Omar Khalid
Sea-Doo employs a variety of different decorative plastic surfaces on its decks to reduce weight. Owners of these vehicles may find that their plastic surfaces have faded or become damaged over time and may want to restore them. There are several methods to restore black plastic on a Sea-Doo, including using a heat gun, various polishes, and plastic restoration products.
How to restore black plastic on a Sea-Doo
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Mothers Back to Black, XPS All-Purpose Cleaner, Meguiar's Marine/RV Power Cut Compound, Scratch-X 2.0, CarPro DLUX, Perl, Aerospace 303 |
| Techniques | Sanding, heat gun, buffing, polishing, cleaning |
| Tools | Microfiber cloth, wax applicator pad, electric drill, foam applicator pad, wool wheel |
| Tips | Clean and dry the surface before applying any products. Apply products when the surface is hot. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a heat gun
Restoring the black plastic on a Sea-Doo using a heat gun is an effective way to bring back a near factory-like finish. This method works by slowly breaking down the plastic's molecular composition, allowing the chemical bond to realign as the polymers cool, leaving a glossy surface.
Firstly, ensure that the plastic surface is clean and free of any waxes or treatments, as these can react negatively to the heat. Using a heat gun, apply intense and focused heat to the plastic's surface. You will begin to see spots appear, which is called "sweating". Move the heat gun in a concentric pattern around the area, deepening the colour and returning it to a deep black. If you notice any shiny spots, move the heat gun further away from the surface and allow the plastic to cool, as this is a sign that the plastic is beginning to melt.
It is important to be patient and consistent throughout the process, and to maintain a perpendicular angle between the tip of the heat gun and the surface of the plastic. This process can be repeated as necessary, and you can also apply a liberal coat of a plastic restorer, such as Meguiar's Ultimate Black, to the warm surface using a microfiber towel.
Although the heat gun method is effective, it may not be a permanent solution and proper care and protection are still required. Additionally, older plastics or those with heavier UV damage may require several passes.
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Cleaning with XPS all-purpose cleaner
To restore black plastic on a Sea-Doo, you can use XPS cleaning products, which are safe and effective for cleaning all boat surfaces. The XPS Black Plastic and Rubber Restorer is a product that restores and revives unpainted rubber and plastic to a like-new look. It is great for all exterior mouldings, bumpers, and trim.
The XPS All-Purpose Cleaner is a green cleaner that can be used on plastics, fibreglass, metals, rubber, and carpets. It uses a surfactant-based formula to penetrate and remove dirt and grease from the finish.
Before applying any product, ensure the surface is clean and dry. Pour the XPS All-Purpose Cleaner onto a wax applicator pad or clean cloth. Apply the product evenly over the black plastic surfaces that need to be treated. Keep the Sea-Doo away from water for a 24-hour period to allow the product to dry.
For best results, apply the product when the surfaces are hot. The product will be absorbed faster and deeper into the surfaces. Do not wait for the surfaces to fade before applying the product. Use it as preemptive protection.
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Applying a coat of Carpro DLUX
CarPro Cquartz DLUX is a semi-permanent coating that will protect and restore your automotive pieces for up to a year. It is perfect for a wide range of surfaces, including plastic, rubber, metal, and various wheel finishes. It rejuvenates exterior plastics, providing a deep, rich colour without a greasy finish. It also offers extreme temperature tolerance, enduring temperatures up to 1000°F, and advanced UV protection, shielding against harmful UV rays and preventing fading and degradation.
To apply CarPro DLUX, start by cleaning the surface thoroughly, ensuring it is free from all oils and dirt. Then, wipe the surface with CARPRO Eraser, wipe it dry, and allow the plastic to evaporate for 20 minutes before applying DLUX. When applying, work on a small area at a time, starting in one corner and working outwards. Wet the applicator with a strip of DLUX and spread it evenly across the surface. Ensure that you do not spread it too thin and work it into an even coat within the first minute before moving on to the next area.
On textured trim, do not wipe off the DLUX after application. Simply ensure that you have applied it evenly and fully into the texture. On smooth plastic, you should wipe off the excess product with a clean auto detailing cloth or suede microfiber, using a gentle circular motion until no streaks are left behind. Allow the product to cure for 1-10 minutes at 30-10 degrees Celsius, respectively. The water repellency of DLUX improves with more cure time, and it takes about 24 hours for complete curing without any rain. During this initial 24-hour period, be sure to wipe off any water marks that may be created by rain.
While DLUX is known for its longevity, some users have reported issues with the coating oxidizing before the end of the second year, especially on daily drivers kept outside. Recoating DLUX can be challenging, as it may result in an inconsistent gloss level if not applied properly. Therefore, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours between coats to ensure the previous layer has dried sufficiently.
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Using Mothers Back to Black
Mothers Back to Black Trim & Plastic Restorer is a versatile product that can be used to restore the black plastic on your Sea-Doo. It is a chemical solution that removes light oxidation, wax residue, and surface film, and provides a protective barrier against UV rays, water, and other contaminants.
To use Mothers Back to Black, first, ensure that your Sea-Doo is parked in a shaded area, out of direct sunlight, and that the plastic surfaces you plan to restore are cool to the touch. Hand wash these sections of plastic and, if needed, wipe them down with isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining grease.
Next, apply the Mothers Back to Black formula to a microfiber cloth or applicator pad. Massage the formula into the trim and black plastic, ensuring that you stay within the lines of the piece you are working on. Wait for the product to dry, and then buff away any excess fluid with a microfiber cloth. If you are not satisfied with the results, you can repeat the process, building on the product until you achieve the desired appearance.
It is important to note that if you apply too much product and do not buff away the excess, it may sling onto other parts of your Sea-Doo. If this happens, quickly wash it off to prevent smudging or staining. Additionally, do not apply Mothers Back to Black to handlebars, levers, pedals, or other control components.
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Sanding out defects
To begin sanding, you will need to select the appropriate sandpaper grit for the job. The grit refers to the size and concentration of the abrasive particles on the sandpaper, and it is important to choose the right grit to avoid further damaging the plastic. For light defects and scratches, a finer grit sandpaper is recommended, as it will be less abrasive and help to preserve the plastic's surface. For deeper scratches or more extensive defects, a coarser grit sandpaper may be necessary, but it should be used with caution to avoid excessive material removal.
When sanding, always work in the direction of the scratch or defect, rather than in a circular motion, to ensure that the scratch patterns are uniform. Apply gentle pressure and work systematically across the surface, being careful not to create new scratches or damage the surrounding areas. It is important to take your time during this process and work in small sections, regularly checking your progress to avoid over-sanding or causing uneven results.
After sanding, it is crucial to remove any residual dust or debris from the plastic surface. This can be done using a soft, clean cloth or a microfiber towel, ensuring that all traces of dust are eliminated. Once the surface is clean and dry, you can move on to the next step in the restoration process, such as applying a suitable polish or protective coating.
Additionally, combining sanding with heat treatment can further enhance the restoration process. Applying heat to the sanded plastic can help to smooth out the surface and restore its original shape. This can be done using a heat gun, but it is important to be cautious and avoid overheating the plastic, as it can melt or become deformed. Always test the heat gun on a small area first and maintain a safe distance to control the amount of heat applied.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to restore black plastic on a Sea-Doo. You can use products like Mothers Back to Black, Solutions Finish Black Trim Restorer, or XPS Black Plastic and Rubber Restorer. For heavily damaged plastic, you may need to replace the part.
Clean and dry the surface before applying the product. Pour the product onto a wax applicator pad or clean cloth and apply it evenly. Keep it away from water for 24 hours to dry, and apply when the surface is hot for better absorption.
Yes, you can try using a heat gun to restore the colour and shine of the plastic. Be careful not to overheat and melt the plastic. Sanding out defects and then applying heat can also help restore the plastic.
Use products that provide long-lasting UV protection, such as the XPS Black Plastic and Rubber Restorer. You can also cover your Sea-Doo when it's not in use and regularly clean and maintain the plastic surfaces.
For a permanent solution, you can use Solutions Finish Black Trim Restorer followed by a coat of Carpro DLUX ceramic coating. This will provide a long-lasting black finish and protect against fading.
