Cleaning the plastic hood question

WH401 · Feb 22, 2009

sargex595 said:
WH401

Could you explain what "clayed" means. I haven't heard that used before but would like to clean and wax the hood on my X595.

Thanks.

Enviromental contaminants, sap, road tar, anything that regular washing won't remove will get stuck to the paint of your machine. Automotive clay is basically just as it sounds, a block of clay, and it is specially formulated for your car/machine to remove these things without harming the paint. IMO, claying is one of the best things you can do to any painted surface as it cleans the paint in the best possible way and gives you maximum adhesion for your wax application.

Another tip for you when you go to wax you machine. If you plan to do the whole thing, tape off the edges of the black plastic where it meets the paint. This will keep you from spreading the wax or wiping the clay on the plastic and staining it. Most tend to find Scotchs Blue Painters tape to work the best for this, it has the consistency of masking tape but works better for painting and it is highly visible.

BTW, Thanks for the compliment.

Spudland_Dave · Feb 24, 2009

To clean plastic parts, what I've used for the past 15 years on my Four-Wheeler and other toys has been the "Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish"...its formulated for plastic parts found on Dirt Bikes, Fourwheelers, etc... and works equally well on JD Green plastic... I wouldnt trade it for anything. It leaves a beautiful finish that doesnt collect dust, yet leaves the surface pretty slick so when you get it muddy again, a quick rinse will usually get everything off with no scrubbing...no scrubbing = no scratches.

09 X540 · Feb 24, 2009

In the owner's manual of my Polaris atv it says to use a high quality type of furniture polish on the plastic. I use Pledge on it after washing and drying and it gives it a nice shine. I wasn't sure about the hood on the new mower though. I think I am going to go with wax on it.