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Removing Paint from Painted Taillights?

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Old Dec 26, 2008 | 11:34 PM
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From: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Removing Paint from Painted Taillights?

Hey guys,
I recently had my taillights painted by a shop, however they came out darker than I had hoped and I can no longer keep them. Has anyone removed paint from the tails, or does anyone have any idea of how I could? Tried a few techniques but nothing has worked so far. If the paint can't be removed I may be looking to trade them for a set of stock lights.
Thanks,
Mark.
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Old Dec 26, 2008 | 11:45 PM
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Did you go back to the paint shop and ask? Even if they aren't willing to re-do it for free (which they should be), they'll probably at least be able to strip the paint back off for you for a small fee.
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Old Dec 26, 2008 | 11:53 PM
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nail polish remover.. but very tiring
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Old Dec 26, 2008 | 11:56 PM
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***DONT USE POLISH REMOVER***

ANY CHEMIST ON HERE WOULD AGREE that polish remover will RUIN your taillights dont do it!!!!
Trust me I would know!!!!
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 12:05 AM
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yes stay away from NPR and Thinners.
Just trade the lights.
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 12:06 AM
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If you want I can trade tail lights if you like =) I want a darker finish,,,
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 12:22 AM
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Ive removed paint from my tails with nail polish remover (acetone) many times.

It doesnt ruin or melt the plastic, it leaves a white haze on the lights though, you can then rub them with rubbing alcohol and itll take that off. Gonna have to put some elbow grease into it.
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 12:34 AM
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^^^ That may be true, but many people apply too much pressure with the nail polish damaging the surface....
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 12:38 AM
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Thanks, might have to give that a try! I am calling the shop on Monday, when I decided to paint they did say that they could remove it if I needed. Just figured that if I could do it myself I would.
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 12:40 AM
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the haze wont come off!the strong acid in the NPR takes off the clear coat of the light away.
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 12:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Serbiasrt8
the haze wont come off!the strong acid in the NPR takes off the clear coat of the light away.
The haze does come off, you have to rub it really hard with rubbing alcohol. Ive done it.
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 02:32 AM
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^^^ It works but you need to have one REALLY strong arm and LOADS of time.... it took me literally 2 hours to fix my sidemarkers on my BMW when I had it painted... a lot of work
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 05:12 AM
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wet sand it down(1200--1500--2000) and then polish the tailight using rubbing compound and finish polishing with plastic polish..
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 10:14 AM
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From: Jacksonville, FL/ Carmel, NY
I'll trade tails with you
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 10:39 AM
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Here's a picture btw.
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