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My headlights have spray tint on them, any idea whats the best way to get it removed? I am worried sanding might do so harm. ideas??

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Old 01-09-2014, 01:38 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Default Need help

My headlights have spray tint on them, any idea whats the best way to get it removed? I am worried sanding might do so harm. ideas??
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Old 01-09-2014, 01:52 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Brake/Carb cleaner works to remove the spray tint.

Spray it on, let it set for a few seconds/thirty seconds, and you can wipe it off or just spray more and the force should remove it.

I did this on my dome light covers (spray tinting them, because the LEDs are so bright) and messed it up and started over. We started sanding first before I found the above technique.

It did leave a film, not sure if that affects the surface or not, as we just sanded the rest of the plastic pieces (because we already started that process).
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Old 01-09-2014, 01:54 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Goof Off (never heard of this stuff?) apparently works too, according to some Google Machine results.

GooGone may work.
axmea? likes this.
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Old 01-09-2014, 03:29 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Have you tried paint thinner? Not sure if it'll work but at least give it a shot
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Old 01-09-2014, 04:18 PM   #5 (permalink)
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will the brake carb cleaner damage the lens like acetone would?
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Old 01-09-2014, 04:52 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fairz View Post
will the brake carb cleaner damage the lens like acetone would?
Honestly, I can't answer 100%, but there is a video of a guy cleaning his tail lights with this.

So I would assume it wouldn't, but I don't want to be the one to tell you, "No, it won't harm it." as I've never experimented on it w/a headlight/taillight.
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Old 01-09-2014, 05:29 PM   #7 (permalink)
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anyone ever try good off? Tail lights and headlights are made of different plastic, I was wondering if anyone had any results with that
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Old 01-09-2014, 05:56 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fairz View Post
will the brake carb cleaner damage the lens like acetone would?
Check and see what chemicals are in the brake carb cleaner. If it contains any kind of ketones, then yes it will.
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Old 01-09-2014, 06:56 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bking View Post
Check and see what chemicals are in the brake carb cleaner. If it contains any kind of ketones, then yes it will.
says theres Toluene,acetone,methyl alcohol,propane,and diacetone alcohol in the 3M carb cleaner, so the acetone thats in there might be a problem
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Old 01-09-2014, 07:15 PM   #10 (permalink)
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I was hoping I wouldnt have to wet sand it off
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Old 01-09-2014, 07:22 PM   #11 (permalink)
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I think I found the best way: DIY: headlight tint removal + headlight restoration e60. - 5Series.net - Forums

I hope that oops doesn't do any damage, it doesn't look like it would eat away at the plastic
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Old 01-10-2014, 07:22 AM   #12 (permalink)
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wet sanding won't hurt them if you get them shot with clearcoat when you are done. you can start with an 800-1000 grit and work down to 2000 then reclear them. upside to this will be that they will never oxidize like bare plastic will
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Old 01-10-2014, 01:23 PM   #13 (permalink)
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Thats what im gonna do thanks for advice
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