Polishing headlight lenses

[r1crusher]

So before I took the SHO to the shop I cleaned it up. I noticed that the headlight lenses were a little dull and hazy. I did a search here but didn't find anything about anyone using a Polish like Mequiars PlastX to bring them back to near new.

Does anyone have any experience using this particular polish? Any issues when polishing with power tools?

[Macgyver]

Any rubbing compound with a power polishing tool will work. Keep it off your paint. Thats if your lights are not too bad off. It they are really hazy. 3M makes and outstanding multi step kit but I think that is over kill for what you need.

Once you get th lights like you want them. Make sure you apply some type of UV blocking substance on top to keep it clearer longer.

[r1crusher]

I just want sure if the lights had a coating on them that would just get ruined if I tried to clean them up. I think the PlastX is the right product for this job. I certainly do not need to to sand them down or anything like that.

I'll do a write up once I get my car out of the shop.

[SHOdded]

Whatever level of polishing you do, you will want to clear coat it, wax it, or film it if not using a specific uv-inhibiting  product.

[r1crusher]

I'm a little apprehensive about spray painting the headlights with any number of those clear coat w/ UV inhibitor products.  I know it will help keep them stay clear longer but it will be more work/difficult to redo them again if needed later on is my problem.  I think I'll just try to find a good sealant w/ some UV inhibitors.

[Macgyver]

Yup that works. I use a Chemical Guys Paint Sealer. It has built in UV blocking.

[SHOdded]

Then use a sealant that is normally used for paint, it will last longer.  Or if you want to keep it simple, even Collinite 845 would do the trick for a few months.  Though a true sealant will be better.
http://optimumforums.org/index.php?/topic/1618-my-opti-coat-review-headlight-resto-follow-up/

[r1crusher]

After some light digging, SHOdded.  It appears that there's now a specific product from Optimum called Opti-Lens.  So you don't have to use the paint product on headlights but you could still.

[SHOdded]

There ya go

[r1crusher]

Yeah....$50 for 20cc or less of the stuff.  But you get a free tub of Vaseline with it to ease the pain!

[SHOdded]

No pain no gain.  Man up.

LaminX would be a great option.

[r1crusher]

So I was away on vacation at Kiawah Island, SC for a week and figured I give an update since I got back about my headlight cleanin'.  So just before I left I went ahead and gave this product called PlastX by Meguiar's a try on the lenses.  This polish is for lightly hazed headlamps as the abrasives in it are very fine.  This was perfect for my particular needs.

I cleaned the drivers side first and left the passenger side for reference.  I did not have to rub in the polish very long to get them like this...maybe 15-20 seconds of cleaning and then buffing out with a clean soft microfiber.  I'm quit happy with the results but now I can see all the tiny pits and cracks in the lenses now that they are crystal clear.    LOL

So here's a couple pictures for reference....

[Macgyver]

Looks good.

[sholxgt]

I have found that any abrasive works.  Even used 2000 grit sandpaper with water as a start on our Honda Fit.

The last set I did (father in-laws Acura TSX) I just grabbed my rotary buffer with a fine cut pad and some Meguiars fine cut cleaner and let it eat.  Came out same as the rest, but was faster.

I'm testing this stuff as a UV protectant on two cars...

http://www.meguiars.com/content/global/product/18693_lg.jpg

I like that it adds shine and is a more permanent solution than sealant.  Judging by how it goes on and the smell, I'm pretty sure it's just clear coat made for plastic.

Only difficult part of it's use is that you have to either remove the headlight to spray or do a good masking job.  Otherwise you will have clear to remove from the surrounding area.

[hawkeye93]

I have found that any abrasive works.

Including toothpaste.  And it leaves your headlights minty fresh.