Chloe Zhang
There are several methods to restore the sheen of plastic on quads, including commercial products, sanding and buffing, sanding and flame polishing, and rubbing on a mixture of paint thinner and boiled linseed oil. For example, PC Racing's Plastic Renew kit restores a shiny finish to all dyed plastics and OEM bodywork panels, but not painted finishes. To restore the sheen of plastic on quads, one can use commercial products, such as PC Racing's Plastic Renew kit, or opt for the heat treatment method, sanding and buffing, sanding and flame polishing, or rubbing a mixture of paint thinner and boiled linseed oil onto the surface.
Techniques to Unfade Plastic on Quads
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commercial products | PC Racing's Plastic Renew kit, Scotch Brite Polishing Pad kit, Back to Black by Mothers |
| Heat treatment | Using a heat gun |
| Sanding and buffing | Use sandpaper with soapy water, work from lower to higher grit sandpaper, finish with steel wool |
| Painting | Paint thinner and boiled linseed oil, automotive wax |
| Bleach solution | Vinegar and water, hydrogen peroxide |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding and buffing
First, it is important to practice on a small, disposable piece of plastic to get a feel for the process. When you are ready to begin, wash the quad plastic with soapy water and dry it completely. Next, grab some 150-grit sandpaper and dip it into the soapy water. Rub the surface in a circular motion, covering every faded area 5-6 times. Then, move on to 220-grit sandpaper and repeat the process. If there are any remaining scratch marks, continue using a finer grit sandpaper until they are gone.
Once the plastic is scratch-free, move on to 400 grit sandpaper. Sand at a 10-degree angle to the plastic, switching to 600 grit when the paper starts to slide easily. The 600 grit will remove the scratches left by the 400. You can then move on to 1200 or 1500 grit, or skip straight to 2000 grit, which can be used as a buffer.
Finally, buff the plastic with a buffing compound to achieve a smooth, shiny finish. You can use a variety of products as a buffing compound, including peanut butter or wax. However, be aware that paste wax may leave streak marks on smooth plastics.
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Flame polishing
The basic goal of flame polishing is to melt the surface layer of the plastic without burning it. The crisp, blue inner flame of the torch is ideal for polishing, but one must be cautious of the rest of the flame to avoid burning the plastic. The motion is quick and similar to brushing hair, and the more passes made with the torch, the higher the risk of burning the plastic. Burning is characterised by bubbling and black specs, and if this occurs, the damaged material must be sanded off, and the process must be restarted.
To flame polish plastic, first, remove any film or masking on the plastic surface, as these will burn and adhere to the sheet, ruining it. Then, wipe down the areas to be polished with a microfiber cloth to remove any debris. Place the plastic on a non-flammable surface, ensuring the plastic does not melt and pick up the texture of the underlying surface. Use a propane torch and move it quickly over the areas you want to polish. You will know the plastic has reached the appropriate melting point when it resembles a bead of water running across the material.
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Commercial products
Several commercial products on the market can help restore faded plastic on quads with professional-looking results and minimal effort. Before applying any commercial product, it is important to clean the surface thoroughly with soap and water, removing all dirt, dust, and oils. For best results, lightly sand the surface to improve adhesion.
- Meguiar's Ultimate Black: This product is designed to restore and maintain exterior plastic and rubber trim on vehicles. It provides a dark, glossy finish and includes UV protection to prevent future fading. It is easy to find in stores and simple to apply, but it may wear off in heavy rain or after a few car washes.
- Graphene VRT: Graphene VRT is a UV-resistant sealant that forms a protective barrier to block ultraviolet rays and help lock in colour and moisture. It is ideal for car trim, outdoor furniture, and plastic decor. It should be applied with a microfiber cloth on clean, dry surfaces and reapplied every few months, depending on exposure and product instructions.
- 303 Aerospace Protectant: Similar to Graphene VRT, 303 Aerospace Protectant is a UV-resistant sealant that protects plastic from ultraviolet rays and helps maintain colour and moisture. It is also suitable for car trim, outdoor furniture, and plastic decor.
- Adam's VRT - Vinyl, Rubber, & Trim Dressing: This product provides a temporary solution to dress faded trim, giving it a clean, factory-like appearance. It is not a permanent solution but offers enhanced durability and water-repelling behaviour, leaving a dark satin finish.
- Adam's Black Trim Restorer: This solvent-based product restores pigment to plastic trim, penetrating the plastic and creating a UV blocker once fully dried. It is important to clean the plastic thoroughly and prep the surface before applying this product.
- PC Racing's Plastic Renew: This product is designed to restore faded spots on ATVs and motorcycles. While it may not be suitable for restoring an entire vehicle, it can effectively freshen up faded areas.
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Heat treatment
To perform this treatment, hold the heat gun or torch about 3 inches away from the plastic on a high-heat setting. Keep the tool in constant motion, moving it along the plastic's surface as if you were airbrushing or spray painting. Be careful not to stay in one place for too long, as this could damage the plastic. It is also important to wear cotton gloves during this process to protect your hands from the heat.
The heat treatment method works by heating the plastic up to its glass-transition temperature, which causes the crystal structure of the molecules to break down and allows them to move around again. This process fills in the minute pits and scratches that cause the surface of the plastic to appear cloudy and faded. By breaking down and allowing the molecules to move, the heat treatment restores the plastic's original colour and shine.
While heat treatment can be an effective way to restore faded plastic, it is important to note that it may not be a long-lasting solution. The treatment can make the plastic more brittle, increasing the chances of it cracking or breaking over time. Additionally, the heat can also damage nearby parts, so it is important to remove the plastic trim before treating it with heat. For these reasons, some people prefer to use commercial products or polishes to restore the colour of faded plastic.
Overall, heat treatment can be a quick and effective way to restore the colour of faded plastic on quads. However, it is important to use this method with caution and to be aware of the potential risks involved.
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Cleaning and waxing
To clean and wax your quad's plastic, start by giving the ATV a good overall clean. Mix dishwashing liquid and water and use it to remove grease and oils from the surfaces. Next, sand the plastic with fine sandpaper, working your way up from the lowest to the highest grit. You can speed up the process by using an oscillating tool. Remember to wear gloves and finish by sanding with steel wool.
Now, the plastic is ready for waxing. Apply a thin coat of vinyl floor liquid wax to one section of the plastic using a car wax applicator. Work on one section at a time, allowing each section to dry while you move on to the next. Apply several coats, buffing out the plastic after each application. After the final coat is completely dry, finish with an automotive wax for an extra layer of sheen.
If you want to restore the plastic rather than just clean and wax it, you can use a commercial product like PC Racing's Plastic Renew or Back to Black by Mothers. You can also try sanding and buffing, flame polishing, or rubbing on a mixture of paint thinner and boiled linseed oil. For a whole vehicle, a heat treatment method is recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to restore the plastic on your quad, including:
- Using a commercial product like PC Racing's Plastic Renew solution.
- Applying a mixture of boiled linseed oil and paint thinner.
- Cleaning the plastic with soapy water and sandpaper, then waxing.
- Using a heat gun or torch.
You can use commercial products like PC Racing's Plastic Renew solution, or create your own mixtures at home. One mixture includes boiled linseed oil and paint thinner. Another option is to use a combination of dishwashing liquid and water to clean the plastic, followed by waxing.
For deep scratches, use a razor blade to drag across the scratches and knock the edges off. For very bad scratches, use a Scotch Brite polishing pad kit with a fine pad to remove the deeper parts.
