How to Paint ATV Plastics Like a Pro: Step by Step Guide
Last updated on July 23rd, 2025
Want to give your ATV a fresh, bold look? Learning how to paint ATV plastics is an easy and affordable way to restore faded parts or customize your ride. Whether you’re dealing with old sun-bleached fenders or just want a new color scheme, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything—from prep work and sanding to choosing the right paint and sealing the finish. Let’s break down exactly how to paint ATV plastics so your machine looks brand new and stands up to trail abuse.
Understanding ATV Plastics and Why Proper Painting Matters
Before you grab the spray paint, it’s important to understand the type of plastics your ATV uses. Most ATV plastics are made of durable polymers like polypropylene or polyethylene, which can be tricky to paint because of their smooth, non-porous surface.
Why painting ATV plastics requires special care:
- Surface adhesion is a challenge—regular paint won’t stick well without proper preparation.
- Using the wrong primer or paint can cause peeling or cracking.
- A good paint job protects plastics from UV damage, scratches, and wear.
With the right tools, techniques, and patience, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that enhances your ATV’s look and lifespan.
Tools needed to paint ATV plastics
- Sandpaper
- Soft Cloth
- Paint specific Adhesives
- Primer
- Decent urethane for spraying plastic
- Car wax
9 Steps on How to paint ATV plastics – A DIY Guide
ATV plastics are designed to keep your vehicle away from dusts and dirts while driving in the mud trails. Being an ATV rider enthusiast, there would definitely be a though which will come across to paint your ATV plastics and give them more of your personal touch.
You also will then start questioning on how to paint ATB plastics ? Which paints will stick for a long time on your ATV? The following guide will try to cover all the aspects of ATV plastics painting. If you think on some other ways or improvements, do drop us a comment below.
Let me tell you that paining ATVs on your own is not very difficult DIY process as it sounds. If the right tools are in place and these tools can be utilised properly then painting your ATV become more of a fun.
1. Removal off plastic or Decals
First and foremost , you need to remove any plastics around the area or any decals which are there.
2. Clean the ATV plastics
The first step is to clean the plastic. You can use any soft cloth to first remove the dusts/dirts which are available.
Next , with the help of 180 or 600 grit sandpaper ,sand the entire area . There will be thing curst that gets formed which needs to be removed from sanding process.
3. Get rid off water-soluble particles
Now it is time to remove any particles that are soluble. You can use scuff magic or red scuff pad, that will remove any water soluble contaminants.
4. Remove any more crusts present
Using the above mentioned sand paper , you need to sand again to remove any spots left or missed in first place. Once this is done , you need to sanblast everything and cover almost all the area that needs to be painted. You can use 8- grit aluminium oxide for this.The reason sanding is important is because it cleans the deep crusts or patches which if ignored can give a bad look to whole area after it be painted.
5. Cleaning plastic
Next , you need to clean your plastics with plastic cleaner. You can use polyvalence plastic cleaner. Once spraying is done you need to wait for at least 20 seconds just to make sure the solvents are dissolved properly. Once this is done, you can wipe the surface with soft cloth or any paper towel.
6. Adhesives and Primer
Finally after thorough cleaning of the surface , you now need to apply adhesives so that the paint gets well sticked with the plastics. You can apply any industrial level adhesives and apply two coats of it. Make sure the first coat is dried well , before applying the second coat. You can use something like plastic magic as adhesives to this process.
Further in order to get the right adhesives, you can get products like Bulldog Tie Coat or Ajax from the stores or order it online which are considered as good bonding agent.
Next , you need to apply primer. Again you need to make sure that the adhesives are already dried off. You can now apply any water resistant primer surfacer. This primer will fill any sandblast pits or scratches. You can apply at least 1-2 coatings of primer.
7. Sanding
Any imperfections done in above steps can be eliminated by applying Putty flex. Once the putty is dried , it is time to sand again. To get the finishing for the plastic surface , you need to sand the areas again. This is to make the surface is smooth.
Once the sanding process is done, you need to apply waterborne all seasons Bumper sealer and let it dry. This is the last step after which paint layer can be applied.
8. Painting the ATV Plastic : Best way to paint ATV Plastics
Finally after you have followed all the above steps/methods, now it is time to paint the plastic. You can choose any best paint for atv plastic .So go ahead and start applying the paint. You can use best spray paint for atv plastic available as well.
First apply a single layer of paint let it dry off , then apply another layer of the paint to double coat it. Once the double coat painting is done, you need to make sure the top layer is applied with flex additive so as to make sure there is better adhesion between the paints and plastics.
Let it dry off again.
9. Waxing the surface
Once the paint is done , you can apply any car wax to shine the plastic further.Further if you have following the above DIY methods, finally you have answered your question on How to Paint ATV plastics
The process is bit lengthy but once you are done the end result is definitely going to make you happy.
Final Thoughts: Paint Your ATV Plastics Like a Pro
Painting your ATV plastics doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right prep, a bit of patience, and the right products, you can transform faded or scratched plastic into a sleek, professional-looking finish that lasts. Whether you’re restoring an old four-wheeler or giving your new ATV a custom touch, this project is totally doable—even for first-timers.
So grab your gear, follow the steps, and give your ATV the fresh new look it deserves. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference a little paint can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: Do I need to sand ATV plastics before painting?
Yes, sanding is essential for good paint adhesion. Use fine-grit sandpaper (usually 400–600 grit) to roughen the surface and remove any gloss or dirt. It helps the primer and paint bond better to the plastic.
2: What kind of paint works best on ATV plastics?
Use plastic-specific spray paint like Krylon Fusion, Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X, or specialty ATV/marine-grade paints. These are formulated to stick to polypropylene and other ATV plastics without peeling or cracking.
3: Do I need a primer to paint ATV plastics?
Yes, using a plastic adhesion promoter or primer is highly recommended. It creates a strong base layer that helps the paint grip the surface and last longer, especially in outdoor conditions.
4: How do I keep the paint from peeling off?
Proper prep is the key. Clean, sand, and prime the surface before painting. After painting, apply a clear coat or sealant to protect the finish from UV rays, moisture, and scratches.
5: Can I paint ATV plastics without removing them?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Removing the plastic parts gives you better access and prevents overspray on other components. If you must paint in place, mask surrounding areas carefully with tape and plastic sheeting.
6: How long does it take to paint and dry ATV plastics?
The whole process—from prep to final clear coat—can take several hours. Drying time between coats is usually 15–30 minutes, but full curing can take up to 24–48 hours depending on the paint brand and humidity.
7: Is painting ATV plastics permanent?
While not as permanent as factory dyeing, a well-done paint job with proper prep and sealing can last for years—even with trail use and sun exposure.
