Chloe Zhang
Dirt bike plastics can become faded and discoloured due to exposure to sunlight, dirt, mud, snow, and water. While replacing the plastic parts may be the best option in some cases, there are several methods to restore faded dirt bike plastics. These include using a razor blade to scrape away oxidation, sanding and polishing the plastic, applying a plastic renew kit or other products, using a heat gun, and repainting with spray paint specifically formulated for plastic. Each method varies in terms of cost, complexity, and longevity of results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Spray-9, Fantastik, Semi-soft shoe brush, Bleach, Oxyclean, Lacquer thinner, Hydrogen Peroxide, Plastic Renew, Linseed oil, Paints thinner, Polish |
| Tools | Razor blade, Sandpaper, Buffing wheel, Heat gun |
| Techniques | Sanding, Buffing, Heating, Painting, Soaking |
| Considerations | Plastic will never exactly match the brand-new version, Risk of washing out chemicals that give plastic its flexibility, Plastic becomes more brittle and prone to cracking with heat gun use |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding and scraping
Restoring faded dirt bike plastics can be a tedious process, but it is possible to achieve a showroom shine with some elbow grease. The first step is to scrape away the oxidation layer using a razor blade or a Stanley blade. This process will leave scratches on the surface, but it is important to be careful not to gouge the plastic. The goal is to only remove the oxidation and uncover workable plastic.
Once the oxidation is removed, the next step is to sand the plastic. It is recommended to start with a coarse grit sandpaper, such as 120-grit or 150-grit, and gradually work your way up to finer grits like 400-grit, 600-grit, and even 1000-grit. Keep the sandpaper and the plastic surface wet during the sanding process to prevent overheating and melting. Use longer strokes and rotate the fender in a consistent direction to maintain an even surface.
Sanding with finer grits of sandpaper will help remove the scratches caused by the previous grits and create a smoother finish. It is important to take your time and not rush this process, as cutting corners will impact the final result. The goal is to gradually remove a small amount of material with each finer grit, revealing fresh, unoxidized plastic.
After sanding, the plastic can be polished to further improve the finish. A cutting compound can be used for the first polish, followed by a polishing compound for the final shine. This process will require patience, but it is a cost-effective way to restore faded dirt bike plastics without having to replace them.
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Buffing and polishing
Buffing
Buffing involves using a buffing wheel attached to a power drill to create a uniform shine on the plastic surface. It is important to keep the buffer moving to avoid overheating any portion of the plastic. A clean, new buffing wheel is recommended to prevent any compound, degreaser, or dirt from a previous project from transferring to the plastic. A high-powered drill is preferable, as it rotates quickly and efficiently buffs the plastic to a high polish.
Polishing
Polishing is the process of refining the shine and protecting the plastic surface. It can be done by hand using a soft cloth or microfiber cloth, or with the assistance of a buffing wheel and polishing compound. When using a cloth, ensure it is soft and clean to prevent accidental scratches on the plastic. A polishing compound can be applied to the cloth or buffing wheel to enhance the shine and provide a protective layer to the plastic. This process may need to be repeated every few months, as the shine will fade over time.
Additionally, before buffing and polishing, it is essential to clean the plastic thoroughly and remove any built-on dirt or oxidation. This can be done using a simple cleaning solution of dish soap and water, or a product specifically designed for cleaning dirt bikes. For heavily oxidized plastics, a razor blade or utility blade can be used to scrape away the oxidation, followed by sanding to smooth out any scratches.
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Using a heat gun
Before applying heat, it is important to clean the plastic thoroughly and remove all dirt, grease, oils, and contaminants. This can be done with a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water, or with a small handheld microfiber applicator. Additionally, if there are any painted areas or edges of paintwork near the plastic, it is crucial to keep the heat away from these areas, as the heat will damage the paintwork. Taping off any edges of paintwork can help protect them from the heat.
Once the plastic is clean and prepared, the heat gun can be used to apply heat to the surface. It is important to keep the heat gun moving and not hold it in one place for too long, as this can warp or melt the plastic. The heat breaks down the molecular composition of the faded plastic, allowing the chemical bonds between the polymers to realign. As the plastic cools, it leaves a glossy and wet surface.
For severely faded plastics, a heat gun can be used in combination with other methods, such as using a razor blade to remove deep scratches or oxidation, or applying a plastic restorer product. However, it is important to note that over-the-counter plastic restorers are often ineffective and may even make the faded plastic look worse. Therefore, if using a heat gun, it is crucial to follow directions carefully and exercise caution to avoid damaging the plastic surface.
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Repainting
Restoring the shine on dirt bike plastics can be a time-consuming process, but it is possible to achieve good results without investing in new plastic parts. Repainting is one of the most popular methods of restoration, and there are several ways to go about it.
One method is to use a heat gun on its lowest setting, held a few inches away from the plastic and moved slowly over discoloured areas. This approach can instantly make faded plastic appear new and glossy. However, it is a complex process that may not be suitable for all types of plastic.
Another option is to use spray paint specifically formulated for use on plastics. This method requires applying a primer coat first and then a safety top layer to achieve the best results. It is important to note that paint may not always adhere well to certain types of plastic, and it will eventually start to fade again over time.
Before painting, it is recommended to sand down the plastic to create a better surface for the paint to adhere to. Some sources suggest using a combination of water, bleach, and Oxyclean to clean the plastic before sanding and painting. Others recommend using a product like Lacquer Thinner to remove stains and deep dirt.
When sanding, it is important to use varying grades of sandpaper, starting with a lower grit and working your way up to a finer grit to smooth out the surface. This process will help create a better finish and ensure the paint adheres properly.
While repainting is a popular method of restoring faded dirt bike plastics, it may not always yield perfect results. The restored plastic parts may never exactly match the brand-new version in terms of colour and finish. However, with some time and dedication, it is possible to significantly improve the appearance of faded plastics through repainting.
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Cleaning with bleach
Cleaning dirt bike plastics with bleach is one of several methods for restoring faded dirt bike plastics. Firstly, remove all the plastics from the bike and clean them with a degreaser and a sponge. If you are cleaning the gas tank, remove all the gas from it, along with all bolts, caps, and bushings, and clean it thoroughly. It is important to get the gas out and clean the inside to prevent any gas fumes from becoming a problem later when a heat gun is used. Allow the parts to dry and sit for a few days before working on them.
Next, remove any oxidation from the plastic. Hold a razor blade vertically to the plastic and scrape off the oxidation in long strokes. Be careful not to gouge the plastic. You will put scratches in it, but the razor blade should only be removing the oxidation.
After removing the oxidation, you can use bleach to clean the plastic. Soak the plastic parts in a solution of water, bleach, and Oxyclean. This will help remove any remaining oxidation and restore the plastic to its original colour. Rinse and dry the parts before moving on to the next step.
It is important to note that using harsh chemicals on plastic can wash out some chemicals that give the plastic its flexibility. So, while bleach can be effective in cleaning and restoring dirt bike plastics, it may also make the plastic more brittle. Always test on a small area first and use caution when applying bleach.
After bleaching, you can use a heat gun to remove any remaining scratches and restore the colour of the plastic. Be careful not to overheat the plastic, and keep the heat gun moving to avoid scorching. You can also use a propane torch, but be aware that it can burn the plastic, so use with caution.
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