Clearing a foggy headlight with acetone vapor - GIF

**JTG** · Mar 27, 2019, 02:31 AM

A clarification regarding post #9 -- nail polish remover usually contains acetone, but it isn't necessarily the only component. There are varieties that use isopropyl alcohol or ethyl acetate instead, and a lot of them also add in various oils and scents. In this particular application, using an acetone-based nail polish remover would likely work, but do not assume that it is pure acetone, which can be purchased from hardware or art-supply stores.

A clarification regarding post #10 -- my reference to using an aluminum can/funnel and heat source is for the DIY method of vapor polishing; the clip above shows someone using a commercial option, like the one linked in post #4. The commercial version is largely the same, only it's an electrically-heated mug with a screw-on plastic spout. Using a low-temp heat gun on its lowest setting should be safe for acetone, but anything with exposed heating coils will pose some small risk. Acetone boils at 133 °F, and you do not need to get it to the boiling point for vapor polishing, so you can get good results with a very gentle heat source.

**suther51** · Mar 30, 2019, 06:42 PM

I have an old electric small "hot plate" ment to keep a coffee cup, ect, warm. Seems like it might be a good heat source. No ignition source and relatively low heat. Looks like I've got a project. Our cars headlights are dim and the plastic is yellowing. Seems like a good approach by its self or at least a time saver before mechanical polishing.

As a side note, looked into brighter bulbs for the car. Found a strange thing. Some bulbs were 2xs as expensive with a shorter expected lifespan at the same lumens as the cheapest bulbs with longer lifespan. Perhaps the expensive bulbs are a more effective color temperature. Otherwise seems just bragging rights to have spent twice as much on an inferior product.
Eric