In Progress Guides

Soft Touch Plastic Coating Removal

Disclaimer

The following information regards general techniques and products associated with plastics and chemicals for the process of restoration and repairs.

EXTREME CAUTION MUST BE EXERCISED.

Use of hazardous chemicals is present and proper safety practices, including safety products MUST be utilized.

Use of this information is at your own risk and individuals performing this work are responsible for their actions.

De-Yellowing Plastic

Strip away years on aged plastic that has become yellowed and no longer retains it's original color.

Joining Plastic

Types of adhesives:

  • Reactive
  • Non-Reactive ( Solvent Cement )

Types of Plastics

See links below for further information.

Common plastics and uses

  • Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – Carbonated drink bottles, peanut butter jars, fibers/textiles, plastic film, microwavable packaging. Also generically called "polyester".
  • Polyethylene (PE) – Wide range of inexpensive uses including supermarket bags, plastic bottles.
    • Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) – Outdoor furniture, siding, floor tiles, shower curtains, clamshell packaging.
    • High-density polyethylene (HDPE) – Detergent bottles, milk jugs, and molded plastic cases.
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – Plumbing pipes and guttering, shower curtains, window frames, flooring, electrical cable insulation
  • Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) (Saran) – Food packaging.
  • Polypropylene (PP) – Bottle caps, drinking straws, yogurt containers, appliances, car fenders (bumpers), plastic pressure pipe systems.
  • Polystyrene (PS) – Packaging foam/"peanuts", food containers, plastic tableware, disposable cups, plates, cutlery, CD and cassette boxes.
    • High impact polystyrene (HIPS) -: Refrigerator liners, food packaging, vending cups.
  • Polyamides (PA) (Nylons) – Fibers, toothbrush bristles, tubing, fishing line, low strength machine parts: under-the-hood car engine parts or gun frames.
  • Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) – Electronic equipment cases (e.g., computer monitors, printers, keyboards), drainage pipe, filament for 3D printing.
  • Polyethylene/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PE/ABS) – A slippery blend of PE and ABS used in low-duty dry bearings.
  • Polycarbonate (PC) – Compact discs, eyeglasses, riot shields, security windows, traffic lights, lenses.
  • Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS) – A blend of PC and ABS that creates a stronger plastic. Used in car interior and exterior parts, and mobile phone bodies.
  • Polyurethanes (PU) – Cushioning foams, thermal insulation foams, surface coatings, printing rollers, adhesives (Currently 6th or 7th most commonly used plastic material, for instance the most commonly used plastic in cars).
  • Epoxy – Adhesive or structural resins, fiber-reinforced plastic (including printed circuit boards), electronics potting, coatings.
  • Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) – Compostable cups, filament for 3D printing
  • Phenol-formaldehyde – Billiard balls, older circuit boards
  • Cyanoacrylate polymers (CA, superglue) – Temporary adhesives, medical wound closures