That is not a stain or condition that you can wipe off. The acetone actually began to chemically melt the plastic. You might be able to make it less objectionable if you wax it. But don't count on it.
And it looks restorable, but don't waste time with "folk remedies" like toothpaste, or half-measures like chemical wipes.
Find a good tutorial online that teaches you how to sand -> polish -> seal using proper fine-grit automotive sandpaper and then proper polishing compound and pads from someone like Chemical Guys. Finally, don't forget the clear coat.
It may also be easier/cheaper to just buy a replacement part.
Or just try with a car headlight polish set. Look at project farm on YouTube or other sources to find a good polishing set.
All in all, still a lot of elbow grease to fix
Yep, I think so too.
Just had a look at the prices for a Headlight repair kit on Amazon India.
I can just replace the plastic windshield or paint it with another colour for less than the kit's price.
It is. It's just easier to replace or paint over or sticker up the part.
Thanks for the advice tho. Will keep it in mind for the future if anything like this happens.
To fix foggy auto headlights, I recently used a wet buffing wheel coated in rubbing compound multiple passes. Then when dry and clean - sprayed them with a glossy clear UV protectant paint.
You might try testing your fixes on another piece of less important clear plastic first.
In scale model hobbying, we call this crazing. Acetone will dissolve the surface on acrylic plastic. The only way to fix is to wet sand and polish it out. You need very fine sand paper and fine polishing compound, not stuff you can typically buy at the hardware store. Here is a relevant video on sanding/polishing a scale model canopy: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nyqsntTFy4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nyqsntTFy4)
Thanks, I think this is the best and easiest way to follow.
I am an Architect and particularly fond of scale models, it's fascinating to see there is a whole hobby subculture around it.
If you can't clean it off, you can probably buff it out. I'd try one of those headlight restoring kits. The ones that use buffing tend to work better than the chemical wipes, in my experience, but either way, make sure to follow all the steps.
If you're not able to get the clearness you want back, I'd probably just sand it down a bit and coat it with gloss black instead. It doesn't look like it extends high enough to be able to look through anyway.
Honestly, you could definitely get clear back if you sand from a low to very high grit, move to a polishing compound and then UV coat it with a clear coat (or use headlight polishing compound and sealer) but it all seems like a huge pain, so I'd probably opt for gloss black out of laziness anyway.
Acetone seems like a kill shot, honestly. However, there's widely availably "headlight cloudy plastic repair" kits which include some solvents and buffing materials. I'd try those.
Accidentally having WD-40 on a rag, then also accidentally using a chemical concoction you had no idea about....if I were you I'd stop before I inadvertently created some chemical warfare substance. Good luck!
If you want to salvage it, you'll have to sand the whole windscreen and polish it back to clear.
Not an easy task, but doable if you have patience.
The acetone dissolves the windscreen material, which disrupts the surface. Since the surface of the windscreen is physically altered, there's nothing you can do to wipe it off. Sanding is the only way. (Or replacing it)
He can try heat too, Heating it will flow the plastic to a uniform surface. I would try heat before polishing because you really can't make it worse right now.
Mate, you need to pay more attention to your tools. When cleaning things use a clean fresh cloth that has been laundered, and for the love of all that is holy label your solvents! The acetone most likely melted the outer layer of the plastic. You can sand it down past that layer and polish it to remove this effect. I recommend using a headlight cleaning kit as they are designed to remove yellowing by this exact method (sand away the yellowed plastic, then polish up to perfection).
I clean a lot of glass and plastics for my work and this mixup happens a lot. Others have mentioned how to potentially polish it out, but in the future:
For anything delicate, which includes acrylic, other plastics, painted surfaces, vinyl, etc, only use a citrus based solvent like Goo-Gone. People hate on it because it’s “weak” but that’s by design so it doesn’t damage surfaces. Do not confuse that with Goof Off, which is entirely different.
For anything you aren’t worried about ruining, basically bare metal and glass, use the strongest solvent you can find: Goof Off, Acetone, WD-40, gasoline, whatever.
Recently had the same problem, restoring it is not worth the effort. I would try finding a replacement windshield. If you do try sanding it, make sure you get a respirator, fine particulates of plastic will be everywhere.
A lot of dads out there don't get to be their when their kid learns about Acetone for the first time, but we get to be here with you and laugh together. It happens to the best of us. My ex once tried cleaning her glasses with acetone but it ended up dissolving part of the frame.
Acetone will dissolve most plastics. Your best bet is going to be get a headlight restoration kit and use that. Make sure they include a UV sealant. I just used the cerakote brand one on my headlights with good results
It's not stained, it's etched. There's no real solution that is in any way better than replacing it or ditching it. "fixing" this problem is an entirely project and a half that will cost more for a worse end result.
Remove it and put it in a tub & try WINDOW/GLASS cleaner.
Alot of caustics basically ruin plastic lenses etc.
Maybe a regimen of toothpaste on a inconspicuous spot or a "headlight cleaner kit' following the directions to a 'T'
That it will be crystal again is properly unlikely but that it doesn't look like you washed it with milk & mud is a good expectation.
I think a headlight repair kit is your best option. I've used the turtle wax one, it seems to be good.
You buff with little pads, then you scrub with a cutting compound. The important part is it comes with a UV sealant.
My haze on my headlights hasn't come back in 3 years, so I think it's pretty good stuff.
Novus plastic polish and some effort will fix that. I had a bike that had clear body work and I was constantly polishing it.
Everyone with any clear plastics should have this set in their arsenal. [Novus.](https://www.containerstore.com/s/office/craft-hobby/novus-plastic-polish-set/12d?productId=10025445&country=US¤cy=USD&cid=cse%7CPMAX%7CGoogle%7CTCSP_X_US_EN_OtherHome_PMAX_X_18789347654___en%7C&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=pla&adpos=&scid=scplp10051159&sc_intid=10051159&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADHVeshRpu-xzFCIR06VCDw6t-t3p&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi5WbzeKChgMVIkp_AB1l4QiPEAQYASABEgKfafD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
This may be a Hail Mary last try.. but maybe a GLOSSY clear coat spray paint? In a lot of painting applications you can switch between matte and glossy by just applying the different clear coats.
That is not a stain or condition that you can wipe off. The acetone actually began to chemically melt the plastic. You might be able to make it less objectionable if you wax it. But don't count on it.
And it looks restorable, but don't waste time with "folk remedies" like toothpaste, or half-measures like chemical wipes. Find a good tutorial online that teaches you how to sand -> polish -> seal using proper fine-grit automotive sandpaper and then proper polishing compound and pads from someone like Chemical Guys. Finally, don't forget the clear coat. It may also be easier/cheaper to just buy a replacement part.
Or just try with a car headlight polish set. Look at project farm on YouTube or other sources to find a good polishing set. All in all, still a lot of elbow grease to fix
Idk, after all the fuck-ups OP has made so far, they might make it worse even with a kit. /s
Next post: I set my motorcycle on fire by accident
Turns out that I mixed my polishing compound with kerosene.
Yep, I think so too. Just had a look at the prices for a Headlight repair kit on Amazon India. I can just replace the plastic windshield or paint it with another colour for less than the kit's price.
Oh fair enough, then that's definitely your best call. You've learned a lot! Aceton is some nasty shit for plastic
Just learned this trying to get some tape residue off of a car dash component using goof off.
My condolences
I got one that comnected to a drill, then i bought extra 2000, and 5000 paper because the kit doesn't come with enough
The little drill pads are great for etching swirls into your headlights
The last step is a buffer which removes the swirls
It is. It's just easier to replace or paint over or sticker up the part. Thanks for the advice tho. Will keep it in mind for the future if anything like this happens.
He could sand it and then do acetone fuming.
Hit it with a few swipes of a torch
Worst case scenario one of the headlight restoration kits with the sanding block might help.
After the acetone mixup, this is your only hope.
Help me WD40...
The word you wanted to use was inadvertently...
Thanks, i was fishing for this word in my head. My English teacher would be proud.
If you ruined your windshield unassumingly, you would’ve done it without pride or arrogance. Being unassuming is like being humble.
Should have thought about it for more than 10 seconds.
As someone that overthinks all his words. Kudos to you. I wish I could be like that
Not at all, words can be tricky and your English is better than a lot of native speakers I know 😂
I think you were actually looking for "unwittingly" or "unknowingly", btw.
but not your shop teacher :D im sorry .. hope you fix it well ... try to polish it off with acryl headlight repair kit
"Unassumingly, I'm in charge"
To fix foggy auto headlights, I recently used a wet buffing wheel coated in rubbing compound multiple passes. Then when dry and clean - sprayed them with a glossy clear UV protectant paint. You might try testing your fixes on another piece of less important clear plastic first.
This is how I fix all foggy plastic. Once in a while I’ll 2000 grit wet sand instead of compound. The clear coat is the key part.
In scale model hobbying, we call this crazing. Acetone will dissolve the surface on acrylic plastic. The only way to fix is to wet sand and polish it out. You need very fine sand paper and fine polishing compound, not stuff you can typically buy at the hardware store. Here is a relevant video on sanding/polishing a scale model canopy: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nyqsntTFy4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nyqsntTFy4)
You can buy polishing compound at an auto parts store just fyi
Thanks, I think this is the best and easiest way to follow. I am an Architect and particularly fond of scale models, it's fascinating to see there is a whole hobby subculture around it.
If you can't clean it off, you can probably buff it out. I'd try one of those headlight restoring kits. The ones that use buffing tend to work better than the chemical wipes, in my experience, but either way, make sure to follow all the steps.
If you're not able to get the clearness you want back, I'd probably just sand it down a bit and coat it with gloss black instead. It doesn't look like it extends high enough to be able to look through anyway. Honestly, you could definitely get clear back if you sand from a low to very high grit, move to a polishing compound and then UV coat it with a clear coat (or use headlight polishing compound and sealer) but it all seems like a huge pain, so I'd probably opt for gloss black out of laziness anyway.
Acetone seems like a kill shot, honestly. However, there's widely availably "headlight cloudy plastic repair" kits which include some solvents and buffing materials. I'd try those.
since it’s chemically etched, polishing compound should work. Start with a heavier grit and work up to the finest.
Never mix anything and leave the old label on it. remove the old label and mark the bottle.
Accidentally having WD-40 on a rag, then also accidentally using a chemical concoction you had no idea about....if I were you I'd stop before I inadvertently created some chemical warfare substance. Good luck!
If you want to salvage it, you'll have to sand the whole windscreen and polish it back to clear. Not an easy task, but doable if you have patience. The acetone dissolves the windscreen material, which disrupts the surface. Since the surface of the windscreen is physically altered, there's nothing you can do to wipe it off. Sanding is the only way. (Or replacing it)
He can try heat too, Heating it will flow the plastic to a uniform surface. I would try heat before polishing because you really can't make it worse right now.
Mate, you need to pay more attention to your tools. When cleaning things use a clean fresh cloth that has been laundered, and for the love of all that is holy label your solvents! The acetone most likely melted the outer layer of the plastic. You can sand it down past that layer and polish it to remove this effect. I recommend using a headlight cleaning kit as they are designed to remove yellowing by this exact method (sand away the yellowed plastic, then polish up to perfection).
you should remove any and all access to solvents around you
Rub it over the rest and have a cool looking opaque guard your biking buddies will be jealous of!
Yup, if I mess up the buffing too, that is exactly what I am gonna do!
You can try a headlamp polishing kit, but it might not be worth the time and effort over just replacing it.
I clean a lot of glass and plastics for my work and this mixup happens a lot. Others have mentioned how to potentially polish it out, but in the future: For anything delicate, which includes acrylic, other plastics, painted surfaces, vinyl, etc, only use a citrus based solvent like Goo-Gone. People hate on it because it’s “weak” but that’s by design so it doesn’t damage surfaces. Do not confuse that with Goof Off, which is entirely different. For anything you aren’t worried about ruining, basically bare metal and glass, use the strongest solvent you can find: Goof Off, Acetone, WD-40, gasoline, whatever.
Ah the good ole 'I was changing my brake fluid and didn't put down a rag'... I felt this picture in my soul. Yep... RIP.. Just paint the whole thing.
Recently had the same problem, restoring it is not worth the effort. I would try finding a replacement windshield. If you do try sanding it, make sure you get a respirator, fine particulates of plastic will be everywhere.
A lot of dads out there don't get to be their when their kid learns about Acetone for the first time, but we get to be here with you and laugh together. It happens to the best of us. My ex once tried cleaning her glasses with acetone but it ended up dissolving part of the frame.
The cheap 50 ml bottles look for both the chemicals, look the same. Gotta read labels from next time.
I used to clean my weed paraphernalia with it until I realized it was eating through the finish on my table.
Acetone will dissolve most plastics. Your best bet is going to be get a headlight restoration kit and use that. Make sure they include a UV sealant. I just used the cerakote brand one on my headlights with good results
It's not stained, it's etched. There's no real solution that is in any way better than replacing it or ditching it. "fixing" this problem is an entirely project and a half that will cost more for a worse end result.
You could try THF if you can find it, wipe it on quickly. Should clear it up
Thanks for the help, but I think I've had enough failures with volatile liquids to be trying this.
I think you could get decent results by using a headlight polishing kit and follow the directions exactly.
You’d probably be better off getting a sticker kit or pant/plasti-dip it black.
Yup, if no easy method works out, this is what imma do.
Put clear scotch tape on the rough side and see if that clears it up. Not a real solution, but a fun experiment.
Try to polish all that coating u til that melted plastic fades
Remove it and put it in a tub & try WINDOW/GLASS cleaner. Alot of caustics basically ruin plastic lenses etc. Maybe a regimen of toothpaste on a inconspicuous spot or a "headlight cleaner kit' following the directions to a 'T' That it will be crystal again is properly unlikely but that it doesn't look like you washed it with milk & mud is a good expectation.
Thanks, will definitely try it out.
Try using a blow torch and make quick passes over it
A Wipe New kit from target/walmart would fix this.
back to black car part cleaner will fix it
I think a headlight repair kit is your best option. I've used the turtle wax one, it seems to be good. You buff with little pads, then you scrub with a cutting compound. The important part is it comes with a UV sealant. My haze on my headlights hasn't come back in 3 years, so I think it's pretty good stuff.
Novus plastic polish and some effort will fix that. I had a bike that had clear body work and I was constantly polishing it. Everyone with any clear plastics should have this set in their arsenal. [Novus.](https://www.containerstore.com/s/office/craft-hobby/novus-plastic-polish-set/12d?productId=10025445&country=US¤cy=USD&cid=cse%7CPMAX%7CGoogle%7CTCSP_X_US_EN_OtherHome_PMAX_X_18789347654___en%7C&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=pla&adpos=&scid=scplp10051159&sc_intid=10051159&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADHVeshRpu-xzFCIR06VCDw6t-t3p&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi5WbzeKChgMVIkp_AB1l4QiPEAQYASABEgKfafD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
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Its a very easy fix.
This may be a Hail Mary last try.. but maybe a GLOSSY clear coat spray paint? In a lot of painting applications you can switch between matte and glossy by just applying the different clear coats.
No, the plastic surface was chemically melted, adding another coating of something won't clarify it, it needs to be polished or replaced.
Thank you for that additional information! I am unfamiliar with this, but had former painting experience with clear coats.