Headlight Resoration

[PearlWhiteGT]

I plan on restoring the head lights on one of my cars for the very first time. They are pretty bad so I will need to wet sand them. I'm just not sure which products to use. I'm new to all this but the only way to learn is to try it. I have been reading lots of info about this & i'm so confused now. Here is what I was thinking of so let me know what you think.

-1000, 1500, 2000 & 2500 grit
-SSR 2.1
-SSR 1
-EX-P Sealant
-Yellow, Orange & Grey pads

or

-1000, 1500, 2000 & 2500 grit
-Menzerma IP
-Wolf Glass Sealant
-Yellow, Orange & Grey pads

[bryansbestwax]

You will like likely not need anything past 2000 grit. Plastic is a lot softer than paint. I would try 2000 and the IP and see where you get. The IP is quite agressive on plastics so tread lightly. I have the wolfgang kit and it soes a great job. the sealant really helps at the end

[ScottB]

Wolfgang Plastik Lens Cleaning System is a three-part system for clean, clear headlight lenses! (http://www.autogeek.net/plastik-lens-cleaning.html)

or

Diamondite® Clear Plastic System Kit cleans, polishes, restores headlight lenses. Diamondite plastic polish scratch remover for headlights. (http://www.autogeek.net/diamondite-clear-plastic.html)

[PearlWhiteGT]

Can I use the Diamondite Kit after I wet sand? Will it get out the 2000 grit marks?

[rwisejr]

I use 1500 or 2000 depending on the lights and system one X3 polish and their 4 inch wool pad top with a sealant and they come out better than new

[PearlWhiteGT]

I use 1500 or 2000 depending on the lights and system one X3 polish and their 4 inch wool pad top with a sealant and they come out better than new
Which sealant do you use?

[wytstang]

Forget the sealant if you can and spray them with clear coat. Clear coat will keep the yellowing away a lot longer then using a sealant every so many months. Wet sand using 1500-2000 grit then hit them with SSR 1 to see what you get (orange pad). If not much is happening move to SSR 2.5 and same pad. IP may be a bit to much for restoring plastic.

[rwisejr]

Which sealant do you use?

Either my optiseal or upgp

[PearlWhiteGT]

Forget the sealant if you can and spray them with clear coat. Clear coat will keep the yellowing away a lot longer then using a sealant every so many months. Wet sand using 1500-2000 grit then hit them with SSR 1 to see what you get (orange pad). If not much is happening move to SSR 2.5 and same pad. IP may be a bit to much for restoring plastic.
I don't want to spray a clear coat. I had a guy do them about a year ago & he wet sanded them & sprayed a clear coat over them. Now all the clear coat is peeling off so I need to get it all off. What grit do you guys recomend for that? Also, should I hit them with the EX-P after & what's the best way to apply it or could I just use some Plexus?

[wytstang]

I would start with 1500 grit, that should do the job just fine. Yes use EX-P or the like after you are done and then every so often as needed.

[blob]

I do headlights at work all the time, as it is an inspection requirement here in Maine.

The usual process is:
1000 (if necessary)
1500
2000
Meg's #85 with an Edge Green 6"
3M Plastic Polish with an Edge Blue 6"
DG 601 +105

Today on a 1996 Subaru I tried:
1000
1500
2000
Menz IP with a Yellow 3" pad
3M Plastic Polish with a Blue 3" pad
DG 601 +105

The IP worked great, couldn't see much of a difference between that and the Meg's #85 on the plastic

[YankeeFan]

I do headlights at work all the time, as it is an inspection requirement here in Maine.

The usual process is:
1000 (if necessary)
1500
2000
Meg's #85 with an Edge Green 6"
3M Plastic Polish with an Edge Blue 6"
DG 601 +105

Today on a 1996 Subaru I tried:
1000
1500
2000
Menz IP with a Yellow 3" pad
3M Plastic Polish with a Blue 3" pad
DG 601 +105

The IP worked great, couldn't see much of a difference between that and the Meg's #85 on the plastic

What is the condition of the headlights after IP? Just curious what the 3M Polish does? Remove marring? Do you think the 3m product could be replaced by Menzerna Nano with a grey pad?

Howard