First headlight restoration, first failure...

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yeebiz

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Tried to restore my neighbor's headlights. They were happy with the way they came out but, I was far from happy.

Products used:
Used Megs 105/205
4" Orange/White Pads
PC/Drill

The lights were very yellowed. They yellowing had disappeared. The problem is the scratches. They need to be wet sanded.

Here is a before pic (doesn't really show the yellowing/oxidation that well)

Photo0126.jpg


Here is an after (the worse looking of the two)

Photo0128.jpg


The pics really don't do the transformation justice. They do look alot better than they orginally did. I'm just not happy because they look cloudy to me from all of the scratches.


Now to my questions:

What grit sandpaper(s) is used for restoring headlights?
Is it just water used for wet sanding?
Since wet sanding causes scratches how do you know when to stop sanding?
Any recommended guides or videos?
 
I would first tape off the area around the headlights and first wetsand with 1000 grit. You will use water the entire time, I also recommend that you soak the sandpaper for a couple mins prior also. Spray the water on the headlight as you go. Go in one direction and don't rub hard. After you smooth it out, go down to something finer like 1500 or 2000. After that I would use a rubbing compound. If you want you can try using a finer polish to finish it off.

Also I am sure people will post their favorite sealant to put over it. :buffing:
 
fusion said:
I would first tape off the area around the headlights and first wetsand with 1000 grit. You will use water the entire time, I also recommend that you soak the sandpaper for a couple mins prior also. Spray the water on the headlight as you go. Go in one direction and don't rub hard. After you smooth it out, go down to something finer like 1500 or 2000. After that I would use a rubbing compound. If you want you can try using a finer polish to finish it off.

Also I am sure people will post their favorite sealant to put over it. :buffing:
Click to expand...

Thanks. It's almost like you looked in my cart. Just added those 3 grits into it. :dblthumb2:
 
This is a good method... I've had great results with it.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sZg9cj2hxI&]YouTube - Headlight Restoration - Wetsanding and Polishing HD[/video]
 
Thanks. That video was extremely helpful.
 
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