Bringing luster/shine back to glossy plastic

B

Bigbwb

New member
Joined
Sep 8, 2017
Messages
24
Reaction score
2
Hey folks,
I just bought a new Yamaha YXZ1000 Side x side utv. It has very glossy blue plastic (not painted). It came from the dealer new however had some scratches. I consider myself pretty well versed in detailing and polishing cars having done many over the years and even ceramic coatings too. I used my porter cable 7424 with Meguiars 205 on a medium pad and it removed most of the light surfaces scratches but for the life of me I cannot bring the luster or shine back. It looks like hell. Any suggestions? I tried Meguiars plast-x, no luck, I tried a wool pad, no luck.

Here is the small area I was working on. You can see the tape line and hazy area versus the original glossy untouched area.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1293.jpeg
    IMG_1293.jpeg
    74 KB · Views: 27
I'll preface this by saying I don't know what I'm talking about. But my guess is it's a very soft surface, and since you say you used a medium pad, I think you need the softest pad you have, with the finest polish, which may be Plast-X, I'm not sure. I never remember any of those Meg's plastic polishes, and I have a few, getting any results for me.

The bottom line is I think what you have been using is too aggressive for the finish.
 
3D Speed (or possibly 3D One)
Megs 205 is probably the worst finishing polish ever made imo
Keep a wool pad far away from plastic. Definitely overkill
 
Thanks guys. Ya, it was a white pad I think. Should I use a black one? I can try the 3d speed. Im assuming I need just a polish without abrasives?? Do you all feel confident I can remove the haze/cloudiness?
 
Bigbwb said:
Thanks guys. Ya, it was a white pad I think. Should I use a black one? I can try the 3d speed. Im assuming I need just a polish without abrasives?? Do you all feel confident I can remove the haze/cloudiness?
Click to expand...
I would use a orange pad but a black pad will probably do the trick
If possible use a new pad. One that's not contaminated with that Megs 205 garbage
 
Flash Gordon said:
I would use a orange pad but a black pad will probably do the trick
If possible use a new pad. One that's not contaminated with that Megs 205 garbage
Click to expand...
Great! I will try a new pad and a different polish.
 
I should have asked if it’s worth trying the Meguiars plastx with the new finishing pads before I buy another product? Also, what speed on the portal cable orbital?
 
Bigbwb said:
I should have asked if it’s worth trying the Meguiars plastx with the new finishing pads before I buy another product? Also, what speed on the portal cable orbital?
Click to expand...
You don't need anything that aggressive for what your trying to do
You wouldn't happen to be in or near memphis would you??

Im not familiar with the porter cable, but if its similar to others Speed 4
 
Im near Milwaukee:)
I didn’t realize plastx was that aggressive. Ok, I’ll order the 3D one (don’t need the sealant)if you think that’s best! I really appreciate the feedback! Plan to ceramic coatings afterward.
 
Last edited:
Update! Tried the 3D one with a new black pad. Same issue. The gloss won’t return. Ughh!
 
From a description of 3D One: " For some paints, 3D One can be a literal one step paint corrective formula but at times a follow up fine polish and pad may be needed. "

Not sure that was the best solution for your problem. Why don't you try the PlastX? Not sure what you have to lose. If it was me I would have tried something like Menzerna SF3800.
 
We used 40% boiled linseed oil mixed with 60% paint thinner on our old dirt bikes to make them look good. It takes 4-5 applications. Try on a test spot first.
 
If you were going to purchase 1 over the other I would've suggested Speed
Wish I had clarified better
You couldn't have used much, anyway to return of exchange?
 
Setec Astronomy said:
From a description of 3D One: " For some paints, 3D One can be a literal one step paint corrective formula but at times a follow up fine polish and pad may be needed. "

Not sure that was the best solution for your problem. Why don't you try the PlastX? Not sure what you have to lose. If it was me I would have tried something like Menzerna SF3800.
Click to expand...
The plastx didn’t work, tried that first. It leaves the haze/dull look. So I’m guessing I need more of a polish without any cut?
 
Flash Gordon said:
If you were going to purchase 1 over the other I would've suggested Speed
Wish I had clarified better
You couldn't have used much, anyway to return of exchange?
Click to expand...
No worries. It was cheap. This plastic must be super soft. I took a really soft foam sponge with a dab of 3D one and barely put any pressure on as a tried it on a tiny portion and the same thing happened. So will the speed and a new pad really make a difference or try the menzerna?
 
I would try the speed 1st
Are you sure that there isn't a wrap over this piece?
 
Can we back up a bit? Since this is a new vehicle, which apparently cost a lot of money, have you talked to the dealer at all? Is there anything in the owner's manual about care of these plastic parts? Is there a forum for these vehicles where this might have been discussed?

I'm just saying you can't be the first person in the world to have had this problem and questions, even if you are the first person on this forum ;)
 
Setec Astronomy said:
Can we back up a bit? Since this is a new vehicle, which apparently cost a lot of money, have you talked to the dealer at all? Is there anything in the owner's manual about care of these plastic parts? Is there a forum for these vehicles where this might have been discussed?

I'm just saying you can't be the first person in the world to have had this problem and questions, even if you are the first person on this forum ;)
Click to expand...
I didn’t bring it up to the dealer being I assumed a light buffing would fix it. It wasn’t horrible and when I started it sadly got worse. I may just buy the replacement pieces. I just don’t see it getting any better unfortunately.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top