Chloe Zhang
Sunlight is the arch-nemesis of plastic, slowly but surely drying out the oils in plastic and damaging it at a molecular level. This results in the plastic losing its colour and shine, and becoming brittle. The good news is that there are ways to restore sun-faded plastics, ranging from DIY fixes to professional-grade solutions. The restoration process depends on the type of plastic and the extent of sun damage. For instance, a diluted mix of bleach, mild detergent, and water can be used to clean and brighten soft outdoor plastics like chairs, while a heat gun can be used to restore discoloured car headlights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of sun damage to plastics | Sunlight, specifically ultraviolet (UV) rays, dries out the oils in plastic and damages the material at a molecular level. |
| Effect of sun damage on plastics | Plastic becomes faded, discolored, brittle, and loses its structural integrity. |
| Prevention of sun damage | Regularly treat plastic items with commercial conditioning products. |
| Restoration methods for sun-damaged plastics | - Hydrogen peroxide cream: brush an even layer of 12% hydrogen peroxide cream over the faded area, seal the item in a clear plastic bag, and place it in direct sunlight until the color is restored. - Soapy water and sandpaper: use soapy water and 150-grit sandpaper to gently scrub the surface in a circular motion, then repeat with 220-grit sandpaper before rinsing. - Heat gun: use on a low setting, holding it 4-6 inches away from the plastic and moving it in small sections until the color is restored. - Bleach, detergent, and water: mix 1/3 cup liquid laundry detergent, 2/3 cup all-purpose cleaner, 1 quart bleach, and 1 gallon of water, apply to the discolored area, and rinse after a few minutes. - Paint thinner: removes old layers of polish or grease. - Professional-grade restorers: silicone-free formulas penetrate deep into the plastic and offer long-lasting restoration, but may be more expensive and require gloves during application. - Peanut butter and ceramic coating: clean the plastic, apply peanut butter, and then a ceramic coating like IGL Ecocoat Trim to seal and protect against UV damage. |
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What You'll Learn
- Use hydrogen peroxide to reverse sun damage on white or grey plastic
- Employ a heat gun to melt away discolouration
- Clean with soapy water and sandpaper to restore hard plastic
- Bleach, detergent and water can clean and brighten soft outdoor plastics
- Apply a professional-grade restorer with a silicone-free formula
Use hydrogen peroxide to reverse sun damage on white or grey plastic
Sun damage can cause plastic to crack and lose its colour. To restore sun-damaged plastic, you can use hydrogen peroxide, but only on white or grey products.
Prepare the Plastic
First, wash and dry the plastic surface. Dampen a microfiber cloth with lukewarm water and wipe down the plastic to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may interfere with the cleaning products.
Next, tape off or cover any coloured areas with clear or masking tape to protect them. Hydrogen peroxide is only effective for restoring white or grey plastic, so take care to shield any coloured sections you wish to preserve.
Apply the Hydrogen Peroxide
Use a 12% hydrogen peroxide cream instead of the liquid variety, which can be found in hair colouring kits or purchased at hair salons. Paint the cream over the faded or discoloured area, using a paintbrush, foam brush, or even an old toothbrush to apply an even layer.
Seal and Expose to Sunlight
Seal the item in a clear plastic bag to prevent the cream from drying out. Place the bag outdoors in direct sunlight, but avoid hot surfaces such as asphalt. Check on the item every hour, rotating it so that the sunlight hits the discoloured area evenly.
Rinse and Repeat
After 3-4 hours, remove the item from the sun and rinse off the cream with a damp rag before it dries. If the desired colour has not been restored, repeat the process, ensuring the cream does not dry out.
Other Methods
In addition to hydrogen peroxide, there are other methods to restore sun-faded plastic. These include using a plastic conditioning product, repainting the plastic, or using a plastic buffing product to address scratches and cracks. For hard plastics, you can use soapy water and sandpaper to restore the surface. For softer plastics, a mixture of detergent, cleaner, and bleach can be effective.
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Employ a heat gun to melt away discolouration
Restoring sun-faded plastics can be done in several ways, one of which is using a heat gun. This method is particularly useful for vehicle owners dealing with faded, discoloured, or ageing plastic trims. The heat gun treatment is an affordable and user-friendly way to revive the appearance of exterior plastic parts like bumpers, mirrors, and mouldings that are constantly exposed to harsh conditions.
To begin, it is important to note that if you have never worked with a heat gun before, this project may not be suitable for beginners. The heat gun method involves increasing the heat on the plastic surface, which can draw out oils from beneath to the surface. This process helps restore the plastic's appearance. Before starting, ensure that you protect any painted surfaces surrounding the plastic with masking tape. Cover a radius of 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) around the plastic to avoid damaging any paintwork.
Now, plug in your heat gun and set it to the lowest heat setting. Hold the heat gun 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) away from the plastic surface. Pull the trigger to activate the heat and move the heat gun back and forth in small sections. Shake the nozzle in a back-and-forth motion to ensure even heating. Continue this process until the faded plastic returns to its original colour.
The heat from the gun will melt away the discoloured layer on the plastic's exterior. Since this outer layer is worn down, it will melt at a lower temperature than the unblemished plastic beneath. Keep in mind that this method is most effective on vehicles, where discolouration is typically a combination of dirt and sun damage.
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Clean with soapy water and sandpaper to restore hard plastic
To restore sun-faded hard plastic, you can use soapy water and sandpaper. This method is suitable for hard plastics that haven't been painted. Start by filling a bucket with soap and water. Then, take a sheet of 150-grit sandpaper and dip it into the soapy water. Rub the surface of the plastic in a circular motion, covering each faded area 5-6 times.
Next, move on to a finer grit sandpaper, such as 220-grit, to repeat the process. Again, rub the sandpaper in a circular motion over each section 5-6 times. Finally, rinse the surface with clean water. You can continue using finer grit sandpaper if there are any remaining scratch marks.
Before using sandpaper, it is important to clean the plastic surface. Mix a few drops of dishwashing soap or a gentle detergent in a cup of warm water. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and lightly scrub the surface, removing as much dirt and debris as possible. Once the surface is clean, rinse it with clean water and dry it with a soft towel or microfiber cloth.
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Bleach, detergent and water can clean and brighten soft outdoor plastics
Bleach, detergent, and water can be used to clean and brighten soft outdoor plastics. However, it is important to exercise caution when using bleach on plastics. Bleach should be diluted with water and tested on a small area first, as undiluted bleach can damage soft plastics and alter the original colour.
To clean and brighten soft outdoor plastics, mix one-third of a cup of liquid laundry detergent with two-thirds of a cup of all-purpose household cleaner. Then, add one quart of bleach and one gallon of water. It is important to wear thick rubber gloves and protective goggles when handling these chemicals. Mix the ingredients together and pour them into a spray bottle. Take the plastic item outside and spray the discoloured area. Allow the solution to soak for 2-3 minutes, then rinse the area with cold water. Finally, wash the plastic item thoroughly with soap and water to remove any remaining chemicals.
This method is suitable for plastics that have been exposed to sunlight and have become dull or discoloured. It is important to note that bleach should not be used on coloured plastics as it may alter the original colour. Regular cleaning and storing plastic items away from direct sunlight can help prevent fading and discolouration.
Another method to restore faded plastic is to use a diluted mix of bleach and water. Apply this mixture to the plastic and let it soak overnight. Rinse off the bleach and leave the plastic item in the sun for two days. This method may require multiple applications to achieve the desired results.
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Apply a professional-grade restorer with a silicone-free formula
Sun-faded plastics can be restored using a variety of methods, ranging from DIY fixes to professional-grade solutions. While some methods involve the use of household items like vinegar, detergent, and sandpaper, professional-grade restorers offer a more effective and long-lasting solution.
One such option is a professional-grade restorer with a silicone-free formula. This type of product is designed to penetrate deep into the plastic, providing a more durable and thorough restoration. Unlike traditional trim restorers that use oils and silicones to mask the fading, silicone-free formulas offer a more permanent solution by restoring the plastic's original colour and shine.
When choosing a professional-grade restorer, look for a product specifically designed for plastic restoration, such as Shine Armor's Plastic Restorer for Polypropylene. This product is suitable for a wide range of polypropylene surfaces, including car bumpers, trim, mirrors, and other plastic parts. It is also effective on household items like outdoor furniture and toys.
To apply a professional-grade restorer with a silicone-free formula, follow these steps:
- Ensure the plastic surface is clean and dry. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning recommendations before applying the restorer.
- Apply a small amount of the restorer onto a clean, microfiber cloth.
- Gently rub the cloth onto the plastic surface using circular motions.
- Continue applying the restorer until the entire surface is covered, paying close attention to severely faded or oxidized areas.
- Allow the restorer to dry and penetrate the plastic.
- Repeat the application as needed to achieve the desired results.
By following these steps and using a professional-grade restorer with a silicone-free formula, you can effectively restore sun-faded plastics, bringing them back to life with enhanced shine and durability.
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Frequently asked questions
First, cover any coloured areas with tape. Then, brush an even layer of 12% hydrogen peroxide cream over the faded area. Seal the item in a plastic bag and place it outdoors under direct sunlight. Rotate the bag every hour until the colour is restored. Finally, rinse off the cream with a damp rag.
You can use soapy water and fine-grit sandpaper (150-220 grit) to gently scrub off the oxidized outer layer of rigid plastics. Alternatively, you can use a diluted mix of bleach, mild detergent, and water to clean and brighten soft outdoor plastics. Always wear gloves and test a small area first to avoid altering the original colour.
You can use a plastic buffing product to remove scratches caused by sun damage. You can also use a professional-grade restorer with a silicone-free formula, such as a ceramic-based trim restorer, for severely faded or oxidized black trim. Additionally, car owners can use products like IGL Ecocoat Trim to protect and restore exterior plastics.
