So when I purchased the car about 6 months ago the previous owner had painted the headlights trying to make eyelids on the car. The paint is all cracked n stuff on the headlight and was wondering if anyone has ideas on how to remove the paint. I've tried Acetone but that wont even remove the paint from it. I was thinking about using one of the headlight restoration kits that come with the sand paper like the turtle one. Anyone have any idea if that would work or if anyone has any better ideas please let me know. Time appreciated

 

The sandpaper stuff will work. The only thing I'd be concerned about is I have seen those kits be used before and they look great when you're done. However, after a while the lenses like to cloud up and you have to do it again. I've heard if you keep a wax/sealant on the headlights this help prevent this from happening but I don't know if that's true.

Also, if you're going to be using a restoration kit, would it be possible to use some sort of chemical to strip the paint off the headlight first? Perhaps some brake fluid or something? I don't know if this would damage the plastic or not. Hopefully someone else can chime in with some useful tips.

 

wet sand 2000 grit and rubbing compound!! makes your lights look new. then wax your headlights everytime you wax your car. which for me would be everyday

 

But will these useful tips work to take off the paint off the headlights or is this just tips on how to take off oxidation?

 

This.

Wet sand very carefully. Then use the headlight restorer.
Got rid of some scratching on my headlights like that.

 

Sweet Thank you all for the support

 

Removing oxidation is the same process, just much less severe. Either way you need a very finely sand your surface. Any chemical agents may strip the paint but also damage your plastic lens. Start with 2000 and if that doesn't work try a little more aggressive, but always wet sand and follow up with the mentioned headlight restorer. You may start to get clouding every once in a while and need to re-sand once a year now though. Sanding off that paint, or sanding off oxidation, may remove the thin protection layer and it "MAY" cause faster hazing. Its kind of hit or miss with that one. Good luck.

 

when i wet sanded mine, it got reaaaal cloudy.
freaked me the hell out at first but a few coats of headlight restorer got em back to shiny.

dont freak out when they get cloudy. itll buff out.

 

sand paper, and compound