Removing red paint from tail lights, hazing as a result

DaveInLA · 05-23-06, 06:07

A few years ago, I painted the amber portion of my tail lights red to get the all-red look from the rear. It looked good, but then the red paint began to look really dull. Instead of going through the trouble of repainting it, I decided to strip the red paint to go back to the original look.

I tried nail polish remover, but it doesn't seem to be strong enough. Some people suggested acetone. So far, I've tried some sort of laquer paint remover, and it's doing a decent job, but there are parts of the plastic tail lights that have become dull/hazed as a result. I've read to use an "automotive polish" to correct this, so I was hoping I could get some good suggestions on this forum. Thanks.

DaveInLA · 05-23-06, 07:53

Anybody? Please help, I'm going to take care of this in the AM tomorrow. thanks.

Five Star · 05-23-06, 08:04

some plastX should take care of the hazing

sumptimwong · 05-23-06, 08:05

To remove the rest of the paint, try getting a paper towel wet with some paint thinner, and slap that onto your lights for a few minutes.

DaveInLA · 05-23-06, 10:19

If the plastic does haze a bit and Plast-X takes care of it, does that mean I have to periodically apply the Plast-X just to keep up the shine?

Five Star · 05-23-06, 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveInLA

If the plastic does haze a bit and Plast-X takes care of it, does that mean I have to periodically apply the Plast-X just to keep up the shine?

PlastX is a polish engineered for removing minor defects, It has Meguiars Micro Diminishing abrasives.

It may have some lubrication oils that may fill in some, I really dont know, but Its the best plastic polish in my opinion

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/meg-g-12310.html

foxtrapper · 05-24-06, 02:58

A major problem with using acetone or lacquer thinners on plastics is the permanent damage they can do. It can be mild, as you are experiencing. It can be severe, softening and disolving the plastic.

The plastic damage you are seeing is deep and permanent chemical reaction. You can minimize the visibility of the damage with a plastic surface polish and an oiling product. But you cannot reverse the damage done to the plastic itself.

DaveInLA · 05-24-06, 11:30

Well, I tried the lacquer and the resulting orange color looks terrible (and feels terrible, too). I think I basically have to repaint the lights red if I want the lights to look decent at this point.

Anyway, I last used the paint (Testors transparent candy apple red spray paint) about 2 years ago. I dug it out of the garage and tried spraying it on a sheet of Saran wrap, and it still sprays, but it doesn't seem to be as transparent as I remember. It might be because I sprayed too much (it's running down the wrap). Would this type of paint still be good after not being used for 2 years? Thanks.

sumptimwong · 05-24-06, 11:52

IMO, not worth the risk. I don't know a thing about paints, but those small rattle cans go for $3-4 at Walmart or your local hobby shop.