How to Remove Spray Film from Car Taillights?
2 Answers
Car taillight spray film can generally be peeled off directly, and any residue can be wiped away with a dry towel. If you've purchased a lower-quality spray film that doesn't peel off easily, you can first evenly heat the taillight to soften the aged protective film. Once the adhesive layer begins to soften, you can slowly peel off the protective film by hand. After removing the protective film, if there is still some residual adhesive on the taillight, you can gently wipe the surface with tar remover, gasoline, or diesel. Repeat the process a few times, wait for about ten minutes, and then wash it off with water to remove the adhesive. Be sure to take safety precautions when using gasoline or diesel.
I often tinker with small car modifications and have removed tail light spray films several times with reliable results. First, use a hair dryer to evenly heat the film for a few minutes until it softens, then gently peel it off from the edges. Be careful not to overheat and damage the plastic lens. Any leftover adhesive can be removed with medical alcohol or isopropyl alcohol applied on a soft cloth—repeat a few times until clean. Stay patient during the process and avoid using hard tools to scrape, as they can leave scratches and increase the risk of water ingress. After removal, check the lens clarity and functionality. By the way, while spray films are initially meant for aesthetics, they degrade over time and compromise nighttime safety, making timely removal essential. Keep an old toothbrush handy for cleaning tight gaps, and ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling solvent fumes. Overall, DIY at home is quite convenient and doesn’t cost much.
