When we do a basic inspection of the car prior to a sale, it is important to try to solve the different problems that may exist, among them being able to eliminate the noise of the car. However, beyond getting rid of dirt and cleaning the car’s dashboard and the rest of the interior, it is very possible that you will come across plastics that are affected by the incidence of sunlight.
For this reason, knowing how to recover plastics burned by the sun can help you enormously, since in this way you can ensure that all these elements created with synthetic materials that are integrated into different parts of the car, such as trim, steering wheel, are in good condition., fins, trims, etc.
Of all the plastics in a car, those that have no paint coating and are exposed to the elements, as well as interior plastics, are the most prone to deterioration over time. They are affected by climatic agents, especially aging caused by the incidence of sunlight.
Effects of the sun on car plastics
It is common for vehicle trims to arrive factory painted today, although in some series and ranges different uncoated plastics are added. With the passage of time and the incidence of climatic agents, especially the sun, they will age their appearance.
In this way, black plastics lose their intense color and end up having a lighter and more uneven appearance. The deterioration of these plastics is mainly caused by three factors that must be known:
- Absorption of ultraviolet radiation caused by the plastic molecules.
- Reach temperatures much higher than room temperature.
- Inadequate additives in their formulation when they are manufactured.
How to recover plastics burned by the sun?
Before teaching you how to recover plastics burned by the sun, you must check that they are in good structural condition. This is because, over the years, they can become too rigid and, when dismantling them to paint them, they could break.
In the event that the plastic is in good structural condition, it can be recovered so that it looks like new again. For this, there are different products that can be used for the recovery of burned plastics.
Next, we are going to talk about the process to follow with each of them, but not before reminding you that, when using these products, it is preferable to disassemble the plastic. The reason is that this way it will be easier to sand and beautify it; and you will avoid having to mask and protect other areas of the vehicle.
One-component spray paints for direct application
It is a type of paint suitable for recovering plastics burned by the sun. They are cheap, quick to apply and do not require any adhesion product on the plastic. However, they lose their attractiveness over time and have a lower environmental resistance.
To apply it, you must start by sanding the plastic element with a fine grain, and then proceed to blow the surface and degrease it. Then a dust-trapping cloth will be passed and the aerosol will be vigorously moved for at least 2 minutes. Finally, you will only have to apply the spray according to what is indicated by the manufacturer. Usually it is about 20 cm and with crossed passes.
Paints in pots or formulated for application with a spray gun
These paints are available with different smooth and textured finishes, and have the great advantage over aerosol that they offer greater weather resistance. The application process in this case is as follows:
- Sand the plastic element with a fine grain and then blow the surface before degreasing it.
- Then pass a dust cloth and proceed to make the mixture, stirring well.
- It then introduces the product into the gun after filtering and adjusts the gun parameters.
- After doing some tests to check that the setting is the desired one, proceed to prime the plastic areas and then apply the product with the desired painting technique.
Dyes
In this case we are dealing with a paste-type product that is applied with a sponge on the plastic, once it has been cleaned. The dye renews the color but does not offer the ability to cover possible damage such as scratches or lack of material.
For its application, the plastic must be cleaned, then degreased; and finally apply the product with a sponge. When doing so, passes are made throughout the piece.
renovators
It is a product that restores color and shine to plastic. In addition, it also offers ultraviolet radiation protection, anti-dust and anti-static capabilities. They are focused on maintaining the plastic to prevent its deterioration, and not so much for the recovery of plastics.
For its application, the plastic part must be properly clean and degreased. Then a clean cloth is impregnated with the product and the plastic is rubbed until it recovers or improves its appearance.
