There's hope for dull plastic furniture, appliances and vehicle parts -- with a bit of buffing, you can bring back the shine with the help of plastic polish or wax. Each product works in its own way, and they can be used individually or together for a high-gloss shine.
Plastic Polish
When you polish something, whether it's metal, stone or plastic, you're wearing down an uneven surface ever so slightly to create a smoother -- and shinier -- surface. Plastic polish contains abrasive, that, when applied with a soft cloth or polishing pad, cleans and renews the plastic. Plastic polish even removes scuffs, tiny scratches and surface discoloration. Look for plastic polish at auto supply retailers in the cleaning section.
Wax
Wax products, such as car waxes containing carnauba, add a layer of shine protection to polished plastic. A pure wax product contains no abrasives and doesn't clean or remove imperfections from the surface. What wax does do is seal a freshly polished surface to make the shine last longer and protect it from the elements. While wax is essential when detailing a car, it's not always necessary on plastic. It can even have a negative effect on some plastics, so always do a test patch before application.
Using Plastic Polish and Wax Together
Use a two-step plastic polish and wax regimen on shiny plastics that face the wear and tear of the outdoors, such as outdoor furniture and ATV bodies. Apply the polish with a polishing cloth or polishing pad attached to an electric drill -- use a low speed when using a drill to avoid overheating the plastic. Apply the wax with a soft cloth immediately after polishing, while the surface is as clean as possible. Wipe the wax on one section at a time, then buff with a second soft cloth until the entire surface is protected.
All-In-One Products
Often, plastic polishes contain protectants and waxes contain a small amount of abrasives. When polishing plastic, look for all-in-one polishes that are specifically designed for plastic. While all-in-one waxes can be effective on plastic, most are not formulated for plastic and should be tested on an inconspicuous area first. All-in-one plastic polishes are a good solution for shining dull plastic indoor furniture and appliances.
