Buffing plastic????

[kab]

So i removed all the stickers and airbox emblems off my xb9r. Even after washing, up close you can tell where the stickers and emblems were. Is there anyway to buff plastic? Or does anyone have anything else i can try. I plan on getting new buell airbox emblems but in black ( the orange looked horrible ).

 

[Kid1620]

Keep them there so that way you can put the new ones over it and the spacing will be right

 

[buellbradski]

Ive heard novus plastic polish works well im planing on getting a bottle of2 to remove any scratches then polish with the number 1

 

[anrkizm95]

Ive heard novus plastic polish works

[up][up]

 

[thrstrmech]

I use this

 

[iman501]

where are you guys buying novus locally besides harley dealerships?....

 

[kab]

Would a mothers powerball drill polishing head work with novus #2? or what would you recommend? I would love to shine this bike up while i have it in the basement for the winter.

 

[50dro]

I like to Plexus "Jesus in a bottle" but it's not going to get rid of your fade! Your best bet is the Novus polish(es) and a buffing wheel. BE CAREFUL NOT TO BURN THE PLASTIC WHILE DOING THIS! Take your time and it will come out pretty well. If I try real hard I can still see the silhouette of my decals but for the most part they are gone. If you do end up burning the plastic you can wet sand it and re-polish it but I would avoid sanding it if you can help it. Once you get it polished up, Plexus will be your friend! Good luck!

5-0dro
www.5-0dro.com

 

[BuellyBagger]

The majority of the silouette of the emblems is faid[up] 5-0. Thats almost impossible to hide. My uly was a dealer demo bike that sat outside during the day and when i removed the air box badges bfor painting i could still obviously see their outline even after sanding the plastics for paint. Of course mine was barricade orange which seems 2 fade bad. I've never used Novus or Plexus but use a foam pad for buffing with ur desired polish or rubbing compound and use a variable speed single action buffer at low rpm and u'll b able to hide it fairly well

 

[jakestolar]

"Jesus in a bottle"

The man speaks the truth[up]

 

[BuellyBagger]

where do u guys get plexus?? does it work on the textured black plastics?

 

[50dro]

Some dealers carry it but it can get real expensive there. I got mine from Amazon the last time.

It works well on all textures from what I've found. I use it on everything from my plastics to painted parts to car interiors to tv screens. It's a clear silicone--like spray that doesn't cake up or smear. Just apply with a microfiber towel and let it do its thing! [up]

 

[GOduc]

Would a mothers powerball drill polishing head work with novus #2? or what would you recommend

I use a powerball with a special compound for black plastic then protect it with some wax.

Works pretty well

 

[kab]

I was Thinking of using a mothers powerball and some novus #2 and just slowly go over all my fairings. What do you guys think? I hate to try it and make it worse.

 

[50dro]

You should be fine so long as the powerball is clean from other compounds. Just be careful to keep the drill head away from the plastics if you're getting into tight spots etc.

 

[kab]

Ok so thats what ill do. Thank you very much for all the information. So now i have one last question, ive never buffed or polished anything, what is a good technique i should use to do this? Ive read the novus instructions but id rather get take advice from someone who has buffed and polished plastic. Thanks in advance.

 

[50dro]

Just remember that heat is your worst enemy. Let the compound do the work for you. I would start with Novus #2 if you don't have any deep gouges to deal with. It will handle most minor blemishes. Do not push down very hard and keep the buffer moving back and forth in your target area. You also want to keep your area slightly wet (not dry & pasty) with the compound. Keep a clean microfiber towel around to check your progress as you go. Also be careful on the edges. If the buffer catches on an edge, it can (and will if your not careful) burn the plastic. You may want to treat the edges by hand if you're concerned. All the things I mentioned keep the heat down which is very important. If you do burn the plastic, you'll see it sort of "smear" and discolor slightly. If that happens, you'll be stuck wet sanding and re-polishing.

I've also found it easier if the plastics are mounted to the bike. The only problem with that is that you will be shooting compound all over your bike. You may consider masking off the parts immediately around the plastics that you are polishing.

Edit: Keep good lighting as well. If you have a sunny day when you do it, you may want to do it outdoors since that's where you're going to ultimately be looking at it anyways...

If any of this doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll try to clarify. Good luck!

5-0dro
www.5-0dro.com

 

[kab]

I think i understand what i have to do and how to do it now. Thanks for explaining everything for me. Basicly my bike only has regular wear and tear no big scratches. I just want to buff and polish out the the outline the emblems and stickers left and bring out that new bike shine again if i can. My bike is a 03 xb9r it only has 4300 miles on it. This is the only bike ive ever owned that i actually care about.

 

[kab]

Ok so after looking around i actually think im just going to hand buff and polish my plastics. Seen a couple videos and dont think it would take long and be much safer and less messy than using a mothers powerball. Im just wondering if an 8oz bottle of #2 novus will cover my bike? Any suggestions? I was just going to buy and 8oz kit on ebay i just hate to run out. The H-D shop here sells it but at outragous prices.

 

[50dro]

8oz will last a long time. You'll be fine.[up]