Fluorescent and LED fixtures use many types of light covers—wraparound diffusers, flat panels, vapor-tight lenses, cloud puff lenses, and decorative acrylic shades. Over time, these covers can yellow, crack, collect dust, or block light. Replacing them improves brightness, safety, and energy efficiency.
This simple guide shows you how to safely remove and replace fluorescent light covers in the most common fixture styles.
Replace your diffuser if you notice:
Cracks or breaks
Yellowing or discoloration
Dark spots or reduced brightness
Dust, insects, or moisture inside the fixture
Warped edges that no longer fit
A new lens instantly improves illumination and appearance.
Before starting, identify your cover type. This helps you remove it safely and order the correct replacement.
Acrylic lens that wraps around the fixture and hangs on two side lips.
Plastic panels used in 2×2 or 2×4 grid ceilings—clear prismatic, cracked ice, frosted, or white.
Curved decorative lenses used in kitchens, hallways, and closets.
Sealed, gasketed covers used in garages, food processing areas, and wet locations.
Common in offices, basements, and commercial spaces.
If you’re unsure of the type, take a photo and send it to us at Fluorolite.com—we’ll help identify it.
Most covers come off with no tools, but have these ready:
Step ladder
Soft gloves (optional)
Small flat screwdriver
Microfiber cloth for cleaning
Replacement fluorescent light cover
Found in garages, tunnels, car washes, cold storage, etc.
Release the metal or plastic latches along the lens.
Lift or swing the diffuser downward.
Remove the lens from the gasketed frame.
These fixtures protect against water, dust, and corrosion. If your lens is cracked, replace it immediately.
Once you have your measurements head over to the Vapor Tight light covers at Fluorolite Plastics and use the measurements to find your correct lens. If you cannot find the light cover/diffuser. Easy! Use our quote system fast and easy way to getting a quote on any light cover Fluorolite Plastics have to offer.
This is one of the most common styles.
Support the cover from the bottom.
Slide the diffuser slightly forward.
Pull down gently to release the back lip.
Tilt and lower the cover from the fixture.
Tip: If the cover feels stuck, lift one side slightly and try again.
When you get your measurements head over to the Wraparound category and use the measurements to get yourself a replacement. Wraparounds come in A LOT of different sizes so if you can’t find your exact model just use the quote system.
Circlines come in a few different styles. They can have a straight, flanged, or a lip. Some of the light covers will have grooves that pop out when they are twisted to correct alignment. Most of the ceiling light covers usually are fixed in place with twisted screws. unscrew, or twist light cover until it comes out of place.
Once the light cover is removed just use the video to measure the circline light diffuser and head over to the category circline and find whichever matches the measurements you made.
Used for kitchens & hallways.
Locate the clips or latches on each side.
Press the clip inward or outward (varies by model).
Gently lower the lens.
If your lens uses plastic latches, you can buy replacements on Fluorolite.
Take the light cover down and measure using the guide posted. Once you have the measurements just head over to Cloud and Puff lenses and use the measurements to find the light cover that matches the one you have. If you cannot find the light cover you are looking for feel free to head over to the quote system. We can use your measurements to get you your replacement light cover.
Drop dish light covers are usually fixed into place by a latch, screw, or just hanging by the flange on the sides.
Once you have the measurements just head over to Drop Dish lenses and use the measurements to find the light cover that matches the one you have. If you cannot find the light cover you are looking for feel free to head over to the quote system. We can use your measurements to get you your replacement light cover.
After cleaning or replacing the lamps:
Hold the new light diffuser securely.
Align the cover with the fixture lips or clips.
Slide or snap into place until fully seated.
For vapor-tight lenses, close all latches firmly to maintain the seal.
Replace your diffuser if you notice:
Cracks or breaks
Yellowing or discoloration
Dark spots or reduced brightness
Dust, insects, or moisture inside the fixture
Warped edges that no longer fit
A new lens instantly improves illumination and appearance.
Fluorolite Plastics specializes in:
Wraparound diffusers
Flat prismatic panels (cracked ice, clear, frost, white)
Vapor tight lenses
Puff and cloud covers
Acrylic & polycarbonate light panels
Custom fluorescent light cover replacements
With over 10,000 molds, Fluorolite is the largest supplier of hard-to-find light covers.
If you can’t find your exact size, submit a Get a Quote request—we custom-make nearly anything.
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