refinishing plastic lenses: results

Just wanted to give props to DTNODYA and -=NightHawk=- for the motivation to try this project. I am very pleased with the results that I got.

So if anyone out there has a weathered 3rd brakelight and tired of it looking like crap, give this a try.

Badass!! Two people actually decided to spend some time and save some money. Props to you.

Just remember NOT to use WAX on them. Polish/glaze/etc., are all good but wax is not their friend.

Mustang5L5 said:

If you relocate your stock spoiler back to the edge of the trunk lid, it won't happen again and it will look much more sleeker

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Not true, happened to mine still after being moved back.

And my S281 brake light faded PINK in less than a year. I had to paint it black with transparent black model paint.

spitfirees20 said:

Looks great! I want to do my headlights, where can you get sandpaper that fine? Does home depot carry it?

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no not home depot, you need an automotive store, anywhere that sells paint. actually walmart has up to 2000 and thats probly the cheapest you'll find it too. 3M

-=NightHawk=- said:

i am actually going out to get some automotive clearcoat spray which takes care of it ever coming back

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no don't do that!!! after sanding it down to 2000 grit all you have to do is hit it with an orbital buffer (you can buy a 5-6" one at walmart for less than $15) and some heavy cutting cream, followed by light cutting creme. it will look brand new and last as long as the origionals.

it is basically the same method as "color sanding" or "wetsanding/polishing" fresh paint.

also theres no need to start sanding with that low of a grit sand paper. if really bad start with 1000 as the lowest and go to 1500 and 2000.

kaostik said:

how the hell did it get so messed up in the first place?? the trunklid around it looks fine?

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Ultraviolet light damages these types of plastics. Additionally, any pollutants in the air that are petroleum based tend to be absorbed by these plastics. Both these problems are the cause of hazing and cracking of plastic lenses.

One interesting thing I found while looking into this problem was claims that potatoe juice could correct this hazing of plastic lenses. The supposed technique is to rub raw potatoe on the affected plastic. I am going to try this on my Honda Civic which has very bad looking headlight pods.

To prevent the hazing from happening, apply 303 Aerospace Protectant to the plastic after every wash. The 303 Aerospace Protectant is SPF 40 and will prevent the UV radiation from damaging the plastic.