Restoring Light Fixture Covers

Written by Doris Donnerman (last updated September 30, 2024)

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.

Author Bio

Doris Donnerman

Doris is a jack of all trades, writing on a variety of topics. Her articles have helped enlighten and entertain thousands over the years. ...

MORE FROM DORIS

Keep Cat Litter Out of the Kitchen

If you have a cat, chances are you have cat litter for your cat. Cat litter is understandably a little disgusting, and ...

Discover More

Irish Setter

Highly affectionate and eager to please, the Irish setter is a great companion. He is considered to be a general purpose ...

Discover More

Winter Lawn Preparation

Ensuring yourself a nice, green lawn after a long cold winter is easy when you take the right steps to winterize it. Only ...

Discover More

Tough Tools for Tough Cleaning Jobs O-Cel-O sponges and Scotch Brite scrubbers are truly a fashion-meets-function success story. The highly absorbent and durable sponges in this handy six-pack make quick work of tough cleaning problems in any kitchen, bathroom, or garage. Check out Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges today!

More Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Up Broken Compact Florescent Lights

Compact florescent lights are becoming more popular due to their longevity and are thereby considered more ...

Discover More

Cleaning Light Switches and Outlet Covers Safely

The most important thing to remember when cleaning in or around any electrical hardware is to turn off the power at the ...

Discover More

Cleaning Track Lighting Fixtures

Track lighting is a trendy, modern way of delivering light exactly where you want it, when you want it there. However, ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five less than 7?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.