Manipulate protected solvents to remove emulsion or glue from headlights.
A less-than-careful whitewash or repair profession can authorization dye or glue on your machine lights, where it can dim the lights also as study unsightly. Luckily there are various solvents that safely remove both substances without harming the Stop on the surrounding chrome or tint.
Use the Right Paint Solvent
Every distemper requires a solvent for thinning the info and cleaning tools. Automotive whitewash solvents accommodate toluene, methyl-ethyl ketones (MEK) and acetone, depending on the type of emulsion used. Provided you keep the gloss can handy, glance at the name to bargain the solvent. Provided you're not definite, one's damndest acetone--acetone is the active ingredient in Spike polish remover, so probation your bathroom cabinets. It won't disfigured glass, plastic or chrome on the other hand removes a Broad array or coatings. Lacquer thinner also works chipper for removing solvent-based emulsion. Have memories that these fixed solvents can harm other finishes, so grindstone carefully with them.
Whether the dye is water-based, close, soapy water Testament remove it from lights without hurting your van's Stop. If you can remove the light assembly, drop the parts in a bucket of water. If not, cover them with a towel soaked in hot, soapy water, Hot water will soften water-based paint given at least several minutes to work. If hot water doesn't work, try denatured (rubbing) alcohol.
Epoxy paints are virtually impossible to remove without epoxy remover, available from some specialty suppliers. If all else fails, it might make more sense to simply buy another lens or light for your car.
Spraying or soaking the surface with soapy water will minimize the risk of scratching first. If you keep the glass wet, the tool will glide over it without harming the surface. Bear in mind that some auto lenses are plastic instead of glass, and can scratch easily, so proceed with caution.
Some glues can be removed with the same solvents that remove many paints, such as acetone or MEK.
Most types of glue or adhesive tape residue will come off with a little work if you use lighter fluid (naptha). Oil also works on many adhesives--baby or bath oil, cooking oil, even peanut butter can soften and lift glue.
Mechanical Removal
Try a new razor blade or small, sharp scraper if you don't think it will scratch the surface. If you're really lucky, even a fingernail will work.
