Simple Plastic Polishing Methods

Plastic polishing is one of those projects that many people assume you simply cannot do because the material is easily damaged. In most circumstances the polishing is reserved for products made out of metal. Plastic polishing can be done and is important if you wish to keep it looking great. You will find plastic everywhere you look from bathroom sinks to the handles on your stove or refrigerator. Plastic can become scratched or stained quite easily and plastic polishing can rejuvenate it back to health. Plastic manufacturing companies have their own methods of polishing plastic that simply cannot be copied at home due to the fact that they are very harsh chemicals. The article below will share with you some very simple and basic ways that make plastic polishing and easy chore.

Toothpaste

This works on minor surface scratches. You can use toothpaste for plastic polishing on everything from counters to CD discs. Any toothpaste will work. You simply need to use a cotton pad and put a very small amount of toothpaste on it. Scrub the area to be polished then rinse it off with cool water. This works because toothpaste is a mild abrasive.

Banana

You will need a banana as well as the peel. Glass cleaner is also going to be used. Like toothpaste this plastic polishing method is meant for smudges and minor scratches. Peel a banana and cut off a chunk. Rub the plastic with the cut end of the banana in a circular motion. Do not use enough pressure that you crush the banana. After the banana has been applied wrap the banana peel around your finger and wipe the plastic surface with it. Use a clean towel and scrub the plastic with medium pressure to remove the banana residue. Move it in a circular motion for several minutes. Lightly spray the plastic down with the glass cleaner and wipe off to restore the shine to the plastic.

Liquid Metal Polish

Any brand of liquid metal polish will do and is great for removing deeper scratches as well as restore the shine to plastic. Shake the bottle very well and put a drop of it on a clean rag. Dab the metal polish on the plastic then rub it on in a circular motion. You will need to scrub the plastic in this fashion for up to 20 minutes depending on the depth of the scratch. The chemical will actually remove the top layer of the plastic. Rinse the plastic off with cold water and then buff it clean with a lint-free towel.

Sanding

This plastic polishing method should only be used on plastic in very poor condition. You'll need 400-grit, 800-grit, 1000-grit and 2000-grit sandpaper as well as plastic cleaner and plastic polish. You'll want to use wet sanding and to do this you'll soak the sandpaper in water prior to using it. Lightly sand the surface with the lowest grit sandpaper working toward the highest. Buff with a soft towel, rinse then buff with the plastic polish and rinse off.