How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

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Kenny_McCormic
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How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by Kenny_McCormic »

Just discovered something I though i would pass along.
Found out today that a WD-40 soaked rag followed by a dry one a few minutes later works wonders on body panels, turn signal housings and pretty much anything plastic on the bike, shines up the seat too. My spree went from a 20 yard bike to a 20 foot bike.
I am not a mechanic, nor do I play one on TV. Actually my advice is probably worth slightly less than what you pay to view it.
GlynnC
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by GlynnC »

Thanks Kenny for the tip--thats what I like about this forum, folks helping each other, and sharing info!

Will try this tomorrow!
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scooterwerx
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by scooterwerx »

haha watch out for dust though, WD40 is like a magnet! turns it brown...
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adark248
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by adark248 »

oooooooh yay gotta give this a try :D
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by bradthreee »

I used Engine Brite engine degreaser on mine with a sponge, followed with a steady stream of water to remove the degreaser. Then sprayed Son of a Gun protectant in the yellow bottle as it was still wet. Let it soak for about 5 min not letting it dry then wipe off with a clean cloth. This did wonders for the plastics on my Gyro. :mrgreen:
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by burnt_toast »

Only thing I would think is this trick is likely temporary, similar to polishing. eventually would fade back

But a good one, especially if you have plenty wd40 handy
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by GIJoeBob »

I wet sanded my plastics to remove the surface oxidation. That way I don't have to redo it after the WD40 wears off.
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by Kenny_McCormic »

The thing is dust doesn't stick to it any worse than it used to and it doesn't fell greasy. i would think that engine degreaser would dissolve plastic.
I am not a mechanic, nor do I play one on TV. Actually my advice is probably worth slightly less than what you pay to view it.
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by TURN1 »

Woot!
Last edited by TURN1 on Thu Jun 04, 2009 6:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by bradthreee »

Kenny_McCormic wrote: i would think that engine degreaser would dissolve plastic.
Others may, but the "Engine Brite" made by Gunk is made for all under engine plastics as well. Its the best stuff I have ever used. I wouldnt tell people to use it if it would dissolve the plastics :roll:
Kenny_McCormic
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by Kenny_McCormic »

Another thing I discovered, boil a carb in water to remove varnish. Do it outside in a junk pan(or go ghetto and use a dented to * dog food bowl)on a burner nobody cares about. Its not as good as buying a bucket of dip but it works.
I am not a mechanic, nor do I play one on TV. Actually my advice is probably worth slightly less than what you pay to view it.
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by Lunytune »

What about Armorall? I think I can find a bottle in my son's stuff that he left for Pop to inherit when he left home. It's mine now.
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by GIJoeBob »

Lunytune wrote:What about Armorall? I think I can find a bottle in my son's stuff that he left for Pop to inherit when he left home. It's mine now.
I have read in more than one source that Armor All is bad for plastic. It eventually damages the plastic.

I stick to my above mentioned process. It removes the chalkiness instead of hiding it.
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by dreamer1uk »

Hey,

Mothers has a nice product called Back To Black that i have used on my Black Spree and on my Mustang's trim with great results too.
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66SIX
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Re: How to brighten your old faded, chalky plastics

Post by 66SIX »

I lied The Colgate tooth paste works OK , But after seeing some other postd on cleaning ,I tried Mothers back to black ... What a difference
Day & night worked great and a lot less work .So use the colgate for brushing your teeth and Mothers Back To Black for cleaning your plastic .
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