Alexei Volkov
Oxidation is a common issue for UTV plastics, causing them to wear down and change colour over time. There are several methods to restore oxidized UTV plastics, ranging from household remedies to commercial products. A popular method is to use a heat gun or blow torch to melt the top layer of plastic, creating a smooth finish. However, this can make the plastic more brittle and weaken its structure. Other methods include using household products such as vinegar, soapy water, and sandpaper to scrub away oxidation, or commercial plastic restorers, linseed oil, and vinyl liquid wax. Painting the plastic with a spray paint suitable for plastic can also be an effective solution. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best approach may depend on the severity of the oxidation and the type of plastic involved.
Techniques to restore oxidized UTV plastics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean the plastic | Wash with full-strength cleaning products like Mr. Clean, or use soapy water and scrub with a sponge or magic eraser |
| Remove oxidation | Use sandpaper, vinegar, or a bleach solution |
| Reverse bromine discoloration | Use hydrogen peroxide |
| Restore shine | Use McGuires number 40 wipes, repeat 2-3 times |
| Protect from sun damage | Apply a product like Penetrol to form a protective layer |
| Restore color | Paint the plastic with spray paint specifically suitable for plastic |
| Restore with heat | Use a heat gun or blow torch on a low setting to melt the top layer of plastic; this will make the plastic look new but will also make it more brittle |
| Natural solutions | Apply natural products like peanut butter or linseed oil to restore shine and remove oxidation |
| Commercial products | Use dedicated plastic restorer products like SC1, WD40, Mother's Back to Black, or Armor All |
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What You'll Learn
Using linseed oil
Linseed oil can be used to restore oxidized UTV plastics. However, it is important to note that this method may not be the most effective or long-lasting solution. While linseed oil can help remove oxidation and bring back some colour to dull plastics, it may not produce optimal or permanent results.
To use linseed oil for plastic restoration, start by mixing it with a paint thinner. It is recommended to use a plain paint thinner with mineral spirits, and avoid acetone as it can dissolve plastic. The mixture ratio can be approximately 60% linseed oil and 40% paint thinner. Before applying the mixture, ensure the plastic surface is clean and free of grease or oils. Use a dry cloth to apply the mixture evenly to the plastic surfaces. Allow the mixture to dry for a full day. If your UTV is not used frequently or is kept covered, this treatment may last for several months. However, if the UTV is used outdoors regularly, the treatment may need to be repeated every 4 to 6 weeks.
It is worth mentioning that linseed oil takes a long time to dry, and boiled linseed oil is often preferred as it dries faster. Additionally, this method may not provide the desired level of restoration, and other treatments like sanding, liquid wax application, or dedicated plastic restorer products may be more effective and long-lasting.
While linseed oil can be a quick and easy solution for oxidized UTV plastics, it may not yield the best results. For more significant improvements, a more involved process, such as sanding and waxing, might be necessary. Nevertheless, linseed oil can be a temporary solution to enhance the appearance of faded plastics.
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Applying heat
To use the heat gun method, set the heat gun to a low setting and hold it a few inches above the oxidized plastic. The heat from the gun will melt the top layer of the plastic, removing oxidation and giving it a new appearance. However, it's crucial to be cautious as using a heat gun incorrectly can result in further damage to the plastic.
Another option is to use a blow torch, which can effectively brighten oxidized plastics. Similar to the heat gun, the blow torch method involves applying heat directly to the plastic surface, melting the top layer, and removing oxidation. However, it's important to exercise extreme caution when working with an open flame near plastics, as the risk of accidental fires or further damage is high.
While the heat gun and blow torch methods can provide a quick fix for oxidized plastics, they may not be suitable for long-term solutions due to the potential negative impact on the strength and durability of the plastic. It is recommended to explore other options, such as sanding, polishing, or using dedicated plastic restoration products, before resorting to applying heat.
It is worth noting that severe cracks in the plastic may necessitate replacement rather than restoration. Additionally, it is always recommended to test any restoration method on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause further damage or discolouration.
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Painting
Before painting, it is important to clean the plastics thoroughly. This can be done by using a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water to remove grease and oils. Alternatively, you can use a solution of detergent, household cleaner, and bleach. Make sure to wear protective gloves and goggles when handling bleach. After cleaning, dry the plastics with a microfiber cloth.
If the plastics have been previously painted, you may need to strip or sand the existing paint to create a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to. This can be done by using paint strippers, such as acetone or paint thinner, and scrubbing with a rag or metal sponge. Be careful not to remove any original paint that you want to keep.
Once the surface is prepared, you can apply the paint. Choose a spray paint that is specifically suitable for plastic. You may need to apply several coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. A fine-textured fender paint in a rattle can is recommended by some sources, as it can provide long-lasting results.
After painting, you can apply an automotive wax to add an extra layer of sheen and protection. This will help to prolong the life of the paint and keep the plastics looking their best.
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Cleaning with soapy water
Cleaning your UTV plastics with soapy water is a straightforward process. First, you'll want to gather your materials: soap, water, and a microfiber cloth. Mild soap is best, and you'll want to avoid paper towels, abrasive cleaners, or dry cloths, as these can damage the surface of your UTV.
Next, mix warm water with your soap and spray the soapy water onto the plastic surface. You can also use a cloth to apply the soapy water, ensuring you reach all the nooks and crannies. This step will effectively remove dirt, mud, dust, and sap that builds up on your UTV's plastic surfaces during off-road adventures.
After gently wiping away the debris, rinse the plastic by gently pouring or spraying water onto it. Avoid using circular motions when rinsing, as this can spread dirt around in circles, potentially causing scratches. Instead, use back-and-forth motions to push the dirt to the sides.
Finally, dry the plastic surface with a microfiber cloth. This step ensures that your UTV plastics are ready for their next adventure and helps prevent the buildup of dust or grime that can occur when surfaces are left damp.
While soapy water is an effective cleaner, you may also consider using a dedicated plastic restorer product or linseed oil to restore heavily oxidized plastics. These products can provide additional protection and make future cleaning easier.
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Using specialised products
Several specialised products can be used to restore oxidised UTV plastics. One option is to use a dedicated plastic restorer product, which can effectively remove oxidation and restore the plastic's appearance. These products typically contain chemicals that dissolve the oxidised layer of plastic, revealing a fresh layer underneath. While most of these products work well, they are essentially variations of other methods with slightly different chemical compositions.
Another specialised product that can be used is boiled linseed oil, which can be mixed with a paint thinner to remove oxidation and restore the plastic's appearance. To use this method, start by cleaning the UTV thoroughly, removing any racks or other parts covering the plastics. Mix boiled linseed oil with paint thinner in a 40/60 ratio, and apply the mixture to the plastics using a dry cloth. Allow the mixture to dry for a full day. This method can effectively remove oxidation and restore the plastic's appearance, but it may need to be repeated every 4-6 weeks for UTVs used outdoors.
Additionally, some people have found success using products like SC1, WD40, Mother's Back to Black, and Armour All. These products can be applied to the plastic and may help to restore its appearance. However, they may need to be reapplied periodically as they may not provide a permanent solution.
While not a specialised product, some people have suggested using a heat gun or blow torch to restore oxidised plastics. This method involves using a low-heat setting and blowing it a few inches above the problem area, melting the top layer of plastic. However, it is important to note that this method can make the plastic more brittle over time, reducing its strength. Therefore, it may be more suitable for working out small cracks rather than restoring oxidised plastics.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a dedicated plastic restorer product, or a mixture of linseed oil and paint thinner. Alternatively, you can use soapy water and sandpaper, or a combination of detergent, household cleaner, water, and bleach.
First, clean your UTV thoroughly, removing any parts that are covering the plastics. Mix the linseed oil with paint thinner in a 40/60 ratio and apply the mixture to the plastics using a dry cloth. Allow it a full day to dry.
Fill a bucket with soap and water, then dip 150-grit sandpaper into the soapy water and rub the surface in a circular motion. Cover every faded area 5-6 times. Then, use a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper and repeat the process. Finally, rinse the surface off.
Put on thick rubber gloves and protective goggles. Mix 1/3 cup of liquid laundry detergent with 2/3 cup of all-purpose household cleaner, then add 1 quart of bleach and 1 gallon of water. Mix the ingredients and add them to a spray bottle. Take your UTV outside and spray the discolored area. Let it soak for 2-3 minutes, then rinse the area with cold water. Finally, wash your UTV thoroughly with soap and water.
