Dull tail light lens

[chev-obsession]

I have some tail light lenses that are in really nice condition, no cracks or oxidation etc and would like to polish them up so they shine.

What is the best way to do that? I can get som pictures later.
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[Steeveedee]

I used white polishing compound, but have switched to LED stop/tail lamps now.

[72c20customcamper]

Novus polish with a small power ball . Or any kit for headlamps

[sick472]

I have used Meguiar's PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish with very nice results. It says it will remove fine scratches, but that is just marketing in my opinion. I am sure it does what it says, but the "fine" scratches that it removes are the ones that you cannot see with the naked eye. You cannot rub enough to remove a visible scratch, but the invisible scratches it removes along with any light oxidation really makes a difference in the shine. I do not use a power tool and ball or wheel...just my fingers and a piece of cotton T-shirt. It should take about 5 to 10 minutes of rubbing per lens, if that.

The lens' I did had some overspray on them too. With some extra time spent in those areas, the overspray was removed too.

[FirstOwner69]

I have used the 2 Meguiar's products in tandem (cleaner first then polish) for years with great results.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-10-P.../dp/B0002VAZ34

[cj847]

The only issue with this is that the compounds cost more than new lenses. So, unless you have some laying around........

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by cj847

The only issue with this is that the compounds cost more than new lenses. So, unless you have some laying around........

Correct, they are not cheap. However, I've been using the first bottles I purchased on numerous projects for at least 20 years. It goes a long way.

[sick472]

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

Correct, they are not cheap. However, I've been using the first bottles I purchased on numerous projects for at least 20 years. It goes a long way.

Same here. I'd say I have 1/3 bottle left and have polished 3 sets of plastic headlights, a set of large Pontiac tail lights, a set of C10 tail lights, and a few odds and ends.

Edit: a 10 oz bottle of the Meguiar's PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish should not run more than $10. That's what I have.

[chev-obsession]

Thank you for all of the responses! I ended up getting Meguiars plastix since they had it at the parts store. I will post pics of before and after. They had a slight film of road grime from never being washed in the last 50 years (the slip in camper covered them). I washed them with simple green and a soft bristle brush and they look really nice, hopefully the polish really makes them shine.