Used Acetone, Lights Look Terrible

[MassWineGuy]

I thought that after sanding my plastic headlight cover, rubbing it with acetone would make it clear. But it streaked and fogged it up worse. Do I just need to wet sand again w/400, 800, 1,000, etc. grit?

Thanks a lot.

[The Guz]

Welcome to AGO.

Did you polish at all after sanding the lights?

[Mike Phillips]

Yeah....

Acetone is a very hot solvent. What it did was melt the plastic.

Just re-sand and the polish, skip the acetone.


:)

[Mike Phillips]

Look here,


Review: SONAX Profiline Headlight Restoration Kit (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Fsonax-headlight-kit.html)


Shows before and after for sanding and then polishing...

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/636/aSONAX_Head_071.JPG

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/636/aSONAX_Head_072.JPG

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/636/aSONAX_Head_073.JPG



:)

[MassWineGuy]

I didn’t polish after sanding. Should I use that Plastic X stuff or some rubbing compound? I think I’ll need to use 200 grit first. No way am spending $100 on some kit.

Thank you.

[Rsurfer]

I didn’t polish after sanding. Should I use that Plastic X stuff or some rubbing compound? I think I’ll need to use 200 grit first. No way am spending $100 on some kit.

Thank you.

200g may be too course. Start with a 1000 and move up or down as needed. When it becomes fairly clear, compound and polish. Acetone and plastic don't mix well.

[MarkD51]

Like Mike Phillips said. AFAIK, Acetone will eat plastics like candy. Melt the living daylights out of it.

[Desertnate]

I didn’t polish after sanding. Should I use that Plastic X stuff or some rubbing compound? I think I’ll need to use 200 grit first. No way am spending $100 on some kit.

Thank you.

I'm not sure using rubbing compound is a good idea. Plastic X is a decent plastic polish in a pinch after you sand it all out, but I got far better results from this Wolfgang kit.

Wolfgang Headlight Kit (https://www.autogeek.net/plastik-lens-cleaning.html).

While it might still be a bit pricey at $60, you are getting a small backing plate, drill adapter, pads, and the products needed to polish and seal the headlights. I've been much happier with the results with this kit vs using just Plastic X. The lenses come out clearer and the included sealant greatly slows down the yellowing/hazing process.

[rangerbay]

I do a lot of headlights. You need to start with 800 dry, then 1000 dry, then 1500 wet, 2000 wet, then a heavy compound followed by a good polish. Lot of work, but you need to remove the damaged plastic. I have gone down to 400, but never 200.

[Toolhead]

I'm not sure using rubbing compound is a good idea. Plastic X is a decent plastic polish in a pinch after you sand it all out, but I got far better results from this Wolfgang kit.

Wolfgang Headlight Kit (https://www.autogeek.net/plastik-lens-cleaning.html).

While it might still be a bit pricey at $60, you are getting a small backing plate, drill adapter, pads, and the products needed to polish and seal the headlights. I've been much happier with the results with this kit vs using just Plastic X. The lenses come out clearer and the included sealant greatly slows down the yellowing/hazing process.

ive have the wg kit and pleased with results

[MarkD51]

I do a lot of headlights. You need to start with 800 dry, then 1000 dry, then 1500 wet, 2000 wet, then a heavy compound followed by a good polish. Lot of work, but you need to remove the damaged plastic. I have gone down to 400, but never 200.

Down in New Mexico when I lived there, headlights looked like a combination of blow torched, and sand blasted. 400 Grit was about the starting point, and even then you had your work cut out for you.

[spazzz]

I do a lot of headlights. You need to start with 800 dry, then 1000 dry, then 1500 wet, 2000 wet, then a heavy compound followed by a good polish. Lot of work, but you need to remove the damaged plastic. I have gone down to 400, but never 200.

Why dry with 800 and 1000?

I always do wet.

[rangerbay]

quicker. Cut with it dry, then smooth it with wet (damp, actually) If I need to cut with 400, I will damp sand with it. However, 800 and 1000 cut great dry.

Do you machine sand or hand sand?

Bill

[wing commander]

I got far better results from this Wolfgang kit.

Wolfgang Headlight Kit (https://www.autogeek.net/plastik-lens-cleaning.html).

While it might still be $60, you are getting a small backing plate, drill adapter, pads, and the products needed to polish and seal the headlights. The lenses come out clearer and the included sealant greatly slows down the yellowing/hazing process.

I also have used this kit on four cars with good results.

[MassWineGuy]

Once I get them clear enough from sanding, if ever, I have some light 3M
rubbing compound that may work better than the PlastX. Then, what should I coat/seal it with? Some UV resistant clear coat spray made for plastic? The Maguier’s coating?

Thanks very much.