How Can I Remove Paint & Glue From My Car Lights?

A less-than-careful paint or repair job can leave paint or glue on your car lights, where it can dim the lights as well as look unsightly. Luckily there are several solvents that safely remove both substances without harming the finish on the surrounding chrome or paint.

Use the Right Paint Solvent

  • Every paint requires a solvent for thinning the material and cleaning tools. Automotive paint solvents include toluene, methyl-ethyl ketones (MEK) and acetone, depending on the type of paint used. If you have the paint can handy, read the label to find the solvent. If you're not sure, try acetone--acetone is the active ingredient in nail polish remover, so check your bathroom cabinets. It won't hurt glass, plastic or chrome but removes a wide array or coatings. Lacquer thinner also works well for removing solvent-based paint. Remember that these strong solvents can harm other finishes, so work carefully with them.

    If the paint is water-based, hot, soapy water will remove it from lights without hurting your car's finish. 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.

Removing Glue Residue

  • Glue can be trickier to remove. Again, if you have the glue label, look for solvent or cleaning information on there. 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. 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.