Ethan Clarke
Restoring the colour of plastic after sanding can be done in a variety of ways. The type of plastic and the extent of discolouration will determine the best method. For example, black plastic can be treated with olive oil to restore its colour. Alternatively, a heat gun can be used to restore colour, but this method is temporary and can damage the plastic if done incorrectly. Softer plastics can be treated with a diluted mix of bleach, detergent and water, but caution must be taken as bleach may alter the original colour of the plastic. For hard plastics, soapy water and sandpaper can be used to abrade the outer layer and restore colour.
Characteristics and Values Table for Restoring Plastic Colour
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sandpaper type | 150-grit, 220-grit, 320-grit, 400-grit, 600-grit |
| Sanding technique | Work on deeper scratches first, sand in one direction, keep the paper and plastic wet |
| Cleaning solutions | Soapy water, vinegar and water, bleach, mild detergent |
| Paint | Acrylic paint, hair cream with hydrogen peroxide, black paint |
| Other methods | Olive oil, baby oil, linseed oil, heat gun |
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What You'll Learn
Use soapy water and sandpaper to restore hard plastic
To restore the colour of hard plastic, you can use soapy water and sandpaper. This method is suitable for unpainted hard plastics such as storage bins, cutting boards, acrylic aquariums, and plastic furniture.
Firstly, 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. Next, grab a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper and repeat the process by rubbing it the same way. Cover every section 5-6 times before rinsing the surface off. If there are any remaining scratch marks, you can continue using a finer grit sandpaper.
It is important to ensure that your plastic is very clean before you begin. You can use warm soapy water and a towel to clean the plastic. It is also recommended to work on deeper scratches first, then move to the nicer parts. Keep the paper and plastic wet at all times to prevent the plastic from building up on the paper and causing scratches.
If your plastic has deep scratches, you may need to start with 320-grit sandpaper to smooth it out before moving on to the finer grits. You can also try using a buffing wheel or buffing paper to get a gleaming finish.
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Use a heat gun to restore discoloured plastic
Using a heat gun is an effective way to restore discoloured plastic. This method is especially useful for vehicle plastics, which typically fade due to sun exposure and dirt accumulation. The heat from the gun melts away the discoloured layer, revealing the original colour of the plastic underneath.
Before using a heat gun, it is important to prepare the plastic surface and the surrounding area. First, ensure the plastic surface is clean and free of any dirt or debris. If there are any old paint coatings on the plastic, these should be removed. Additionally, protect any adjacent areas that may be sensitive to heat by applying heat-resistant tape or protective sheets. This includes glass, metal, and other plastic surfaces. It is also crucial to prioritise safety by wearing heat-resistant gloves and safety goggles and ensuring the work area is well-ventilated.
When using the heat gun, start by adjusting it to a low setting, usually around 200°F (93°C). Hold the gun approximately 6-8 inches away from the plastic surface and apply heat to a small test area. Observe the reaction—the faded plastic should begin to darken. Once you've determined the correct temperature, you can proceed to apply heat to the rest of the plastic surface.
It is important to keep the heat gun moving and avoid holding it too close to the plastic, as excessive heat can cause melting, warping, or permanent damage. Continue treating small sections of the plastic until the entire surface has been restored. Once you have finished applying heat, allow the plastic to cool naturally.
After the plastic has cooled, you may notice some rough or uneven spots. To address these, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface and even it out. Remember to sand gently, aiming to smooth the surface rather than remove material.
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Use olive oil to restore black plastic
To restore the colour of black plastic, you can use olive oil. This method works best on car trims and bumpers, which are prone to fading and discolouration over time.
First, wash and dry the plastic. If the plastic is dirty, wash it with soap and warm water, then dry it off with a towel. This will help the plastic absorb the oil. Next, pour a coin-sized amount of olive oil onto a washcloth or paper towel. Rub the oil into the plastic, focusing on faded or discoloured areas. After a few minutes of rubbing, buff the plastic with a dry cloth to remove any excess oil.
If the olive oil does not restore the plastic to your desired level, you can try the process again, using more oil and directly targeting the stubborn areas. For severe fading or discolouration, you may need to resort to using black spray paint.
It is worth noting that olive oil may attract dirt and dust, and will need to be reapplied periodically, especially if the plastic is exposed to sunlight.
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Use hydrogen peroxide to restore plastic discoloured by bromine compounds
To restore plastic discoloured by bromine compounds, you can use hydrogen peroxide. This method is called Retr0Bright. It was discovered by chemistry enthusiasts who found that bromine, often used as a flame retardant in plastics, is the cause of plastic turning yellow or brown over time.
You can buy a ready-made creamy hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of hair developer or cream peroxide. Alternatively, you can make your own gel with a 10% hydrogen peroxide solution, xanthan gum, and glycerine. If you are making your own gel, you will need to coat the plastic evenly, ensuring that the gel does not dry up. You can do this by wrapping the coated plastic parts with cling wrap.
If you are using a ready-made solution, you will need to wear thick rubber gloves and place the plastic on a stable work surface with a towel underneath it. Dip a paintbrush with natural bristles into the peroxide cream and brush it directly onto the discoloured area. Continue applying the cream until there is a thick layer covering every discoloured section. This process can be used on any kind of plastic as long as it hasn't been painted.
The sunning process can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the severity of the yellowing. It is important to note that UV light plays a crucial role in the whitening process, so it is recommended to leave the treated parts in a sunny spot or under a UV lamp.
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Use bleach, detergent and water to clean and brighten soft outdoor plastics
To restore colour to plastic, you can use a combination of detergent, bleach, and water. This method is suitable for soft outdoor plastics.
Firstly, ensure your plastic is very clean. Use warm soapy water and towel dry. It is important to use a mild detergent to avoid damaging the plastic. Rinse with tap water, and then again with distilled water.
Next, prepare a bleach solution. Mix one part chlorine bleach with ten parts water. Apply this mixture to the plastic using a sponge or damp cloth. You can also use a spray bottle for larger surfaces. Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes.
Finally, rinse the plastic thoroughly with water to ensure no residue remains. Avoid exposing the plastic to sunlight immediately after cleaning, as this may cause discolouration.
For tougher plastics, you can use a combination of vinegar and water. Mix five cups of distilled vinegar with one gallon of hot water. Spray the solution onto the plastic and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Then, rinse with cold water and dry with a cloth or paper towel.
If the plastic is still discoloured, you can repeat the process and scrub the solution into the surface with a clean sponge. Alternatively, you can use a heat gun on its lowest setting, moving it back and forth about 4-6 inches away from the plastic.
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