Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere in our lives, from our homes to our vehicles and personal items. However, it can be disheartening to see plastic items fade, discolour, or deteriorate over time due to sun exposure, air, and heat. Restoring faded or damaged plastic can be a challenging but rewarding task, as it gives your belongings a new lease of life. There are several methods to revive dull or discoloured plastic surfaces, including using heat guns, soapy water and sandpaper, vinegar and water solutions, or even linseed oil and mineral spirits. With the right tools and techniques, you can effectively restore modern cool-coloured plastic items to their former glory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of fading | Oxidization, sun exposure |
| Solution for hard plastic | Soapy water and sandpaper |
| Solution for vinyl plastic | Vinegar and water spray |
| Solution for soft plastic | Detergent, household cleaner, water, and <co: 3,8,11>bleach spray |
| Additional solution | Linseed oil and mineral spirits |
| Additional solution | Petroleum jelly |
| Additional solution | Dye |
| Additional solution | Paint |
| Additional solution | Heat gun |
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What You'll Learn
Using a heat gun
To use a heat gun, hold it about 3 inches from the surface of the plastic, moving slowly and steadily. It is important not to hold the heat gun in one place for too long, as this can cause the plastic to melt and become glossy. The heat gun treatment works by heating the plastic to its glass-transition temperature, allowing the molecules to move around and break down. This process can also help to release oils, moisture, and pigment from the plastic, restoring its original appearance.
However, it is important to note that this method will only work a few times before the plastic becomes more brittle and prone to cracking and breaking. The heat can also damage nearby parts, so it is recommended to remove the plastic from the cooler before applying heat treatment. Additionally, the results of this method may vary depending on the specific chemical makeup of the plastic.
After using a heat gun, you can follow up with a product like Solution Finish or CarPro DLux to restore colour and add a protective coating.
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Soapy water and sandpaper
To restore modern cooler plastic with soapy water and sandpaper, follow these steps:
Firstly, clean the surface thoroughly with mild soap or pH-balanced cleaners and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach unless it is diluted, as this can weaken plastic fibres and cause discolouration and cracking. Fill a bucket with soap and water, or use a sponge and bucket with car soap and water for exterior trim and plastic. Remove all dirt, dust, oils, and residue. Dry the plastic completely with a towel or microfiber cloth before proceeding.
Next, prepare your sandpaper. It is recommended to use wet/dry sandpaper and keep the sandpaper and plastic wet during the sanding process to avoid scratches. Start with 150-grit sandpaper, dipping it into the soapy water and rubbing the surface in a circular motion. Cover each faded area 5-6 times. Then, move on to 220-grit sandpaper and repeat the process. Work on the deeper scratches first and then move outwards. You can test if you have removed the scratches by running water over the plastic or drying it completely and checking for shine.
Finally, rinse the surface off. If needed, you can continue using a finer grit sandpaper to remove any remaining scratch marks. Always follow manufacturer instructions and consider wearing gloves to avoid skin irritation.
In addition to this process, you can also use other methods to restore plastic, such as using detergent, cleaner, and diluted bleach, or applying a UV-resistant sealant to protect against sun damage. Regular cleaning and storing plastic items away from direct sunlight can also help to maintain surface integrity and prevent fading.
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Vinegar and water spray
Restoring faded plastic can be a straightforward process with the right methods and can help bring dull surfaces back to life. One such method is to use a vinegar and water spray. This is a safe, eco-friendly option for light surface discolouration.
To make the vinegar and water solution, mix one part vinegar with one part water. Alternatively, for a stronger solution, mix five cups of distilled vinegar with one gallon of hot water. Once you have prepared your solution, pour it into a clean spray bottle.
Take your plastic item outside and hold the spray bottle one to two feet away from the plastic. Spray the solution liberally and let it sit for two to three minutes. Then, rinse the plastic off with cold water and dry it with a cloth or paper towel. If the plastic is still faded, repeat the process. Instead of letting the solution sit, scrub it into the surface with a clean sponge.
This method is suitable for vinyl plastic, which is commonly used for exterior siding, car mats, computer cases, and gym mats. However, do not use this method to clean vinyl records.
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Hydrogen peroxide
To start, you will need to purchase 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. This can be poured into a container, and the plastic item can be soaked in the solution. It is important to ensure that the plastic is fully submerged and covered by the liquid. If you are doing this inside, it is recommended to cover the container airtight and lock it in a room, such as a bathroom. This is because, while the solution may not smell bad, it can be dangerous to children and pets if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin.
After a few hours, remove the plastic from the solution and turn it over to ensure that all sides are treated. Place the item back in the solution and leave it to soak in the sunlight. A sunny day is preferable, but if that is not possible, an alternative is to use a UV lamp indoors. The UV light is important as it reacts with the hydrogen peroxide to remove the yellowing.
You can also make a RetroBright gel with hydrogen peroxide, which can be more cost-effective as the same gel can be reused in the future. However, this requires additional ingredients such as xanthan gum and glycerine, and the gel should not be allowed to dry up as it will cause irreversible bleaching.
After the plastic has soaked in the solution or gel for a few days, scrub the item with a brush to remove any remaining stains. Rinse and dry the plastic, and it should be good as new!
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Linseed oil and mineral spirits
To restore faded and scratched plastics, a blend of boiled linseed oil and paint thinner can be used. This method has been tried and tested on various plastic surfaces, including the textured black exterior trim of a 2001 van and barbecue knobs.
The linseed oil and mineral spirits mixture is a 60-40 blend of boiled linseed oil and low-odour mineral spirits (paint thinner). It is applied by rubbing it onto the plastic surface with a rag. After about a minute, the solution is buffed off with another rag, revealing spectacular results. The colour of the plastic is restored, and the solution is easy to apply and polish, with a pleasant odour.
It is important to note that linseed oil may cause light-coloured plastics to yellow over time. Additionally, while heat guns and linseed oil are sometimes used as shortcuts, they can occasionally worsen the appearance of plastics. Sanding is a more time-consuming but effective alternative for achieving the best results.
When using the linseed oil and paint thinner method, it is recommended to use plain paint thinner with mineral spirits. Acetone should be avoided as it can dissolve plastic.
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