How to Refinish Plastic Tail Lights

Tail lights do not last forever, but there are ways that you can make them last much longer than usual. Your tail lights, like your head lights, are exposed to many different things that can cause them to become dull and not appear as bright as they should. Automatic car washes, weather conditions and even hand washing your car can lead to dull tail lights. You can refinish your tail lights to help save money and make them look their best.

• 1200-grit sandpaper
• 1-2 cans clear spray paint
• Water
• Masking tape
• Newspaper
• Soft cloth

1. Step 1

   Cut or tear large sandpaper pieces into smaller pieces for easy handling.

2. Step 2

   Wet a piece of sandpaper and the plastic tail light lens. In a circular motion, sand the tail light lens as if you were washing it with a sponge or cloth. Start at one end and work your way to the opposite end so that you do not miss any spots. You will notice a distinction between the parts that have been sanded and those that have not.

3. Step 3

   Rinse the tail light thoroughly to remove dirt and sanding dust. Allow the tail light to dry completely.

4. Step 4

   Apply masking tape and newspaper around the back of the vehicle and the back windshield. The goal here is to protect the rest of your vehicle from overspray.

5. Step 5

   Lightly spray the tail light with the clear spray paint in a short sweeping side to side motion, starting at the top and working your way down. You should try to maintain a distance of at least six to eight inches from the nozzle and the tail light to avoid dripping. Let the paint dry thoroughly.

6. Step 6

   Apply another light coat of clear spray paint to the tail light. This should be the final coat that will be needed. Allow it to dry completely.

7. Step 7

   Buff the tail light using the soft cloth to wipe any dust and repeat the process for the other tail light if needed. Once you are finished, you can remove the newspaper and tape.