Sofia Martinez
White ATVs are beautiful when they're clean and shiny, but dirt and discolouration can be a problem. Fortunately, there are several ways to restore white ATV plastic. Firstly, you should clean the ATV thoroughly, removing mud, dirt, and grease. Next, you can use a plastic restoration formula, linseed oil, or a sealant to restore shine and protective properties. You can also sand and buff the plastic, and then apply wax. Finally, you can use a heat gun to work out small cracks, or cover the plastic with spray paint.
How to restore white ATV plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Remove mud and dirt |
| Cleaning products | Dawn dishwashing liquid, WD-40, Magic Eraser, bleach-based chemical cleaners, paint thinner |
| Restoration products | Linseed oil, plastic restoration formula, Torque plastic restore, car wax, Turtle wax, Mothers, Maguires, 3M medium compound wax |
| Tools | Bucket of water, grit sandpaper, liquid rubbing compound, liquid wax, 10-inch buffer, pneumatic drill, car wax applicators, fine sandpaper, oscillating device, steel wool, heat gun |
| Protection | Sealants, high-quality automotive wax |
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$22.66 $26.43
What You'll Learn
Clean the ATV with dish soap and water
To restore white ATV plastic, the first step is to clean the ATV with dish soap and water.
Before you begin, allow your engine and exhaust to cool down. Choose an open washing location that can get messy. You don't want to be washing your ATV in an enclosed space.
Mix a mild automotive detergent and water in a bucket. You can use liquid dish soap or an automotive detergent. Use a sponge to wipe oily and grimy buildup off your ATV's surface. You can also use a brush with thick bristles to scrub off resistant buildup. However, be careful when selecting your brush, as some brushes might scratch painted or plastic surfaces.
After wiping down your ATV's frame and seat, finish by scouring the wheels and tires. You can use a pressure washer to speed up the cleaning process and get into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. However, be cautious as a pressure washer can rip the graphics off plastic and tear a hole in the seat.
Once you're done, dry your ATV with a lint-free towel and/or air. Wipe off excess water from exterior surfaces. You can use an air compressor or a leaf blower to dry places that are hard to reach with a towel.
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Sand the plastic with sandpaper
Sanding is an important step in the process of restoring white ATV plastic. It helps to remove scratches and prepare the surface for further treatment. When sanding plastic, it is essential to use fine-grit sandpaper and gradually work your way up from lower to higher grits. Start with a lower grit, such as 180 or 220, and progress to higher grits like 600 and 1000. This gradual approach ensures a smooth finish and avoids creating deeper scratches.
It is recommended to have a bucket of water handy during the sanding process. Wet sanding can be more effective in reducing scratches and creating an even finish. Keep the sandpaper and surface wet during the process. Take your time and be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can result in uneven sanding or gouges in the plastic.
The sanding process can be time-consuming, especially if the plastic has extensive damage or scratches. It may take several hours to properly sand the entire ATV plastic surface. Be prepared for this step to take a significant amount of time, especially if you are aiming for a high-quality finish.
After sanding, it is essential to wipe down the surface with a dry rag to remove any dust or residue. This ensures that the surface is clean and ready for the next steps in the restoration process, such as applying a compound or wax.
Some people also recommend using an oscillating device to speed up the sanding process. However, it is crucial to wear safety gloves when using such tools to protect your hands from injury. Fine-grit sandpaper and a careful approach are still essential, even when using power tools, to avoid damaging the plastic surface.
Once the sanding is complete and the surface is thoroughly wiped down, you can move on to the next steps in restoring the white ATV plastic, such as applying a compound, wax, or paint to achieve the desired finish.
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Use linseed oil to remove oxidization
Linseed oil is an effective remedy for removing oxidization from ATV plastic. It is a simple, homemade solution that can restore the plastic's appearance. Firstly, you will need to gain good access to the ATV's plastics, so remove the skid plates and racks. If they are severely damaged, you may need to replace them.
Next, you will need to prepare the linseed oil mixture. A 60-40 blend of boiled linseed oil and low-odour mineral spirits (paint thinner) is recommended. Linseed oil can be used on its own, but it may bring back some colour to dull plastics without addressing deeper discolouration. The paint thinner helps to remove the oxidization causing fading. Pour the mixture onto a clean, white cloth and rub it onto the plastic. Allow the mixture a full day to dry. If your ATV is kept covered and not used daily, this treatment can last for a few months. However, if your ATV is used outdoors frequently, the treatment may need to be reapplied every 4-6 weeks.
Although linseed oil is an effective solution, it is not permanent. The treatment will need to be repeated over time to maintain the appearance of the plastic as the linseed oil wears off. Additionally, in time, linseed oil may cause yellowing on light-coloured plastics. Therefore, it is recommended to use this treatment on darker plastics.
Linseed oil is a simple and cost-effective way to restore ATV plastic. However, it is important to note that it is not a perfect solution and may not produce long-lasting results. For a more permanent solution, other methods such as sanding or using a heat gun may be more effective.
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Wax the plastic
To restore white ATV plastic, you must first clean the plastic. After cleaning, you can apply wax to the plastic to protect it and make it shine.
Waxing the plastic on your ATV will help protect it from scratches and make it easier to clean. There are many wax products available for ATVs, and some people even use furniture polish. You can wax by hand or use a powered buffer.
First, ensure the plastic is clean and dry. Then, using a small clean wax applicator or a small terry cloth towel, start applying the wax. You can use a product like Holloway House Quick Shine, which is an acrylic floor restorer that creates a tough, shiny finish. You should plan on applying several coats. The product dries quickly, so by the time you finish applying one coat, it will be time to apply another. You can use a heat gun to speed up the drying process.
Some wax products that people have used on their ATVs include:
- Turtle Wax
- Mothers
- Maguires
- ICE Wax
- Adams Super VRT
- Maxima SC-1 Clearcoat
- Meguiar's NXT 2.0 Wax
If you want to avoid waxing, you can try a spray-on product like Black Magic Tire Spray or Armor All.
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Apply a plastic sealant
To restore white ATV plastic, it is important to apply a plastic sealant. Firstly, you must ensure that your ATV is thoroughly cleaned and dried. This is an important step to ensure that the sealant will stick to the surface. It is also important to read the product instructions carefully to ensure that you get the finish you want.
Once your ATV is clean and dry, you can apply the sealant spray to all the plastic parts you want to protect. You should then leave the sealer to sit for a few minutes. The final step is to buff the treated areas with a dry rag or a microfibre cloth to remove any excess spray and bring your ATV's plastic surfaces to a shine.
It is important to note that you should not use polish or sealant on your ATV's seat as it will make it slippery and dangerous. Instead, use a degreaser to clean and protect your seat, ensuring it is compatible with vinyl.
A good-quality sealant will help to keep your ATV's plastic in pristine condition. These sealants are hydrophobic, meaning that water and mud will slide right off them. Sealants will wear away over time, so it is important to use them often and clean your ATV afterward.
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Frequently asked questions
First, clean your ATV with a grease-cutting dish soap like Dawn. If you have scratches, sand the plastic with sandpaper, working your way up from a lower to a higher grit. Then, apply a boiled linseed oil and paint thinner mixture to the plastic with a dry cloth to remove oxidation. Allow it to dry for a full day. Finally, apply a high-quality automotive wax and buff it out.
Try using a high-quality sealant to keep your ATV plastic in pristine condition. Sealants are hydrophobic, meaning that water will slide right off them.
You can use a plastic restoration formula, or products like Torque Plastic Restore, SC1, 303 Aerospace, Lemon Pledge, or Solution Finish. You can also try household products like WD-40, bleach, or peanut butter, but these may not be as effective and may damage the plastic over time.
Use a heat gun to work out small cracks in the plastic. You can also use a heat gun or blow torch to brighten discoloured plastic, but this will make the plastic more brittle over time.
Wet sand the plastic with grit sandpaper, then buff it out with a buffer. Finally, wipe it down with a dry rag.
