Alexei Volkov
Plastic is a synthetic material with a lot of oils within it, and these oils give the plastic its colour and shine. The sun, specifically ultraviolet (UV) rays, is the biggest enemy of plastic, as the rays dry out the oils, causing the material to lose colour and become brittle. This damage can be mitigated by regularly washing and polishing plastic items, and storing them properly. To restore UV-damaged plastic, the first step is to assess the extent of the damage and clean the plastic. Then, a plastic conditioner can be applied to the affected area, and buffed with a microfiber cloth. If the plastic has scratches, a plastic buffing product can be used to buff out the scratches. Finally, to protect the plastic from further damage, a coating of an advanced ceramic shield can be applied.
How to restore UV-damaged plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Regularly treat plastic with commercial conditioning products to prevent UV damage |
| Cleaning | Wash the surface with warm water and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and debris |
| Cleaning products | Use a mixture of liquid laundry detergent and warm water for tough stains |
| Restoration products | Plastic conditioners, restoration kits, buffing products, hydrogen peroxide, and polytrol |
| Restoration application | Squeeze a coin-sized drop of conditioner onto the plastic and buff in a circular motion with a microfiber cloth |
| Protection | Apply an advanced ceramic shield coating to prevent sun damage and prolong the appearance |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic surface
To restore UV-damaged plastic, it is important to first clean the plastic surface thoroughly. Dirt, debris, and residues can interfere with the application and absorption of cleaning and restoration products.
Begin by giving the plastic a thorough wash with lukewarm water and a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. If the plastic is very dirty, or if you are dealing with tough stains, create a mixture of 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of liquid laundry detergent and 16 fl oz (470 mL) of warm water. Use this mixture to wipe down the plastic surface.
Once the plastic surface is clean, dry it thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth. Make sure the surface is completely dry before continuing. You can let the plastic air-dry, but be aware that the longer you wait, the more dust and debris will settle on the surface.
If you are dealing with particularly stubborn grease stains, apply an all-purpose cleaner to the affected areas. For more extensive sun damage, you can use sandpaper to gently roughen the surface, which will help paint adhere to the plastic. Be very gentle when using sandpaper to avoid scratching the plastic.
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Apply a plastic conditioner
To restore UV-damaged plastic, you can apply a plastic conditioner. This can help to reverse any damage caused by UV light.
First, wash the surface with warm water and a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt and debris. If the plastic is very dirty, you can use a mixture of liquid laundry detergent and warm water to clean it. Dry the surface fully with a clean microfiber cloth before applying the conditioner.
Purchase a specialised plastic conditioning product. Place a coin-sized drop of conditioner onto the plastic. This should be enough to cover about half of a car's dashboard or any smaller surface. Use more conditioner as needed to cover the damaged area completely. You can order conditioner online or find it at home improvement or auto parts stores.
Buff the plastic in a circular motion with a clean, soft microfiber cloth. Wipe the cloth in a circular motion until the conditioner is no longer visible on the plastic. If you are worried about discolouring the plastic, test the conditioner in an inconspicuous spot.
Wipe up any excess conditioner after it dries. If the conditioner has pooled and appears to have no effect, repeated applications probably will not be enough to restore the plastic.
You can also use a plastic buffing product to address any scratches. Sun damage can leave behind cracks, so be sure to carefully inspect the plastic for any scratches or cracks. Get a buffing product designed for plastic and place a coin-sized amount on a cloth rag. Buff the scratch out using circular motions. Always wipe using circular motions, as scrubbing the area can wear down the plastic.
Wipe off the buffing product with a microfiber cloth. Remove all the product before continuing so it does not continue to abrade the plastic.
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Buff out scratches
To restore UV-damaged plastic, you must first clean the plastic surface with a damp cloth, rubbing in a circular motion around the scratch. Then, dry the area to remove any dirt. Apply a mild abrasive, such as toothpaste, furniture polish, baking soda, or plastic polish to the scratch. You can also try a plastic polish kit or a commercially available headlight restoration kit.
If you are specifically looking to buff out scratches, follow the steps below:
- Clean the area with a fresh cloth and dry it.
- Get a buffing product designed for plastic and place a coin-sized amount on a cloth rag.
- Buff the scratch out using circular motions. Be careful not to scrub the area, as this will wear down the plastic.
- Keep buffing until the scratch vanishes, but don't be too forceful.
- Review the area you have treated. If you can still see the scratch, repeat the process with a finer level of sandpaper.
- Finish by polishing the area, along with the rest of the surface, to make it blend in and look as good as new.
If a scratch is too deep, it may not be possible to remove it. To prevent scratches and UV damage, consider applying a coating of an advanced ceramic shield, such as IGL Coating's Ecocoat Trim, which seals and protects plastics.
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Use a ceramic coating
Plastic is a synthetic material with a lot of oils within it; these oils give the plastic its colour and shine. The sun, specifically ultraviolet rays, dries out the oils in the plastic and damages the material at a molecular level, making it difficult to restore.
To prevent sun damage and prolong the deep black appearance of plastic, an advanced ceramic shield covering can be applied. This is sprayed on, polished into the surface, and left to dry.
A ceramic coating, such as IGL Coating's Ecocoat Trim, can seal and protect plastic. It forms a strong chemical bond that crosslinks on the surface, restoring and protecting plastic surfaces against UV damage and fading for up to 2 years. It is also easy to apply, as it is colourless, making oversprays almost invisible.
Other ceramic coating products such as CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit are known for their durability, lasting up to a year with consistent use, even in diverse climates.
It is important to note that while ceramic coatings can help protect and restore plastic, they are not a permanent fix. Reapplication may be required every few months, especially in areas with intense sunlight.
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Repaint the plastic
If your plastic items are damaged by UV rays, repainting them can be a good way to restore their appearance. Before repainting, it's important to clean the plastic thoroughly to ensure that the paint adheres well. Use lukewarm water and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the plastic, removing any dirt, dust, or debris. If the plastic is very dirty, you can use a mixture of liquid laundry detergent and warm water. Make sure to dry the surface completely before painting.
When choosing paint for your plastic items, look for options that offer UV protection to help prevent further sun damage. There are many spray paint options available that provide a matte black finish, which is a popular choice for restoring car trim. If you're repainting car parts, it's best to remove the pieces and panels you want to paint to avoid the need for masking tape, which can be time-consuming. Ensure everything is clean and dry before you start painting and lay down protective covering to avoid making a mess.
If you're looking for a more durable solution, consider using a ceramic coating like IGL Ecocoat Trim, which offers enhanced longevity and resistance to UV damage. These coatings can protect your plastic items for up to two years and are easy to apply. However, keep in mind that repainting or using coatings may not be a permanent fix, and reapplication may be necessary, especially in harsh weather conditions.
Additionally, if you're dealing with plastic trim that has yellowed due to UV exposure, you can try using Retr0bright, an open-source formula that reverses UV discoloration in ABS plastic. Simply apply it with a paintbrush, expose the plastic to UV light, and then clean off the Retr0bright after it dries.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by washing the surface with warm water and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and debris. If the plastic is very dirty, use a mixture of liquid laundry detergent and warm water. Then, purchase a specialised plastic conditioning product and place a coin-sized drop of conditioner onto the cloth. Buff the plastic in a circular motion and wipe up the excess conditioner after it dries.
UV rays can cause plastic to fade, discolour, become brittle, and lose its structural integrity.
You can protect plastic from UV damage by applying a coating of an advanced ceramic shield. You can also keep plastic clean with regular washes, polishes, and proper storage.
You can use a plastic conditioner or a plastic restoration kit. For more severe damage, hydrogen peroxide can be used on white or grey products. If all else fails, you can repaint the plastic.
