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world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Restoring faded polyethylene gas tank and fenders?

I have a 1978 Suzuki PE175, with polyethylene fenders and gas tank. the PE is faded\sun baked pretty bad. I can not buy new plastic for it because it is an out of date bike. I was wondering what I could use to make it look new again. I tried to use Brasso [on eBay or Amazon] polish (as I was told to by a dirt bike enthusiast) but it didn't work as well as I thought. Can you please help my situation?

Charles Anglemyer
- Lafayette, Ohio
2003

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2003

Charles,

I regret that you are, so to speak, up a gum tree.

Once the Pe fades, there's nothing you can do. But was it Pe and not PP (Polypropylene)? ... anyhow, they both behave similarly when exposed to U.V. Both burn slowly, both drip but Pe always, ALWAYS smells of candle wax if ignited.

The problem is that they will get worse and eventually get brittle and crack.... due to the U.V. attack ... which is why many plastics used for piping are coloured to retard UV attack.

Paint will not adhere at all well to these Polyoelefins ... you could try 'scratching' the surface to improve the surface area and use a flexible paint, ie. an inexpensive latex or acrylic but not an enamel.

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).

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It's impossible to paint perfectly, and difficult to paint passably, but our readers have frequently suggested Bulldog Tie Coat [affil links] and/or Krylon Fusion [on eBay or Amazon] paint. Worth a try.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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