Paint on plastics
 

Sam mentioned in his thread that a PO had painted the plastics on one of his Cyclops tractors. My 1864 has also been painted. Id love to strip the paint and polish the plastic. Now Im researching how to remove enamel paint from plastic. Anyone know what kind of plastic Cub used?

I came across a plastic model forum and was looking around on there. There are guys who actually take apart and restore old models that are not available anymore. I read many suggestions for paint removal. They use everything from brake fluid to oven cleaner to a mixture of caustic soda and water. One guy posted pics of a model soaked in a caustic soda bath and the plastic looked perfect. I guess plastic models are made of styrene. The brake fluid sounds plausible too considering its stored in a plastic bottle and most brake reservoirs are plastic. I havnt a clue what kind of plastic though.

Mods, didn't know if I should post this here being its a Cyclops question or in the restoration area.

The plastic material is called Xenoy. You're on your own from here. I know nothing.

PS. I do know this. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner will eat the film off the surface and make it shine if you wipe it. The problem is streaks.

I found out that paint stripper clean up it is called will remove paint on plastic,willy dilly world sells it.not sure if it does anything to the plastic.Cleans brass parts like new.I would test it out on a inconspicuous spot first before using it.

No problem from the Mods. Go for it. In my case it's only the hood that was painted. I may try paint stripper or just repaint it. We'll see.:bigthink:

Yeah, Im wondering if sanding it and repainting isn't the best option for me.

So looking around some more now that I know the name of the plastic, it looks like cracks can be repaired with a product called Weldon 3. I may get some and see what I can do with the grill support before I buy a new one. Its cracked in several places.

Don't know a thing 'bout taking paint off plastic.

I do know something about painting plastics though.

1) Plastics expand and contract, use exterior house paint. Why? Exterior house paint is designed to expand and contract without cracking.

2) Plastics don't like UV too much. Exterior house paint will prolong the life of plastic that spends a lot of time in the sun.

If the plastic is really kaput why not Scotch brite and paint it?

PS. Lots of plastics can be welded. I use a soldering gun for cracks. I'm new to Cubs, never owned a tractor with plastic hood and sides. Time will tell.
Isn't is a laugh seeing all the junque leaving Home "Cheapo" and Lowes? I often mention to lookers, "Check CL first!"

the absolute best way to remove paint from plastic without harming the plastic is brake fluid( NOT BRAKE CLEANER ) brake fluid will eat the paint off and wont melt or discolor the plastic, ive tried a few paint strippers that say there safe for plastic but none of the work as advertised and they discolored the plastic a bit. it will take some time to strip using the brake fluid but its worth it to not damaged the plastic.

They do make special automotive paint specifically for plastic. I would sand it and or scuff it and paint it with plastic paint with uv protection in it.

Takes paint off steel too! I knew someone who cleaned a tool roller chest with brake fluid. Ugh! Dope! :bigeyes:

Most higher quality automotive has a flex agent built in I know DuPont and PPG do. That will prevent the paint from cracking when the plastic flexes and expands.