Quick Tip, Homemade number plate

January 21, 2010 by Jon Rhodig

I got the inspiration for this blog from a question that was asked in our own ATV Magazine Forum. A forum member needed a solution for a quick, cheap, and easy number plate so he could participate in a race coming up soon. Here is my condensed response.

Materials needed:

White 5 gallon plastic bucket (can probably found in the trash or thrift store)

Tin snips, heavy scissors, or grinder with cut off wheel (basically any tool that will cut thick plastic)

High temp heat gun or propane torch (use caution with the torch!)

400-600 grit sandpaper (optional, for prepping the plastic for paint)

Spray paint (optional, depending on if you need the back round color other than white)

Process:

Start off by cutting out the desired shape of the number plate from the side of the plastic bucket. Once you have the shape the way you like it, carefully take the heat gun or propane torch and gently heat the plastic to make it malleable. Keep the heat source moving to prevent melting or burning, take your time and be patient. Once the plastic is malleable start to flatten out the piece using the heat when necessary as the plastic cools. Once the plastic is as flat as you can get it, set a heavy block on top and wait about an hour or so for the plastic to fully cool. The heavy block will keep the plastic from having a “memory” and curling up on you. It must be noted that it will be nearly impossible to create a perfectly flat piece of plastic, but it will be flat enough for mounting on the ATV.

Now comes the optional part of the process. If you chose not to buy a $7 pack of vinyl numbers here is a way to put numbers on your plate with a little bit of time and effort. There are several ways to paint numbers on your plate, free hand, stencil, or masking. I would advise against free hand unless you have a steady hand and can paint well with an artists brush. Stencils can be picked up at most hobby stores but if your still too cheap to spend $5 on pre-made stencils you can make your own at home with items you already have. Using printer/copy/card stock draw and cut out numbers creating a “negative” that you can apply on the plate. Use the 400-600 grit sandpaper to rough up the plastic to give the paint something to “bite” into. Clean the plastic well before the next step. Using tape and some children’s glue sticks stick the stencil on the plate and paint over it using light coats (especially with printer paper as there is a risk of bleed through). After the paint is thoroughly dry, remove the stencil and clean off the glue with some isopropyl alcohol. You can also achieve the same effect by covering the entire plate with blue painters tape, then cutting out the number shapes (on the plate) with a sharp razor blade or hobby knife. Paint and remove the tape to complete the job. For extra protection you can use a clear coat over your finished work.