How do you remove clear coat from headlights?

The clear coat on headlights can be removed using mineral spirits.

Here's a breakdown of how to do it:

Steps for Removing Clear Coat from Headlights

To effectively remove the clear coat from your headlights, follow these steps:

1. Gather Your Materials: You'll need a shop towel and mineral spirits.
2. Apply Mineral Spirits: Wet the shop towel with mineral spirits.
3. Wipe the Headlight: Use the wet shop towel to wipe the clear coat off of the headlight. It will begin to dissolve.
4. Re-apply if necessary: If the clear coat doesn't come off easily, apply more mineral spirits to the towel and continue wiping.
5. Continue Until Clear: Keep working until the entire clear coat layer is removed. The headlight surface should be smooth and ready for re-coating.

Tips for Success

• Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Mineral spirits have a strong odor, so ensure you are working in an area with plenty of airflow.
• Use a Clean Shop Towel: This prevents re-introducing contaminants to the headlight.
• Start Over If Needed: If your new coat is uneven, use mineral spirits to strip it and start again, as described in the provided reference.
• Ensure Even Coating: The goal is to achieve an even clear coat after the removal process.

Why Remove Clear Coat?

• Yellowing or Hazing: Over time, the clear coat on headlights can become yellowed or hazy due to UV exposure and environmental factors.
• Improved Visibility: Removing and reapplying clear coat can drastically improve the clarity and brightness of your headlights, thus enhancing driving safety.

The use of mineral spirits is effective in stripping the clear coat, allowing for a fresh, even application.