High speed tutorial with no life story as to why you are cleaning up this tank. Best video of a proper plastic restoration, not just a quick shortcut! Love it!
Your lack of razorblades, heatguns, and spray paint cans shows a level of skill and expertise that is alien to youtube and barnyard 'restorers' What a fantastic job you have done on this tank. I will be trying your menthod on my 85 ATC 250r tank and plastics. Thank you
Hey, I Really like your videos! The text tells/helps to understand what you are doing And the high speed gets us to the end of the job quickly without having to skip steps. I do like the soap idea. We have used that for years as it seems to really help the paper from clogging up. I have a 1985 XR350R with stock plastic that is in good shape. I don't have much if any oxidation to remove so I think I will try starting with the 400 and see how it goes. You Should Make More Videos! Yours are organised and clear presented. Much better than 90% of YT videos. Take Care.
Finally! Someone on THE youtube has done it THE RIGHT WAY. Thank you ML. Lots of hacks on here filming substandard methods and getting poor results. This works for removing scratches too, but it takes a LONG TIME with the 320 or even something more course to get the super deep scratches out. Regardless is the single best and most correct method. The technique in this video is the exact same technique you use for restoring plastic headlight lenses.
Just seen this vid a few days ago. I repeated your process and it looks good as new. One other step I did was a polishing compound followed with a UV protectant wax made for RV's to help stem off future fading. But YOUR steps in this vid worked perfect. Thanks!!!
Yo estoy restaurando los plásticos de mi moto y ahora que veo el video tiene razón de comenzar con una lija 320. En mi caso seguí con lijado usando lija 360, 400, 600, 1200 y 2000. Solo me falta el pulido. Pero es el mejor método para restaurar plásticos de moto en ese estado. No recomiendo usar pistola de calor. Ya que en un plástico bastante acabado por el sol, dónde la superficie del plástico está bastante desnaturalizada, el calor lo que hace es fundirlo y queda la superficie fea. Excelente vídeo...
Great video, thanks. The problem I had, being a novice, I thought the tank would get more orange as I sanded but it stayed white after dropping down to finer wet sandpaper. At 2000 grit my tank was still white so I thought I was doing something wrong so I started over. I finally realized that was normal and once I polished it I'd get the great Honda orange color and shine I was looking for. Maybe I missed this step somehow but if not maybe edit the video to explain the tank will remain white as you get to the 2000 grit sanding finished and the polishing is what brings out the color.
Thank you 🙏🏼 I just bought an XR 400 with severely faded plastic. The heat gun idea I feel just didn’t look right. This is what I imagined doing in the first place.
Nice, gonna need this for my 87 TRX250X plastics, I started with 180 grit like others said and it seemed to worsen the plastics so I stopped and tried to find better sources, I'm gonna do what you said and start at 320 and go up to 1000 like you
Very nice job! It would be nice to know what plastic this was in the video though, because differing plastics behave quite differently. Because it looks like a gas tank I would think HDPE or PP? These are relatively soft, so it is impressive you can polish it this well.
Mr. professional lol yeah I’m choosing your method I’ve watched about 15 videos and you were the most professional it took you a little longer than the other methods but it looks 10 times better that extra work Makes all the difference
Its called Good Old Elbow Grease!! People dont like to do this now and want a quick fix for everything now.... the only thing I do different to this is add more bubbles to the water ,it helps hold the molecules of dirt together with the plastic and acts like a even better cutting compound... I just use Fairy Liquid in Europe or Dawn I think its called in the US...Always the best.....
I have a KLX 250, i'm gonna have forearms like he-man after this, literally all the plastic needs doing and the bike is too rare in my country to risk trying any heat gun methods
CR60R or a CR80R, 1983 ish? Great video, Im about to do this to a 1979 YZ100F, and the two videos I watched of yours have been by far the best. Im glad my 1980 CR80R has a metal tank lol!
Nice work, thanks for the mop n glow n spray paint comments I needed the laugh... How do you deal with knicks and deep scratches, are there ways around it without sanding so deep that you deform the piece? Thanks
Used the compound and it just made the tank go dull? I used just the wool pad on the other side and whilst I did get some sort of gloss, my tanl never came off as glossy as yours. Is there somdthing I'm missing?
Looking for some help. I used the 320,400,600 and 1500 grit (unable to find 1200). I applied polish with a wool buff wheel. The plastic still looks faded and dull. How do I get a real nice shine?
Does this work because the inside of the plastic is the same color as the outside? I mean what about motorcycle plastic parts that have paint on them (and the paint got pale because of the sun).....
I have what looks to be aftermarket plastics on a dirt bike. Previous owner painted over them. I removed the paint but there are some deep scratches from sanding before he painted. The 320 is very slow in removing them. Can I step down to 220 or just continue with the 320? Also there are some stress marks in the plastics from bending that have made the color lighter. Will sanding get rid of these?
I've finished cycling through the grits, following your tips. Although, I noticed this white stuff on the plastic towards the beginning, and I thought that it would go away after finer sanding, ( it also temporarily went away when wet). After I was done, it dried, and the white stuff is still there. What did I do wrong?
I feel like the wool pad is just causing the heat a heat gun would. Seems like alot of work to still need touch ups afterwards when a heat gun works 100x faster and is cheaper/cleaner/easier.
Hey man nice work. I liked the video. I will be doing my ltz400 this weekend and i want to know what compound you used. I dont want to buy the wrong one and make my work alot longer then it needs to be lol. If you can share that with me, i would appreciate it.
I was having a hard time finding 1200 grit sandpaper which I was surprised about. I literally went to three stores so I just got 1500. I hope that will do the job.😶
That’s what I did. Just spent 2 hours sanding the plastic number plate following all these steps. Looking for guidance since I’m not getting the same results as others.
Yes, you'll need to use a two part clear coat. It becomes chemical resistant once cured. USC Spray Max 2k High Gloss Clearcoat Aerosol. www.amazon.com/Spray-High-Gloss-Clearcoat-Aerosol/dp/B0043B7UQY
M L hey ml I just finished both plastics but one of the plastics scratches with the 1000 grit I finished off with did you come out but the other plastics did
Late to the party... Great video, thanks. I've tried this on some plastic from a 2007 honda, I can't get the same results even after 2000 grit. Here's what I've tried- wool pad on cordless drill, foam pad with electric orbital, loose leaf wheel on air die grinder ( yes I burned a bit) Tried all methods and pads with turtle wax compound, meguiars ultimate compound and polish, dry, and mother's aluminum polish. Do you have any tips for me? Seems like my sanding process is good, end up with very smooth dull plastic after 1500 and 2000, but the dullness is still there after trying to polish. Help?? Thanks again.
Did you ever find a solution to remove the dulness? My sanding proces is going really well but the polishing step isn't working... Plastic stays really dull.
The problem you are having is because your drill (with buffing pad) is not spinning fast enough. You must use a drill with a high speed setting. That will fix you right up.
You said to use "Meguiar's Extra Heavy Cut Compound", but in the video you use "meguiar's Pro Speed Compound". I just noticed this, so which one do you use?
High speed tutorial with no life story as to why you are cleaning up this tank. Best video of a proper plastic restoration, not just a quick shortcut! Love it!
This guy slayed this whole topic in a few minutes without saying one word and no BS.
and with cool music.
Your lack of razorblades, heatguns, and spray paint cans shows a level of skill and expertise that is alien to youtube and barnyard 'restorers' What a fantastic job you have done on this tank. I will be trying your menthod on my 85 ATC 250r tank and plastics. Thank you
Best tutorial yet on how to properly restore a plastic MX tank.
"I will laugh at you... Then everyone will laugh at you." This is excellent prevention.
Hey, I Really like your videos! The text tells/helps to understand what you are doing And the high speed gets us to the end of the job quickly without having to skip steps. I do like the soap idea. We have used that for years as it seems to really help the paper from clogging up. I have a 1985 XR350R with stock plastic that is in good shape. I don't have much if any oxidation to remove so I think I will try starting with the 400 and see how it goes. You Should Make More Videos! Yours are organised and clear presented. Much better than 90% of YT videos. Take Care.
Thanks dude! I may do another video, but most of my tricks are in the two videos I already posted. Most of them.....
Finally! Someone on THE youtube has done it THE RIGHT WAY. Thank you ML. Lots of hacks on here filming substandard methods and getting poor results. This works for removing scratches too, but it takes a LONG TIME with the 320 or even something more course to get the super deep scratches out. Regardless is the single best and most correct method. The technique in this video is the exact same technique you use for restoring plastic headlight lenses.
This guy is right at the top of his game. Excellent work. My KX60 tank looks like a far smaller challenge now.
Just seen this vid a few days ago. I repeated your process and it looks good as new. One other step I did was a polishing compound followed with a UV protectant wax made for RV's to help stem off future fading. But YOUR steps in this vid worked perfect. Thanks!!!
Nice! Good to hear that you had success with this process!!
How is your piece holding up with the uv protectant? I am planning on doing the same on my bike
Yo estoy restaurando los plásticos de mi moto y ahora que veo el video tiene razón de comenzar con una lija 320. En mi caso seguí con lijado usando lija 360, 400, 600, 1200 y 2000. Solo me falta el pulido. Pero es el mejor método para restaurar plásticos de moto en ese estado. No recomiendo usar pistola de calor. Ya que en un plástico bastante acabado por el sol, dónde la superficie del plástico está bastante desnaturalizada, el calor lo que hace es fundirlo y queda la superficie fea. Excelente vídeo...
best tutorial on youtube for plastic restore
Great video, thanks.
The problem I had, being a novice, I thought the tank would get more orange as I sanded but it stayed white after dropping down to finer wet sandpaper. At 2000 grit my tank was still white so I thought I was doing something wrong so I started over. I finally realized that was normal and once I polished it I'd get the great Honda orange color and shine I was looking for. Maybe I missed this step somehow but if not maybe edit the video to explain the tank will remain white as you get to the 2000 grit sanding finished and the polishing is what brings out the color.
You sir, You sir you,, are the man! Just the video i was looking for. Nice work. from Seattle
I did this on my 1985 kx125 gas tank and it worked great
Best video and shortest way to polish plastic!!
Thank you 🙏🏼 I just bought an XR 400 with severely faded plastic. The heat gun idea I feel just didn’t look right. This is what I imagined doing in the first place.
Nice Job! Using this method on a old Honda pilot that the previous owner used "plastic renew" or "Mop and Glow".
Nice, gonna need this for my 87 TRX250X plastics, I started with 180 grit like others said and it seemed to worsen the plastics so I stopped and tried to find better sources, I'm gonna do what you said and start at 320 and go up to 1000 like you
Very nice job!
It would be nice to know what plastic this was in the video though, because differing plastics behave quite differently. Because it looks like a gas tank I would think HDPE or PP? These are relatively soft, so it is impressive you can polish it this well.
Mr. professional lol yeah I’m choosing your method I’ve watched about 15 videos and you were the most professional it took you a little longer than the other methods but it looks 10 times better that extra work Makes all the difference
This is the only method anyone should use. Nice work!!
Very well put together video! I just picked up the stuff to do my bike. Thanks
Wow, this was great! Straight to the point.
I need to fix up my white and blue plastics will this work on them? This is the best video on UA-cam I found!
Wow great job !! I was thinking of using a heat gun on my KLR but not now , sweet .
I’m half way into mine and it’s turnout great! Just need a wool pad!
could i use an orbital sander? or would that be to much sanding
Its called Good Old Elbow Grease!! People dont like to do this now and want a quick fix for everything now.... the only thing I do different to this is add more bubbles to the water ,it helps hold the molecules of dirt together with the plastic and acts like a even better cutting compound...
I just use Fairy Liquid in Europe or Dawn I think its called in the US...Always the best.....
Great video about how long should i sand on each step?
Looks great, just curious what you do with plastic that has lost its color. Not oxidised but actually dulled its color or has white streaks in it?
I have a 700 Grizzly that the previous owner used a heat gun on the plastic . It looks terrible ! I wonder if this method will fix my plastic ?
Perfect video man beautiful restoration too🤝
thanks, i'm gonna do my 85 honda atc 250r's gas tank. awesome job!
wow sir you are a master at this art!
I have a KLX 250, i'm gonna have forearms like he-man after this, literally all the plastic needs doing and the bike is too rare in my country to risk trying any heat gun methods
CR60R or a CR80R, 1983 ish? Great video, Im about to do this to a 1979 YZ100F, and the two videos I watched of yours have been by far the best. Im glad my 1980 CR80R has a metal tank lol!
best example ive seen
Great job thanks I have a 2008 WR 250 needs a few pieces done rear fender is faded
Thank you. Gives me the confidence to have a crack at the kids 1988 QR50
This was very helpful. Well done, and thank you!
Good video..
Would this method turn a white plastic tank that has went abit yellow back to white again..
Superb job about how many hours did it take you ? I have a 85 atc 250r tank I want to do .
do you think Meguiar's Ultimate Compound would work on my ABS motorcycle fairings instead of the M100?
does the polishing compound affect how graphics/decals will stick?
Shouldn’t you finish with Maguires M210 mirror glaze ultra pro finishing polish because Pro Speed Compound is a Compound?
Nice work! Have you thought about using flexible clear coat from a rattle can to protect your work?
That looks like a Honda CR60 tank! thanks for the tutorial, doing it on the same tank lol.
the best explanation. Really good.
would you recommend a clearcoat to protect the decal from scratching off?
Nice work, thanks for the mop n glow n spray paint comments I needed the laugh...
How do you deal with knicks and deep scratches, are there ways around it without sanding so deep that you deform the piece? Thanks
Jim Knell not really . Some tanks too thin.
7 people with no patience and heat guns gave this the thumbs down
reemo yup , dumb asses
Heat guns dont do nearly this good and probably make the plastic more brittle.
Only thing I'd add is wrap the sandpaper around a piece of dishwashing sponge....it evens out pressure.
Could I use this technique on an old faded and dull plastic chest protector ??
WOW bro... alotta work. you always hand sand or do you use a sander ever?
Do you recomend to use a drill with sanding discs??? Thankyouui
Used the compound and it just made the tank go dull? I used just the wool pad on the other side and whilst I did get some sort of gloss, my tanl never came off as glossy as yours. Is there somdthing I'm missing?
Great tutorial, any chance that you could add a link for the wool buffing pad as the one above in the description has a broken link? Thanks
Looking for some help. I used the 320,400,600 and 1500 grit (unable to find 1200). I applied polish with a wool buff wheel. The plastic still looks faded and dull. How do I get a real nice shine?
My issue also what did you do?
I have a red gas tank in really good shape, just has lost its shine. Do you do this on the side?
could a good orbital sander be used to speed up the process
How high should I go on the compound 2000? Or higher love the work you did ❣️
YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you SO much this will help SO much!
Is that Polypropylene fuel tank?
Does this work because the inside of the plastic is the same color as the outside? I mean what about motorcycle plastic parts that have paint on them (and the paint got pale because of the sun).....
Is the tank off a xr200?
So do you have to use just the 320 or the other sizes as well?
I have what looks to be aftermarket plastics on a dirt bike. Previous owner painted over them. I removed the paint but there are some deep scratches from sanding before he painted. The 320 is very slow in removing them. Can I step down to 220 or just continue with the 320? Also there are some stress marks in the plastics from bending that have made the color lighter. Will sanding get rid of these?
Bill Spring yes eventually. You might price non gas tank plastics though if very rough
how much time have you spent on this tank?
Does the polishing wheel have to be wool or does a cotton/ fabric wheel work?
can i use rubbing compound ?
Do you get any fine scratches in the plastics or is it just one smooth, shiny surface? Is the shine comparable to new plastics?
If you sand thoroughly then you will not have any fine scratches when you are done.
Excellent work!
Who
Would this process be even harder on black plastic?
Matt Budd actually, if you sand properly black plastic is not anymore difficult.
what is the polish compound?
excellent !! the gloss dosnt last long using a heat gun .
I've finished cycling through the grits, following your tips. Although, I noticed this white stuff on the plastic towards the beginning, and I thought that it would go away after finer sanding, ( it also temporarily went away when wet). After I was done, it dried, and the white stuff is still there. What did I do wrong?
AmazingCobra did you wet sand
Yes, I'm going to try again today with more water and soap.
+AmazingCobra the white look after sanding means you need to buff.
M L yeah, I hadn't gotten a chance to go to town and get the compound. I could only find a level 3 compound though
I feel like the wool pad is just causing the heat a heat gun would. Seems like alot of work to still need touch ups afterwards when a heat gun works 100x faster and is cheaper/cleaner/easier.
Cheaper, easier, but not cleaner. Also there is always the risk that the plastic melts or warps.
Hey man nice work. I liked the video. I will be doing my ltz400 this weekend and i want to know what compound you used. I dont want to buy the wrong one and make my work alot longer then it needs to be lol. If you can share that with me, i would appreciate it.
Awesome job man! Thanks for the tips!
What would be a good alternative to the M100 compound? One more availible at part stores?
OffCamberTJ the heavier the cut, the better.
Just what I thought! Elbow grease! Thanks for the 411!
Do you polish after
Ice cube your tank then top off with water and cap. I was tankful inertially, btu heat went swimming.
For cr is nicely done...
I crashed my bike and scratched the cosmetics would this work well on my plastics I need to respray it too
I was having a hard time finding 1200 grit sandpaper which I was surprised about. I literally went to three stores so I just got 1500. I hope that will do the job.😶
That’s what I did. Just spent 2 hours sanding the plastic number plate following all these steps. Looking for guidance since I’m not getting the same results as others.
Great job !
Can you clear coat over the plastic after wet sanding?
No, paint WILL NOT work on a plastic gas tank. Don't do it.
Yes, you'll need to use a two part clear coat. It becomes chemical resistant once cured. USC Spray Max 2k High Gloss Clearcoat Aerosol. www.amazon.com/Spray-High-Gloss-Clearcoat-Aerosol/dp/B0043B7UQY
Good video I’m doin the plastic on my atv now
does this works on body plastics aswell or just gas tank type plastics?
justme all plastic in general I believe
Why not a coat of Turtle wax as a final coat after the rubbing compound?
I figured out I got the compound that was in your description will I need polishing wax also? Thanks
No wax needed.
M L hey ml I just finished both plastics but one of the plastics scratches with the 1000 grit I finished off with did you come out but the other plastics did
The 1000 grit did not come out with compound do I need to push harder or go slower but I think I left some of the compound excess on the plastics
Late to the party... Great video, thanks. I've tried this on some plastic from a 2007 honda, I can't get the same results even after 2000 grit. Here's what I've tried- wool pad on cordless drill, foam pad with electric orbital, loose leaf wheel on air die grinder ( yes I burned a bit) Tried all methods and pads with turtle wax compound, meguiars ultimate compound and polish, dry, and mother's aluminum polish. Do you have any tips for me? Seems like my sanding process is good, end up with very smooth dull plastic after 1500 and 2000, but the dullness is still there after trying to polish. Help?? Thanks again.
Did you ever find a solution to remove the dulness? My sanding proces is going really well but the polishing step isn't working... Plastic stays really dull.
The problem you are having is because your drill (with buffing pad) is not spinning fast enough. You must use a drill with a high speed setting. That will fix you right up.
Can I use meguiars ultimate compound olg 17216 ?
what buffer did you use?
How long did the entire process take?
You said to use "Meguiar's Extra Heavy Cut Compound", but in the video you use "meguiar's Pro Speed Compound". I just noticed this, so which one do you use?
AmazingCobra M100
M L. Nice, that's the cheaper one from what I saw, I'll have to get on that after school slows down a bit. thanks
something will happen wrong when u use Meguiar's Extra Heavy Cut Compound ?
Great informative video
AWESOME WORK!!!
Does anyone know of this method would work on a stock air box and intake tube for a honda?
I'm guessing it's a tank from a atc250r?
Jaime Wiesner yes, Mike In Phx And does a lot of those tanks . Tank on video is actually 83’ Cr 60