Maya Ellison
There are several ways to shine dull ATV plastics. One method involves sanding the plastic with grit sandpaper, starting with a lower number and working up to the highest, then using a liquid rubbing compound and wax before buffing it out. Other methods include using tire shine, WD-40, linseed oil, or specific products like Maxima SC-1, Cover-All, Holloway House Quick Shine, or Black Magic tire spray.
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What You'll Learn
Sanding and buffing
Step 1: Identify the Type of Plastic
Before starting the sanding and buffing process, it is important to identify the type of plastic you are working with. Different types of plastics may require specific polishing products and techniques.
Step 2: Clean and Dry the Surface
Ensure that the surface of the ATV plastic is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to clean the plastic. It is important to remove any dirt, grease, or debris from the surface before sanding and buffing.
Step 3: Select the Appropriate Sandpaper Grit
The grit of the sandpaper you choose will depend on the severity of scratches and the roughness of the plastic surface. For deep scratches and severe imperfections, start with a coarse grit sandpaper, such as 120 or 180 grit. Then, progress to finer grits like 220, 400, and 600 grit to smooth out the surface. Use water with the finer grit sandpaper to reduce particle clogging and minimize heat buildup during the sanding process.
Step 4: Sand the Surface
When sanding, use irregular circular motions to avoid producing deep scratches. A flexible sanding sponge, sanding foam block, or sanding pad can help you uniformly sand the surface and conform to the shape of the plastic. Start by sanding only the badly scratched areas with the coarse grit sandpaper to remove deep scratches. Then, progress to the finer grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface until the scratches are gone and the colour is even. Continue using finer grit sandpaper until the surface feels smooth and any resistance between the sandpaper and plastic is eliminated.
Step 5: Buffing
Once you have sanded the surface and removed all visible scratches, it's time to buff the plastic to a shine. You can use a buffer or a mother's ball for this step, along with a rubbing compound and wax. Plastic requires more effort to buff to a shine compared to paint, so be prepared to apply some pressure.
Step 6: Final Inspection
After buffing, dry off the ATV plastic and inspect the surface. Ensure that all scratches have been removed and the desired level of shine has been achieved. If necessary, repeat the buffing process or use a fine scratch remover to address any remaining imperfections.
It is important to note that this process may vary depending on the specific type of ATV plastic and the severity of the dullness or scratches. Always take your time and follow the recommended procedures for your particular ATV model and plastic type.
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Tire shine
There are several ways to shine your ATV tires. One way is to use a tire shine product. Some popular products include Opti-bond, Perl, and 303 protectant. You can also make your own tire shine solution at home by combining castor oil, alcohol, auto shampoo, and water. Another option is to use baby oil mixed with water and automotive shampoo.
When applying tire shine, it is important to start with clean, dry tires. You can use a cleaner like Nonsense All Purpose Cleaner and a stiff-bristled brush like the Big Blue Stiffy Heavy Duty Tire Brush to scrub away any dirt, grime, and old product residue. After cleaning, you can apply the tire shine product or solution with a sponge, foam brush, or microfiber towel. It is recommended to use thin, even coats and to layer the product to achieve the desired level of shine.
Some people prefer to use a paintbrush to apply tire shine, as it allows for more control and helps to avoid wasting product. Others use a specialized applicator like the Adam's Hex Grip or the Easy Grip Hex-Logic Applicator, which ensures an even application and a flawless finish.
In addition to enhancing the appearance of your tires, regular tire care and the use of protectants can also boost durability and performance by shielding tires from cracking and protecting against harmful UV damage.
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Linseed oil
Several methods can be used to shine dull ATV plastics, including sanding and buffing, using tire shine products, WD-40, or linseed oil. While linseed oil is not a permanent solution and may not be as effective as other methods, it can help restore some colour to dull plastics and improve the appearance of faded plastics.
To use linseed oil on dull ATV plastics, you will need to mix it with paint thinner and apply it to the plastic surface. The recommended ratio for this mixture is 60/40 linseed oil to paint thinner. Be sure to use a paint thinner that uses mineral spirits, as acetone-based thinners can dissolve plastic. You can experiment with different types of paint thinners to find the best option.
Before applying the linseed oil mixture, clean the plastic surface thoroughly to remove any dirt or oxidation. You can use fine steel wool or sandpaper to blend out any scratches and create an even surface. Then, apply the linseed oil mixture to the plastic and leave it for about 5-10 minutes. Finally, wash and polish the plastic to achieve a shiny finish.
It is important to note that linseed oil may not provide the desired results and could make the plastic look oily. It is also important to test the mixture on a small area first to ensure it does not damage the plastic. For more permanent and effective solutions, consider sanding and buffing the plastic or using specialised plastic restore products available at motorcycle shops.
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Waxing
To shine dull ATV plastics, you can use wax. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, completely clean your ATV, removing all dirt, grease, and old wax. You can use a product like Dawn dishwashing fluid or a degreaser like Mean Green, and a cloth or sponge to wipe down the vehicle.
Next, you need to address any deep scratches. To do this, gently sand out the scratches with ultra-fine sandpaper (180-grit for deep scratches, and 220-grit for the whole bike). You can then use 0000 steel wool to further smooth out the surface. Your plastic will likely look worse at this point, but don't worry. Remove all the sanding dust and then clean and dry the plastic.
Now, you can apply wax. Using a small, clean wax applicator or a small terry cloth towel, start applying an acrylic floor restorer like Holloway House Quick Shine. You will likely need to apply several coats (around 8), as the product dries quickly. You can use a heat gun to speed up the drying process.
After the third or fourth coat, you will start to see an improvement. Once you are happy with the shine, let the finish dry completely (20-30 minutes). Then, wax the entire surface with a high-quality car wax (cleaner wax). This will enhance the shine and increase the colour depth.
Other products that can be used to shine ATV plastics include WD-40, linseed oil, and plastic restorers like Solution Finish and CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer.
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Spray paint
If you wish to proceed with spray paint, the first step is to clean the ATV thoroughly, removing all dirt, oil, and wax. Next, use ultra-fine sandpaper to gently sand out any deep scratches, followed by 0000 steel wool to smoothen the surface. This process will likely leave the plastic looking worse, but it is necessary to create a smooth base for the spray paint. Ensure you remove all the sanding dust and thoroughly clean and dry the plastic.
At this point, you can start applying the spray paint. It is recommended to use a small clean wax applicator or a small terry cloth towel to apply the paint in straight lines on the plastic. You may need to apply several coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. The product dries quickly, so you can apply multiple coats in a short time. If desired, you can use a heat gun to speed up the drying process.
After applying the spray paint, you may wish to finish with a coat of wax to enhance the shine and protect the paint. It is important to test the spray paint on a small area first to ensure it reacts well with the plastic and achieves the desired result.
Additionally, consider using a silicone-based spray, such as silicone lube, or a product like Maxima SC1 High Gloss Coating, which is specifically designed to add shine to plastics. These products can be sprayed all over the ATV and left to absorb, enhancing the shine and making it easier to clean.
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Frequently asked questions
Using a silicone-based, detailing dressing designed for rubber and plastic/vinyl can help shine dull ATV plastics. Products like WD-40, Armor All, Black Magic Tire Spray, and tire shine can be applied to a rag and wiped onto the plastic.
Yes, a mixture of boiled linseed oil and liquid wax can be applied to the plastic using a dry cloth. This will remove the oxidization that causes fading.
First, clean your ATV thoroughly, removing any parts covering the plastics. Next, sand the plastic with fine sandpaper, working from the lowest to the highest grit. Then, apply a liquid wax to the plastic using a car wax applicator. Finish with an automotive wax for an extra layer of sheen.
Products like Holloway House Quick Shine, Maxima SC-1, Cover-All, and Lemon Pledge can be used to shine ATV plastics.
