Red lens rehab

[triton28]

Hello;
I was looking at a set of Markland rail lights I recently acquired and they had extremely sun faded lenses, almost clear in colour. So I searched Suzuki Grand Vitara LT rear bumper lenses and they were hard to find and expensive. I kept searching and on another site I read that Testor's #1605, Transparent Candy Apple Red spray paint had been used by one member to refurbish the red colour on his car tail light lenses.
Off I went to my local model making supply house and I got 2 cans of it for $6.00 and change Canadian per can.
After vigorous use of rubbing compound on the exposed smooth face to remove any dirt or contaminants, I sprayed the almost clear lenses, lying flat on the work bench, with one wet coat, not using a buildup of thin, relatively dry coats, as I wanted the paint layer to be consistent, smooth and most of all, RED. Probably several dry coats of the red would work as well, especially if there were vertical surfaces to paint in some other situation, but it didn't seem the way to go for me. You can choose for yourself.
The results were just like a new lens! I was truly impressed with the colour. So I decided to try the transparency using some red side discharge SMD LEDs, as well as the stock T-10 bulbs I had, and it was just as though the lenses were brand new. The light shone through with the same intensity as a new one I had for comparison.
So for anyone with sun faded lenses try this and I am sure, provided one prepares the surface properly, you will be pleased with the results. I haven't clear coated the lenses yet for UV protection as rattle-can paint is notorious for slow drying. Most brands do not contain any hardener, and I don't want to cause any orange peeling of the paint, but I will be doing so after about a week of dry time.
Regards,
Dave Taylor

[JHD]

VHT sells a product that is just for tail light lenses. I think it's called night shades.

[triton28]

Yes JHD it is "Night Shades". I have the VHT lens paint bookmarked. I couldn't find it at any of the auto parts houses around here, seems to be a US/Central Canada item, so I had to seek an alternative. Probably a very close formula for the 2 paints.
Dave

[Bill O]

I've been using this for years to repair the lens on Markland accessory lights. It works very well. The key is to clean the inside of the lens, thoroughly dry, then paint the inside of the lens. Looks brand new.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VANS-JDM-RED-LE ... ae&vxp=mtr


Bill O