Headlight film crazing

[Tony from West Oz Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Tony from West Oz]

My new (to me) 2004 Prado 120 series diesel has had a film applied to both headlights. This film has crazed and looks like crap.

Please see attached photo.

I have tried scraping it off with my fingernail, and while I can detach enough to grasp, it breaks off rather than peeling back. The 10mm or so I have removed on one headlight reveals a pristine surface beneath the film.

Does anyone have a means of removing the film without damaging the headlight or my wallet.

[Tony from West Oz Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Tony from West Oz]

I will try using a heat gun and a plastic scraper to see if that helps remove the film.

If that is not successful, would using a solvent be advisable?

What solvent should I use (and not cause issues with the acrylic headlight)?

[GeeWhizz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GeeWhizz]

I'd try "Orange Power", marketted by Planel Ark and sold in supermarkets. It may me slow to penetrate under the plastic film but I think it should work. It seems to shift all sort of sticky things like the goo and gum that holds labels and stickers. If it doesn't work on your headlights, you will find it has 100 uses around the house and garage!

[Piggy Water pistol pilot. Find all posts View Profile Close Piggy]

I would be careful with a heat gun, a good hair dryer may be a better option.
Try to find yourself some products from Blaster. They do adhesive removal stuff for signwriting companies etc.. Tesa and Starbond are another mob that make products to remove adhesive. Check the Material safety sheet to ensure it's OK on acrylic and Lexan first!.

Approach any vinyl signwriting supply shop and ask them for a "chiseler" its a plastic scraper that doesn't mark the surface, and good for getting the edge off of stickers etc. .

[Vanda12 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Vanda12]

I will try using a heat gun and a plastic scraper