Simple Plastic restoration products testing

[Definitive Dave]

Round one, - RECOLOR found on TV and in stores about $20, comes with instructions, a rubber glove, a premoistened wipe, three spare wipes and a bottle of the fluid.

To be used on cleaned but not buffed or roughened surface.
wear glove wipe on evenly over entire surface, don't rub scrub or overcoat unless the first coat doesn't look even
let sit for a few hours before touching and 24 hours before getting it wet

I used the air filter cover on a rebuilt MS460 I haven't gotten around to selling
The top cover is from the same saw and has the same original appearance as the AFC before treatment.
Pretty faded plastics but not horribly beat up, cleaned with soap and water and let dry overnight.

Price: C $20.00
Ease of use: A
Directions: B
Prep: B
Result: B nice color, and a slightly used appearance, not shiny and glossy, but makes the saw look less old.

I have a handful of other products to try and a ton of faded covers to experiment on. My local motorcycle megastore has well over 100 different plastic restoration products for sale and I bought the four that were their top sellers to try first.

 

[idiotwithasaw]

Can't wait to see the others

 

[idiotwithasaw]

Also don't use the mothers trim restore it will take off the top layer leave it faded and you can see the fibers.

 

[Definitive Dave]

Also don't use the mothers trim restore it will take off the top layer leave it faded and you can see the fibers.

and YIKES!!!

Poge had a killer thread on sanding and using WD-40 as a lube/restoration product and I was searching to try to link it here but my Google-foo is weak.
I remember it was pages long and had bunch of great info and pics.

 

[lwhaples]

Stepping in to see how it all works out for you.

 

[Definitive Dave]

a better picture of the recolor plastic in the sunlight



these are the next three products I will be testing - I picked what the staff suggested as the best in four different price ranges

 

[Wolverine]

I've been using the Honda spray polish on my motorcycles for years ('91 on). It's changed over the years but still satisfies. Can't say how it works on older plastics though.

 

[wildroamer]

Looking forward to hearing your picks as best of the bunch. Great thread!

 

[jake wells]

brasso works good for polishing plastic you need a good arm though.

 

[jmssaws]

and YIKES!!!

Poge had a killer thread on sanding and using WD-40 as a lube/restoration product and I was searching to try to link it here but my Google-foo is weak.
I remember it was pages long and had bunch of great info and pics.

I also use wd-40 as lube.

 

[Definitive Dave]

for any motorcycle or small engine guys Iron Pony is the size of a walmart but nothing but motorcycle stuff, there are dealerships for about 6 or 7 brands inside the store, and more than a full isle of fuel mixes and additives, a bunch of different ethanol-free fuel mixes in 5 gallon pails ($$$$$) and most of an isle of air filters and air filter oils and air filter oil cleaners, truly a crazy big selection, so if any of you guys want me to try a product you have heard is good let me know and I can probably pick some up.

 

[big t double]

I've been using the Honda spray polish on my motorcycles for years ('91 on). It's changed over the years but still satisfies. Can't say how it works on older plastics though.

plus it smells good.

 

[Duane(Pa)]

Home at last in the PSP THREAD!

 

[beaglebriar]

I've used the plastic renew on some atv fenders. It's not a great product but it will make your plastic look better with some elbow grease.

 

[Definitive Dave]

I've used the plastic renew on some atv fenders. It's not a great product but it will make your plastic look better with some elbow grease.

that was the most expensive of the ones I grabbed for the first round of testing, they had others in the $100+ range, but none of the staff could say if they were any good or not
the picture on the box of the plastic renew looks like an old tank housing

 

[beaglebriar]

The Recolor looks really good. I'll be watching for the results of the others. Being a flipper of saws...... Pretty = $.

 

[Definitive Dave]

The Recolor looks really good. I'll be watching for the results of the others. Being a flipper of saws...... Pretty = $.

exactly and it's not like I can go to the store and buy nice new plastics for a vintage restoration either, even if a guy is willing to pay silly crazy money for NOS parts they aren't always out there to be bought at any price
I like to build the 044 and 046 and they sell great used around here but the 046 plastics are oem only and pricey, if I drop $100+ on a pair of covers there is no margin for profit when it's time to sell.
Dave

 

[Canadian farm boy]

Just thinking out loud here but I wonder if something like one of those headlight restore kits would work on old faded plastics?

Something like the macguires or mothers stuff. The kits that come with the bottle of buffing paste and the buffing ball that goes in a cordless drill are what I'm thinking about.

Anyone ever tried it?

 

[beaglebriar]

On very lightly faded plastic I will use a coating of Vaseline. Let it sit overnight then wipe off. Plus you can fap while you wait.

 

[Tor R]

Subscripted.
So far I've used Prolong Universal but I am interested to learn more

Thanks alot Dave for doing those tests