Restoring look of black plastic - bags specifically

[Stasch]

I've searched the forum but haven't found anything of much help.

I have 2 saddlebags from an '88 destined for an '05 restore project.  They are in good mechanical shape - no cracks, etc.

The smooth inner shells and pebble grained outer shells have fading to light grey in some places. 

One of the outer halfs has minor scrapes along one corner crease, basically roughed up.

I don't want to sand the pebble grain smooth and paint. 

I'm aware of Armor All and Mother's Back To Black product - but have never used the latter.

I've also heard of those who have used bedliner to resurface the outer shells, and wondering how close to OEM this looks.

What else can I do to get the plastic looking good again, and in dealing with some scuffing?

[Stasch]

OK, found this on the 'other' forum.

SCATES Post on Saddle Bag refinishing

Looks very promising.

[Steve in Sunny Fla]

spray with pledge and let it soak in. amazing results. steve

[buzz]

Two options I've had some success with: Rub down with Back-to -Black (Meguiars?), Mask off and spray with Krylon Fusion matte/flat black  (made for plastic).

[Jet86]

Can't you just wash and dry the bags then buy a spray can of black paint at walmart? does it have to be Special paint? i just want something to touch up the bags since they are really faded. is there any fire hazard from the Exhaust Pipes or anything bad about a black can of walmart paint?

[GeeBeav]

buy a spray can of black paint at walmart? does it have to be Special paint?

Krylon Fusion is made for plastic, available at wal-mart.

[Jet86]

 Thanks

   

[kreaky]

I used Valspar plastic paint, wiped it on the bags with an piece of terrycloth, two coats, made a large improvement in looks. I also applied some to my scuffed Corbin seat using the same method, again two coats, covered the scuffs very well, BIG improvement in appearance.

[Breaker19]

I've searched the forum but haven't found anything of much help.

I have 2 saddlebags from an '88 destined for an '05 restore project.  They are in good mechanical shape - no cracks, etc.

The smooth inner shells and pebble grained outer shells have fading to light grey in some places. 

One of the outer halfs has minor scrapes along one corner crease, basically roughed up.

I don't want to sand the pebble grain smooth and paint. 

I'm aware of Armor All and Mother's Back To Black product - but have never used the latter.

I've also heard of those who have used bedliner to resurface the outer shells, and wondering how close to OEM this looks.

What else can I do to get the plastic looking good again, and in dealing with some scuffing?

It depends on what type of plastic they're made of. For example, the old Vetter bags from the earlier part of the 80's were made of roto molded polyethylene and nothing sticks to them. That's right from Craig Vetter himself. I don't know what your bags are made of in regards to plastic, it'd be worth some research to find out. Hopefully, it's not that stuff, if so, you're limited to dressing the existing plastic with a product designed for this purpose rather than painting them.

[bbroj]

I have not tried it on any part of the bike, but Red Max Pro vinyl floor polish did wonders for my RV. I have used it under the hood on a few cars' intake plenum's, it looks great and seems to last quite awhile. It is not permanant, but it is sold in gallon jugs at Lowe's etc. and will last a lifetime. 7 coats on my 31' motorhome used about 1/2 gallon of the stuff. It looks and applies like Armour All, but forms a hard finish, not greasy like Armor All etc.

[Cholla]

Try some stuff called Forever Black. Comes with a cleaner and applies just like liquid shoe polish. This stuff works.

[mrwog]

I have taken 2 sets of bag covers to a local shop that does Rino lining and the bags came out looking as new. Just ask them to shoot the smallest texture and it comes out very nice and you would be very surprised at how it looks and you won't scratch them that's for sure. Very inexpensive to do it cost me $40
I'm trying to find some pictures I had.