Ethan Clarke
Tail lights are usually covered with acrylic plastic, which offers benefits such as clarity, strength, and the ability to conform to various shapes. However, due to its softness, plastic is prone to hazing and discolouration from the sun. Fortunately, lens restoration is a common and inexpensive procedure that can be done at home with kits available at auto parts stores. The process involves sanding, polishing, and waxing the lens to remove fading, light scratches, haze, and yellowing, restoring the lens to a clear, factory finish.
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What You'll Learn
Sanding and polishing methods
For the sanding process, start by using sandpaper to rub the lens from side to side for 20 seconds with medium pressure. Avoid using a circular motion, as circular swirl marks are more visible than vertical and horizontal ones. Once the lens is sanded, clean it with a soapy solution and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
After sanding, it's time to polish the lens. Apply a generous amount of liquid automotive paint polish to an applicator pad and rub it against the lens in a circular motion with low pressure. Allow the polish to haze on the lens, and then wipe away the residue with a microfiber cloth.
Finally, remove the tape and wash the area with soap and water. To enhance the shine and protect the lens, you can apply a coat of wax designed for plastic light lenses. This will not only improve the clarity and shine of the lens but also protect it from future UV oxidation.
There are also DIY kits available, such as the Glass Polish 31016 kit, which can be used for permanent headlight and tail-light restoration. These kits provide professional-level results, removing haze, scratches, and yellowing. However, some kits may require additional drilling or hand sanding, so be sure to choose one that suits your preferences.
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Using automotive soap
To restore your tail light lenses with automotive soap, you will need automotive soap, water, sandpaper, a lens restoration kit, a sponge, and some microfiber cloths.
First, carefully disassemble your tail light lenses from their housing. This step requires caution, as the lenses can be brittle, especially around the mounting holes. Next, clean the lenses with mild soapy water to remove any dirt and grime. Check for cracks and locate any areas that may need extra attention.
Now, it's time to sand the lenses. Spray the lenses with soapy water to lubricate the surface. Then, rub the sandpaper from side to side for about 20 seconds, using medium pressure on each part of the lens. Avoid using a circular motion, as circular swirl marks are more visible with the light on. Once you're done sanding, clean the lenses again with the soapy solution and dry them with a microfiber cloth.
After sanding, apply a lens clarifying compound to restore the shine and gloss of your lenses. Use a quarter-sized drop of the compound and buff it into the surface of the lenses with a microfiber cloth. If there are still signs of oxidation, you may need to repeat the sanding step or use a coarser grit of sandpaper.
Finally, wash the lenses one last time and apply a fresh protective coating to protect them from future oxidation and keep them looking glossy.
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Applying automotive paint polish
To restore plastic tail light lenses, you can use a lens restoration kit, which includes polishing pads, polishing compound, and protectant wax. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying automotive paint polish to restore plastic tail light lenses:
Prepare the surface:
Start by applying painter's tape to the area around the lens, covering any parts you want to protect. Mix a solution of automotive soap and water in a spray bottle, and spray it onto the lens. Wipe the lens with a sponge to clean it, and identify the areas with scratches and swirl marks.
Sand the lens:
Pour automotive soap into a bucket and fill it halfway with water. Soak 1500-grit sandpaper in the soapy water for 20 minutes. Spray the tail light lens with the soapy solution again to lubricate the surface. Using medium pressure, rub the sandpaper on the lens in a side-to-side motion for about 20 seconds. Avoid using a circular motion, as vertical and horizontal swirl marks are less visible when the light is on.
Apply polishing compound:
Use a clean microfiber cloth and apply a quarter-sized amount of lens clarifying compound from your kit. Buff this into the surface of the tail light lens, focusing on one lens at a time. This process will remove light surface oxidation, restoring gloss and clarity to the lens.
Use sanding pads for deeper scratches:
If there are still signs of oxidation or deeper scratches, use the sanding pads provided in your restoration kit. These pads have a rougher surface designed to remove heavier scratches and oxidation. Apply the sanding pad to the lens for about 20 seconds, using water as a lubricant.
Seal and protect the lens:
Finally, seal and protect the lens to maintain its clarity and add a glossy finish. You can use a ceramic sealant wipe, which will provide long-lasting protection and an extra pop of gloss. Apply the sealant in a smooth, even layer, and allow it to air dry for 3-5 minutes.
By following these steps and repeating the process once or twice a year, you can effectively restore and maintain the clarity and shine of your plastic tail light lenses.
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Waxing for protection
After restoring your tail lights, waxing is an important step to protect the lenses from future damage and keep them looking shiny and new. Here are some detailed instructions for waxing your tail lights for protection:
Choose the Right Wax
Select a car wax designed specifically for automotive use. You can find suitable wax options in headlight or lens restoration kits or at auto parts stores. These kits often include all the necessary items for lens restoration, including polishing compounds, various grits of sanding pads, and protectant wax.
Prepare the Surface
Before applying the wax, ensure the tail light lens surface is clean and dry. You can use mild dish soap, warm water, and a microfiber cloth to clean the lens gently. This step removes any dirt, grime, or residue that may interfere with the waxing process.
Apply the Wax
Take a small amount of the chosen wax and apply it evenly to the tail light lens using a microfiber applicator pad. Work the wax into the surface with gentle, circular motions. Ensure you cover the entire lens surface, including the edges and corners.
Buff to a Shine
Once the wax is applied, use a clean, soft microfiber cloth to buff the lens. This process will help remove any excess wax and create a smooth, shiny finish. Buff until you achieve the desired level of shine and clarity.
Repeat Waxing Regularly
To maintain the protection and shine of your tail lights, repeat the waxing process regularly. Depending on your vehicle's usage and climate, you may need to reapply wax every six to twelve months. Regular waxing will help prevent oxidation, discoloration, and hazing caused by long-term exposure to the sun.
By following these steps for waxing your tail lights, you can effectively protect the lenses from damage, maintain their clarity, and enhance the overall appearance of your vehicle. Remember to choose the right wax, prepare the surface properly, apply the wax evenly, and buff to a shine for the best results.
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Using restoration kits
Before using a restoration kit, it is important to clean the lenses thoroughly. Start by taping the area around the lens with painter's tape, covering the surrounding areas up to the edge of the plastic lens. Mix a solution of automotive soap and water in a spray bottle, and generously spray the tail light lenses. Use a sponge to wipe them clean, and then dry them with a microfiber cloth.
Once the lenses are clean and dry, you can apply the restoration products. Some kits may have specific instructions, but generally, you will use the provided sanding pads to remove any severe scratches, oxidation, or discoloration. Start with the rougher side of the sanding pad, working in back-and-forth motions for about 20 seconds. Rinse the lens with water as a lubricant during this process. Then, turn the sanding pad over to the smoother side to refine the scratches and create a smoother surface.
After sanding, clean the lenses again with the soapy solution and dry them. Apply a polishing compound or liquid automotive paint polish to an applicator pad and work it into the lenses in a circular motion. Allow the polish to haze over, and then buff it off with a microfiber cloth. Finally, remove the tape and wash the area with soap and water.
As a final step, it is recommended to apply a protectant wax designed for plastic light lenses. This will enhance the shine and clarity of the lenses, bringing them back to a factory finish. More importantly, it will protect the lenses from future UV oxidation, ensuring that your hard work lasts.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a wet sanding and polishing method to restore a plastic tail light lens. First, wash the vehicle to remove any dirt. Then, tape off the paint around the light using painter's tape. Next, sand the lens with sandpaper using side-to-side motions and medium pressure for 20 seconds. Clean the lens with a soapy solution and dry it with a microfiber cloth. Apply liquid automotive paint polish to the lens using a circular motion and low pressure, then remove the tape. Finally, wash the area with soap and water and apply a protectant wax designed for plastic light lenses.
The wet sanding and polishing method can help to remove light scratches and fading from a plastic tail light lens. However, deeper scratches cannot be removed and will only be lightened. First, sand the lens with sandpaper, then clean it with a soapy solution. Apply automotive paint polish to the lens and rub it in a circular motion. Finally, remove the residue with a microfiber cloth.
You can use a variety of products to restore a plastic tail light lens, including automotive soap, water, sandpaper, liquid automotive paint polish, and a protectant wax designed for plastic light lenses. You can also find kits specifically for restoring tail light lenses at auto parts stores.
The length of a plastic tail light lens restoration procedure will depend on the vehicle's usage and climate. With regular wax applications, the restoration can last longer and provide better protection.
