polishing a plastic machine

[luxlife]

Could someone please remind me what works on a plastic vacuum to remove paint marks and to help minimize the scratches and scuffs.

I just found one of those Swedish made Eureka Whirlwind canisters and I want to be careful because it has so much clear plastic on the body. Goof Off will remove the paint marks, but might make the clear pieces look cloudy. What does everyone here use for plastic?

 

[hooverman21]

I've had good luck on some plastics with Meguiar's PlastX, I detail cars so I use it a lot on them as well. It does pretty well.

I usually apply it with a foam car wax applicator pad and let it dry, then buff out. If it streaks or if there is a weird residue that doesn't seem to come off, dampen a cloth and wipe off. I usually follow up with car wax to give it that extra shine!

Rich

 

[luxlife]

Thanks for the tip. Will it also work on clear plastics?

 

[hooverman21]

Yes, I've used it on a lot of plastics, painted ones and all that, and it's really good at getting scratches outta CD's. Plus I've used it in some bagless vacs that I've serviced and got the scratches out of the dust chambers.

 

[luxlife]

Super! Thanks again!

 

[hooverman21]

No prob!

 

[hooverman21]

Oh yeah, one thing, I find that if I don't use car wax on the plastic after I use that PlastX stuff, the static is AWFUL. That's why I always buff with some car wax after wards, it helps cut down on the static cling and all that.

 

[dustin]

I use..

I use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to remove paint scuffs, then wax it with car wax.

 

[edgar]

Cockpit spray

Hi on plastic I use cockpitspray or plastic restorer that you normaly use for ypu car. Trust me it does wonders on your platic cleaners.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I sometimes use

Bon Ami.. with a lot of water.People also swear by Mr. Clean Magic erasers

 

[luxlife]

I've wondered about the Magic Erasers

Were your results satisfactory? Did you have any residue or marks left behind?

I have some of these. I was reading the box and the directions stated not to use it on stainless steel. That surprised me and made me wonder if these erasers actually had the potential to scratch it.

 

[dustin]

Yes, I have had the magic eraser scratch plastic, so I dont use them

 

[aeoliandave]

Nothing removes baseboard paint scuffs on tools, bumpers, hoods & handles faster or easier than a Mr Clean Magic Eraser or its generic clones. But it also removes the surface patina schmutz on vintage vacuum bakelite & newer plastic parts...without impacting the surface. It does leave a dullish glow and that is why I follow it up with a plastic/aluminum polish or paste wax to restore the shiny gleam.
I use them on chrome plated appliances as well and have never gotten a single swirl scratch.

I use Zippo lighter fluid to instantly wipe away price tag adhesives - those weaker citrus based cleaners take forever and too much scrubbing that can mar the surface being scrubbed. I avoid alcohol around vacuum cleaners like the plague - it leaves behind a surface residue that is like replacing one patina with another and will definitely cloud certain clear plastics.

If a Magic Eraser scratched plastic it's because a teensy piece of foreign grit got between the two, acting like sandpaper.

A vigorous all over cleaning with Magic Eraser will dry leaving a white haze but that wipes away with a damp/dry towel.

I've not yet found or used a plastic-specific polish but get stunning blinding results with Meguires Billet Aluminum Polish.

Dave

 

[luxlife]

Thanks Dave! I'll try that one.

 

[kirbfan94]

Magic erasers work amazingly

 

[kittingerhoover]

Wet Sanding,

I tape off any decals, then I sand the plastic with wet sandpaper 1500 grit. After the surface is smooth I polish it on a buffer with plastic polish.

THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART! Also practce on a junk hood to get the feel of it. This process takes me days.

Good Luck!!