scratches. Some methods include using a heat gun, sanding, or plastic welding.
Heat Gun
A heat gun can be used to remove scratches from ATV plastics. Before using a heat gun, it is important to clean the plastic with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils and dirt. This ensures that the heat gun works effectively. When using the heat gun, it should be held about 1" away from the plastic and constantly moved in a circular motion to prevent melting the plastic. While this method is effective for fine scratches and some deeper scratches, it may not be suitable for very deep scratches as it could cause more damage.
Sanding
Sanding is another option for removing scratches from ATV plastics. It involves using sandpaper to buff out the scratches. However, it can be a more costly and time-consuming process than using a heat gun, as it requires additional steps such as using a buffer to smooth out the sanded areas.
Other Methods
Other methods for restoring ATV plastic include using commercial plastic restorers, such as Premium Plastic Restorer from Car Guys, which adds additives to help restore the plastic to its original condition. Linseed oil can also be used to remove oxidization and restore discolored plastic, although it takes a long time to dry. For hairline cracks or deep scratches, a putty knife can be used to fill in the scratches, followed by sanding for a smoother finish.
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Waxing
To restore the shine of ATV plastic, one option is to use an automotive wax. This method is more complex than using linseed oil and paint thinner, but it usually has longer-lasting results.
- Clean the ATV plastic surface thoroughly. Use Dawn dishwashing fluid to remove any oils, grease, dirt, and mud. Then, dry the ATV completely.
- If there are scratches on the plastic, you may need to sand the surface. Use fine-grit automotive sandpaper (around 180 grit) and sand until the plastic is smooth.
- Next, apply boiled linseed oil to the sanded areas. Boiled linseed oil dries faster than regular linseed oil. You can mix it with paint thinner to speed up the process further.
- After the linseed oil has dried, apply an automotive wax for an added layer of shine and protection.
- Finally, use a heat gun on a low setting and hold it a few inches away from the waxed surface. Move the heat gun slowly over the treated areas. The heat will partially melt the top layer of wax, giving it a glossy and new appearance.
It is important to note that the heat gun method is not a permanent solution. The oxidation and fading will return after a few weeks or months, and you will need to repeat the process. Additionally, be cautious when using a heat gun as it can discolour or melt the plastic if held in one spot for too long. Always keep the heat gun moving in a circular motion to prevent damage.
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Frequently asked questions
A heat gun is a popular method for removing scratches from ATV plastic. Clean the plastic with rubbing alcohol, then apply heat in a circular motion, ensuring you keep the gun moving to avoid melting the plastic.
Yes, you can try wet sanding with fine sandpaper, working your way up from a lower to a higher grit. You can also use plastic restore products like Turtle Wax Scratch Remover or boiled linseed oil.
Since most scratches come from getting on and off the ATV, be careful when throwing your leg around to avoid contact with the plastic. Keeping your ATV covered and stored indoors will also help prevent scratches and fading from outdoor elements.
You can try using a restorer product like Solution Finish or CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer. For black plastic, Plasti-Dip spray paint in black can provide a protective coating.
No, a hair dryer will not get hot enough to effectively remove scratches from ATV plastic. A heat gun is specifically designed for this purpose and should be used with caution to avoid melting the plastic.
