I wanted to know if there are ways to touch up the plastic parts of my 07 ranger? The front and back bumpers, sides of windows and mirrors are pretty faded, and I was wondering what I might be able to do to get the color back. I want to say I read somewhere that spray painting plastic doesn't work well? I also read about someone using a heat gun, but 1: i don't know if that really works, and 2: I don't even have a heat gun. I have some plasti dip, cause I used it on my stock rims, and was thinking that might work, but before I went for it I wanted to see if anyone had any other, better ideas?

Thanks!

 

I've both painted and heat-gunned plastic. You can get a cheapie heatgun from harbor freight if you'll only use it once or twice.

The heat gun works best on small plastic pieces, and then it's hit or miss. Too much heat and you make it worse. Not enough and it doesn't do anything. If it's the wrong type of plastic, it won't work period.

Painting works very well, if you use the right paint. Any old spray paint won't do the job. You want to use Krylon Fusion, and they have a line in glossy, satin, and flat made SPECIFICALLY for plastic. I, and many others, have used it for bumpers and grilles. I used it on my front and bumper pieces, and my father's used it on his honeycomb grille.

We both stand by it, and several others do too.

Clean the surface well with soapy water, rinse, then wipe down with rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol (NOT ACETONE!) will vaporize any water left behind and also remove any oils that the soap missed. I recommend dawn for the soap. Best in a spray bottle....

After the surface(s) are thoroughly prepped and dried, use the Krylon in whatever finish and color you like most (Satin black is my favorite) as per the instructions on the can. A roll of blue painters tape and some old news paper to cover unwanted areas is a good idea. I buy my Krylon from walmart, but I'm sure it can be found elsewhere as well. The stuff is cheap and is also a very forgiving paint, as it doesn't tend to run or fish-eye.

 

What color bumpers do you have ??
If there black like mine,I have a fix.My front bumper was so faded ,it almost looked gray.I cleaned it,wiped it down with acetone,taped every thing off.
Sprayed black gloss rustoliem,made for plastic.2 coats,then 2 coats of gloss clear.It's been 8 months and looks new.
Most people use satan,or semi gloss. But i'm glad I used gloss,in time it will fade a tad anyway.Mine turned out great !!!
see ya,old retired guy

 

If you are talking about the painted steel bumpers, the best way is what I did on my 97 Splash. Remove the bumpers, prep, base coat and clear with a quality sprayer.

As for the plastic parts like flares, rear bumper top, valance, etc, I second using Krylon Fusion.

 

Mine are old black plastic bumpers, they look gray now because they are faded. My dad seems to think that painting them won't make them look better. I think the style of bumper is only found in black, and isn't any other color. I have seen people with shiny smooth bumpers in color, but mine isn't like that. My bumpers are rougher in texture. You guys sure painting it will still work? or did you think I had the smooth bumper?

Thanks for all the responses!

 

I have painted smooth and textured bumpers. If you use paint made for plastic it will work just fine. In fact, that's what I've done today to my rear step pad while I already had it all apart. My front bumper as seen in my profile picture, for example, was painted with Krylon Satin Black. After all the bugs and mud that has been splattered on it, still looks good.



The color seen here isn't completely accurate, due to the evening sun. I'll have more pictures tomorrow after I have it all back together.

Here's a throttle body cover painted with Krylon Satin.



And here's another photo of the rear bumper where the colors are more accurate.




The only reason I've painted it again is because I had to take the pad off to avoid overspray from painting the back portion of the actual bumper itself. Was prime time to give it another going over anyway.

I am 100% confident that if you're good with a spray can, and you prep the surface well, it will turn out like new.

 

I got sick and tired of spending $$$ on plastic restorers that either did not work or worked until the next time you washed the truck or it rained. Then back to the faded haze grey color.

Krylon Fusion is made for plastic. Prepped properly it will adhere to the plastic and give great results. All my plastic has been painted this way and looks just like Arctic Wolfs results.

If you are nervous about painting, then dip the plastic parts using Plastidip. You can always peel the stuff off later if you decide to paint. I dipped my front grille two years ago and it still looks great. If you want a little shine, give it 4-5 coats of glossifier. That gives it more of a satin finish then a matte finish.

 

^ To add to that, find a piece of plastic you don't care about. A milk jug for example would work well. Wash and prep the surface and try the product of your choosing on the milk jug. If you don't like the way it looks, throw it away and try something else.

You also get a chance to get a feel for the product of choice as well.

 

Thanks for the great responses!! That looks great, and exactly for what I was hoping for Arcticwolf! In fact, if I do something that messes up the job, I could always go to plastidip after too! Thanks butchss.

Eventually, I want a metal grill, but that will be later down the road due to $$$

Thanks everyone! Depending on free time, soon I might post a pic of before and after.

 

Great idea on the plastic jug. I did not do that because I figured I had nothing to lose the plastic looked so bad. Anything I did would look better then what I had. LOL.

Plastidip is remarkable stuff. When I worked for a living I used to dip my front bumpers every winter to protect them. Then in the spring I simply peeled the stuff off to reveal the chrome again. Kept them looking great. Stuff is cheap too. Can't beat it.

 

Here is what I meant by the plastic starting to look bad:

 

Never tried it on the window surrounds, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Just be sure to take your time masking off and prepping. Old news papers are your friend.

 

Awesome, thanks so much!!

 

You're welcome. Good luck!

 

Go to Eastwood.com get there plastic resurface spray only comes in black.
follow the instructions there's also a video.
I did my 09 Rangers faded to grey bumpers back to black 2 years ago still look new,
works great.