How can I remove paint from plastics?

[Mekanix]

All plastics on the bike were painted with automotive primer and paint. Only thing they forgot was the flex agent. So every compound curve or flexible part caused the paint to crack and chip off.

How can i get rid of the paint without harming the plastic?

I was thinking of using paint stripper and scraping it off before it chewed into the plastic.

Someone was recommending using graffiti remover as well.


Any ideas?

[almarconi]

They make paint stripper that is safe for plastic. Another option is sandpaper.

[Agemax]

try this thread mate. should help you out.......

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=203694&highlight=strip+paint+plastic

[wedoo2]

I use Aircraft brand plastic paint remover, then sandpaper. Be careful using the scraper as the stuff can eat into the plastic. Don't use a metal scraper. Don't ask how I know.

[Nessism]

Sand off the old paint. Easy, cheap, low risk.

You don't need flex agent when painting ABS. Just use a good quality epoxy primer and build from there with regular paint products.

[almarconi]

I am going to be repainting some abs motorcycle plastics soon. From what I have read, most recommend an adhesion promoter sprayed on first such as Bulldog. The use of an adhesion promoter depends on the topcoat you are using and may not be needed. Then filler is applied as needed, then 2k primer, a sealer can be used next and then base coat followed by clear coat. I always thought that epoxy primer was primarily meant to be used on bare metal surfaces.

[Nessism]

I am going to be repainting some abs motorcycle plastics soon. From what I have read, most recommend an adhesion promoter sprayed on first such as Bulldog. The use of an adhesion promoter depends on the topcoat you are using and may not be needed. Then filler is applied as needed, then 2k primer, a sealer can be used next and then base coat followed by clear coat. I always thought that epoxy primer was primarily meant to be used on bare metal surfaces.

When painting plastic parts like side covers, tail pieces, fairing, etc, I first sand the old paint and block down where any graphics were applied to make sure everything is flat. Degrease and shoot epoxy primer acting as a sealer. Carefully sand that being careful not to cut though. Use 2k high build primer only if necessary to fill imperfections. Degrease again, base coat, then clear. I like PPG DP epoxy primer which sticks to plastic just fine. No need for any special sealers and such. I don't like using high build primers except where needed because they are softer and thicker, which can chip easier than a thin layer of epoxy primer.

[almarconi]

Ed,
What do you use to fill deep gouges like road rash from a spill? Have you ever needed an adhesion promoter? I was planning on using a waterborne base coat and they recommend adhesion promoter applied to the plastic. They also recommend a sealer applied over the primer before the first layer of base coat.

[Nessism]

Ed,
What do you use to fill deep gouges like road rash from a spill? Have you ever needed an adhesion promoter? I was planning on using a waterborne base coat and they recommend adhesion promoter applied to the plastic. They also recommend a sealer applied over the primer before the first layer of base coat.

Well, different paint systems sometimes have unique requirements, and I'm behind the times when it comes to waterborn paints. Frankly, I'm surprised about applying a sealer on top of base coat. Wonder what the reason is?

I mail ordered paint for my last couple of projects because the air police are really clamping down in So Calif. I prefer to use a solvent based paint because I know what I'm getting then.

I've never used adhesion promoter and don't think it's necessary when painting ABS with solvent based paint. It may be needed with waterborne paint though. Not sure.

As for deep gouges in plastic, I've never tried but read you can fill with a slurry of ABS glue and plastic material like legos. If you prime the plastic first you can use a catalyzed spot putty. The cover won't be flexing much and the filler will stick to the primer just fine.

[almarconi]

Frankly, I'm surprised about applying a sealer on top of base coat. Wonder what the reason is?

The sealer goes over the primer, prior to the base coat.

[Nessism]

The sealer goes over the primer, prior to the base coat.

Sorry, misread that part. Change that to mean I'm surprised by the need to apply sealer over primer. A proper epoxy or catalyzed primer needs no sealer when using solvent based base coat paints.

[mrbill5491]

I guess these are the steps I'm going to take when I paint. sand, clean, plastic primer (just the plastic parts, have another type of metal primer to use on the tank), base coat, pin striping, clear coat.

[tylerhurley94]

What would you recommend using to remove the vinyl adhesive off of the plastics? I used a blow dryer to heat up the vinyl and peeled it off, but it left a layer of adhesive on the side covers. I've tried goo gone, scratch pads, and sand paper. The sand paper works to an extent, but I'm worried about sanding down too far. Does anyone know of any strong adhesive remover that won't eat the plastic?

Thanks

[Mekanix]

Spray nine and mr clean magic eraser.

[tylerhurley94]

Spray nine and mr clean magic eraser.

Is that Spray Nine the cleaner/disinfectant spray?