Thanks: 0
Likes: 0
Dislikes: 0
-
Super Member
-
Super Member
Re: Headlight restoration critique
I'm not a super pro on headlights but it looks like you did a pretty good job. 1500 is usually sufficient to repair all but the most damaged lights.
I think your issue is the pad/product after sanding. I get really good results from M100/microfiber on a 3 inch pad on headlights with no sanding. Take your time and if you need multiple passes do it. Looks like the fog lights could have used a little more compound but other than that you did a good job.
-
Super Member
Re: Headlight restoration critique
Thanks, Mark! I probably could have worked the Menzerna down a little more on all of the lights before I polished. With the fogs, all I had was 3.5 foam polishing pads and with the contours, I really couldn't get in there well enough to make as much as an impact as I would have liked. The customer was ecstatic so that's always a plus.
Mike Frickman
Owner/Operator
On Scene Detailing
-
Super Member
It was Menzerna PG1000 not 1500. Won't let me edit original post for some reason.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using AG Online
Mike Frickman
Owner/Operator
On Scene Detailing
-
Regular Member
Re: Headlight restoration critique
Originally Posted by VP Mark
1500 is usually sufficient to repair all but the most damaged lights.
In my experience, I tend to agree. I haven't needed to use anything lower than 1500.
From a Tacoma I did recently:
I've begun to use the Diamondite system, and it's ok. But I still need to get a tad bit more aggressive sometimes. The 1500 then 2000 works great then I finish with the Diamondite.
-
Junior Member
Re: Headlight restoration critique
Originally Posted by VP Mark
I get really good results from M100/microfiber on a 3 inch pad on headlights with no sanding.
how bad are the headlights when you use m100/mf pad?
i can get decent results with just compound/rotary but i a lot of times i end up sanding and redoing it
-
Super Member
Originally Posted by miniSguy
In my experience, I tend to agree. I haven't needed to use anything lower than 1500.
From a Tacoma I did recently:
I've begun to use the Diamondite system, and it's ok. But I still need to get a tad bit more aggressive sometimes. The 1500 then 2000 works great then I finish with the Diamondite.
That's exactly what I wanted to achieve! I'm not sure if the issue was inside the light or if I didn't sand enough. I did 3 section passes each with about 8lbs of pressure for each level of sanding.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using AG Online
Mike Frickman
Owner/Operator
On Scene Detailing
-
Regular Member
Re: Headlight restoration critique
I've always have superb results with 3M Sanding discs 600, 800 and 1500 on a DA. Then use a rotary with wool pad and any ultra-cut compound. If still hazy go back over it with some fine polish.
2011 Nissan Altima Sedan 3.5S Burgundy.
+1 Mobile Detailing
-
Super Member
Re: Headlight restoration critique
Down here in southern New Mexico, Headlight Damage (as well as premature clearcoat failure) seems so common. I would say 50% or better vehicles on the road here have almost useless headlights.
Now, one personal wonderment is, why is it that the Headlights go caput, but the tail lights are usually in much better shape? Heat from the lamps?
Does that compound the failure of lens clarity?
Or possibly the color of the lens itself is more prone to UV degradation? That could be too?
I know this is pretty basic "sanding sense", that the more one would refine the plastic with finer, and finer grade papers as they go, then I'd assume the less work it will be for a compound and polish to come behind, and achieve high clarity to the lenses without buffing for a fortnight.
That something like even 3000 grit might be of good benefit to lessen the work-time in the polishing stages.
Mark
-
Super Member
Yeah, it looks like I'll either pick up some 3000 grit discs or break down and buy more microfiber cutting pads
Sent from my SCH-I545 using AG Online
Mike Frickman
Owner/Operator
On Scene Detailing
Similar Threads
-
By Eldorado2k in forum Auto Detailing 101
Replies: 45
Last Post: 08-27-2018, 08:24 PM
-
By Bicycle in forum Auto Detailing 101
Replies: 4
Last Post: 09-04-2017, 10:03 PM
-
By geoguy in forum Show N' Shine
Replies: 9
Last Post: 08-11-2016, 12:55 PM
-
By asap2stacks in forum Auto Detailing 101
Replies: 4
Last Post: 04-19-2016, 08:47 AM
-
By RobertJ34 in forum Auto Detailing 101
Replies: 9
Last Post: 05-30-2014, 09:02 AM
Members who have read this thread: 0
There are no members to list at the moment.
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|
Bookmarks