Headlights restoration? What is ur method?

[EvolutionDetail]

Looking for insight on headlight restoration.

I have ALWAYS used 1000 Grit then 3000 to restore headlights.
However recently i have stumble upon headlights that just refuse to work with this combo i have always used.

Something tells me that i am not using a coarse enough sandpaper for the job.

Please share your experience with a fellow member. Feed back please

[goldenlight]

Ultimate Compound or M205 with a dual action buffer then seal with a headlight sealant.. lately been using m205.

[andrewbmw]

I use a rotary with a 3 inch pad, and a interference pad for the sand papers. I have done some reallllly bad headlights before and went down to 350 grit. I usually start off at 800 or 1000 depending on the condition and really bad ones 550.

[EvolutionDetail]

Hey Andrew can u describe how u sand it down?

[andrewbmw]

I have a 3 inch backing plate on a rotary with an interference pad, about 1/4 inch thick to contour to the lens. Then once the lens is all taped up for safety, spray water onto the lens, and with no pressure and at the lowest settings slowly do 50/50 laps over the surface of the lens. Once I have determined that I have removed the defects I wanted, I move up grit sandpaper until I hit 3000, then I just lightly buff it out and seal it. I hope that was what you were looking for?

[GettingStarted]

400 if they are terrible but usually I go 1000-1500-3000 then the polishing.

[HateSwirls]

1500 grit and work down if needed.
I let my rotary and Meguiar's 105 and 205 do the rest.

[Kevin Cullen]

Different grits of aluminum polish with a wool pad on a rotary. Then hit them with m105 or equivalent compound with a DA and finishing polish. Then seal the lights.

[Vegas Transplant]

+1 on the rotary. Low rpm's so as not to burn the lense.
Either Mothers kit, compounding, or sanding.
4-5.5" foam pads using extention adaptor.
Most I see rarely need sanding but that was my demographic.

TIP: keep 'em wet while sanding to ensure uniformity of cut, slurry removal, and eliminate wheel hop.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1838/hdlts_re4.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/64408)

[EvolutionDetail]

Ahh i see.
So most of you folks are using a rotary for sanding?
Is a DA capable to do sanding? Because i do not own a rotary....
All i have ever used is DA.

For the grit sand paper, depending on the condition of headlight it is about 500 - 3000 Grit?

Can you guys recommend me what kind of sandpaper for the job?

PS: I have used the Meguiar 3" sanding disc 1000 / 3000. Along with my GG3", i was getting splatter ALL OVER the place. So ever since then i always sand by hand to avoid the splatter.

[HD.Detailing]

yes DA works just fine

[EvolutionDetail]

For the grit sand paper, depending on the condition of headlight it is about 500 - 3000 Grit?

Can you guys recommend me what kind of sandpaper for the job?

PS: I have used the Meguiar 3" sanding disc 1000 / 3000. Along with my GG3", i was getting splatter ALL OVER the place. So ever since then i always sand by hand to avoid the splatter.

[hernandez.art13]

Check out this video EvolutionDetail:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACu1yRyjzOU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sent from my LGMS659 using Tapatalk

[andrewbmw]

I use 3m sandpaper. A hint for you, look out for cracked lens. Do not do those. When I said to use the buffer at low speeds, with water, it is not only to make it uniformed like said by Vegas transplant, but to keep the lens cool so it wont spread any cracks not visible. Also use extremely light pressure so it reduces the chance of the lens shattering. Better safe then sorry! =)

[nebojsa]

wet sanding if needed, followed by 105 and 205