Restoring Light Fixture Covers

It is a fairly common occurrence to find that the old light fixture covers haven't been cleaned in years. Usually when this happens, you either try to clean the light fixture covers, or you replace them. However, when you can't find a replacement one you are faced with a new problem, either replace the light fixture completely, or restore the light fixture covers. Instead of spending all the money necessary to replace a complete light fixture, why not try restoring it? Restoring light fixture covers is similar in nature to restoring headlights, only a lot simpler.

1. Remove. In order to restore your light fixture cover, you will need to remove your old light cover. Be sure that you set any screws, bolts, or fasteners off to the side in one location so that you do not loose them. Once you have removed the cover, dump out any dust or garbage that may be inside of it.
2. Clean. Start cleaning your light cover by rinsing off as much dust dirt and grime as you possibly can. After rinsing the cover off, begin washing the cover by using the same kind detergent that you use on your dishes. These detergents will cut through the dirt, grime, and grease that as accumulated over the years. Once finished cleaning, allow the cover to dry completely.
3. Sand. If your cover is still not clean enough, begin sanding. Use wet-sanding paper, and be sure that you have sheets in 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 grit sheets, Begin with the 1000 grit sand paper and sand away all the major imperfections that may be in the cover. Be sure that you get both the outside and the inside. As you are sanding, make sure that you are rinsing off the cover periodically, you will know that you are finished initially sanding when the rinse off water is clear. Repeat this process with the other types of sandpaper, using increasingly less pressure.
4. Polish. By the time that you are finished sanding the cover, you will have pretty much polished the cover already. However if there is still a slight fog to the plastic, use a soft microfiber cloth, or a soft clean rag and some plastic polish (you can get this at an automotive supply store). Follow the directions of the polish, and buff the polish into the plastic for roughly fifteen minutes.
5. Replace. After you have polished your cover, you are finished! All that you have left to do is replace the cover on the light fixture and turn the light on.