Messed up my tail lights. Advice?

[ApexEight]

So I tinted my tail lights red with this stuff (https://www.amazon.com/VHT-SP888-Red.../dp/B005257R0O) and also topped it with some Dupli Color clear coat, but it came out pretty poorly.

I decided to try to strip off the tint so I could try spraying them again again. I used brake fluid which wasn't very effective, so I switched to aircraft paint remover which ended up making things worse.

As it stands, my tail lights look like this:

I think the "fogginess" and uneveness is from the leftover clear coat. Or maybe I just really messed up the plastic up with the paint remover. I was thinking I could possibly sand them down or something.

Any advice on how to completely strip them so I can try tinting them again?

Thanks in advance.

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

I think you should have used Goo Gone or something. But for now you can wet sand, then a scratch remover, polish, and wax.

[ApexEight]

Originally Posted by StraightOuttaCanadaEh

I think you should have used Goo Gone or something. But for now you can wet sand, then a scratch remover, polish, and wax.

Thanks!

What grit sandpaper do you recommend? Should I wait to use the scratch remover (I have Meguiar's PlastX) until after I respray the tails?

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

Originally Posted by ApexEight

Thanks!

What grit sandpaper do you recommend? Should I wait to use the scratch remover (I have Meguiar's PlastX) until after I respray the tails?

That I don't know for sure. I know there are lots of diecast model polishing tutorials on youtube, I'd use what they use

[Mr.ac]

If all else fails, I see some Toms rear lights in the future.

You maybe have better luck with any head/tail lights restore product from any auto parts store.

[8RZ]

Wet sand with 1500-2k grit, plastic polish, and for best result, have a paint shop clear coat them.

Or just buy another set of OEM tails.

[ApexEight]

Originally Posted by 8RZ

Wet sand with 1500-2k grit, plastic polish, and for best result, have a paint shop clear coat them.

Or just buy another set of OEM tails.

I think I may have to go more aggressive with the wet sanding, the clear coat residue/haze is pretty tough. Maybe go down to 1K or maybe even 600 grit?

If I want to try respraying my tails with the red tint, can I just wet sand to get a even surface, spray, clear, wet sand, then polish?

[86geek]

if all else fails buy a new set of tails.

This one has no side reflector light.
https://www.86speed.com/products/86-...l-edition.html

This one has a side reflector light.
https://www.86speed.com/products/val...s86z-rm-2.html

[dennisp]

A bit late to the party, as I just joined, but anyway;

Have a look for either Adam LZ or Chrisfix on youtube for a video on headlight polishing as a guide.

You can start with 1200 grit (if you need to go more aggressive it might be too far gone) - use wet and dry sandpaper with a soft sanding block and add some fairy liquid to the water you use to wet it. Then go up to 1500, and then 2000 should be enough.

Either use Plastex (or similar plastic polish - with a random orbital if you have one) to go back to OEM, or re-apply the red coat.

Ive had really back headlights in the past that come back no worries with a bit of care and elbow grease.

HTH