DP headlight polish question

[Allblackbimmer]

I bought the DP headlight polish and protection spray.

My headlights aren't terrible.. just starting to show signs of slight pitting and slight cloudiness and normal wear. No yellowing.

2008 bmw (I don't think bmw headlights are any different than any other car manuf materials or coatings?)

My question is... can I apply this polish by hand?

I do not have a buffer and jave zero experience using power tools for car polishing purposes.

I know using a drill will yield better results... but is uaing elbow grease and juat doing it by hand will work?

If not, I've looked at maybe buying the mothers powerball drill attachment. .. but it saya it's for metal? Would this be safe for plastic and headlights?

 

[medicscott]

So...without seeing a picture, I'd say no way by hand. I used the polish for the first time without sandpaper a few weeks ago and let's just say the results were far from impressive. I was quite disappointed. I used a drill and the flimsy microfiber it comes with. Needless to say I had to go to 1000,1500,2000 sandpaper to get the job done right, then used the DP Polish to fix the marks left by the sandpaper. My recommendation is you'll need some sort of rotary or DA to get any kind of real results.

 

[Ebg18t]

I have been using Mequires Unigrit 3" 1500 & 3000 grit discs on a Unigrit hand sanding grip for headlights. If your lights are in good condition and they need more than just a polish or compound you could try the 3000 grit then compound them and finish up with a coating or sealant. If 3000 isn't enough try the 1500. I haven't had to use more than 1500 yet on the lights I have cleaned up/restored.

You could just buy the Mequires headlight kit with the Unigrit sand papers and polisher (for drill) in the kit. I think it is about $25.

 

[Allblackbimmer]

I will try to get some pictures posted...

My headlights really aren't that bad, just in the corners they are starting to pitt.


I REALLY don't want to use sandpaper, as I am truly afraid of messing my headlights up. The adaptive BMW Xenon headlights are like $1200 EACH.

Do you think using the Mother's Powerball would work? And, even though it says its for metal polishing, I have read that is does work on plastic too? is that correct?

 

[Mantilgh]

Not sure how much different it is but Mothers has a power ball for headlights too.

Mothers Powerball 4 HeadLights, headlight polishing kit, Mothers headlight polishing ball, restore headlights

Not sure if it is available over the counter though.

Like suggested above, the 3M kit works well with a drill.

3M Headlight Lens Restoration System, headlight polishing kit, restore yellow headlights, 3M plastic polish

You may be able to reduce the appearance of the pitting with just polishing, but I doubt it will remove it.

 

[Sbmin]

You most likely will not get the results you want by hand Add the LC 3" backing plate:
Lake Country 3 Inch Drill Backing Plate

and LC 3 1/4" Thin wool pad:
3 1/4 Inch Thin Foamed Wool Pad (2-Pack)

to what you already have and you should be set. This worked well for me on my 335i.

 

[Allblackbimmer]

You most likely will not get the results you want by hand Add the LC 3" backing plate:
Lake Country 3 Inch Drill Backing Plate

and LC 3 1/4" Thin wool pad:
3 1/4 Inch Thin Foamed Wool Pad (2-Pack)

to what you already have and you should be set. This worked well for me on my 335i.

Thanks, these look like pretty good options. Any tips on use for our headlights?

I may try using elbow grease first, and if I don't get decent results will probably try to scary world of power tools for auto detailing oke:

 

[tedj101]

Thanks, these look like pretty good options. Any tips on use for our headlights?

I may try using elbow grease first, and if I don't get decent results will probably try to scary world of power tools for auto detailing oke:

I use the purple thin wool pad described above on the backing plate described above on a cordless drill. Believe me, you will need all of that to get the job done. Having said that, though, it should get the job done too!

Don't forget to do something to protect the lights when you are done. I use Pinnacle Black Label Surface Coating as a protectant because it is easy to use and it lasts a long time...

Best,
<TED>

 

[Allblackbimmer]

I use the purple thin wool pad described above on the backing plate described above on a cordless drill. Believe me, you will need all of that to get the job done. Having said that, though, it should get the job done too!

Don't forget to do something to protect the lights when you are done. I use Pinnacle Black Label Surface Coating as a protectant because it is easy to use and it lasts a long time...

Best,
<TED>

Thanks. and yes, I bought both the DP polish, and the DP spray protectant