Headlight restoration without kits

[theblob640]

I have a question about restoring headlights without using the pre-equipped kits they sell. What are the steps to do that? I was planning on using various grit sandpaper then hit it with M105 the M205 after to remove sanding marks.
My process was going to be:
1. Use 2000 grit first (obviously what grit I start with will be determined by how bad the headlights are, this is for example purposes)
2. Then use finer grit, 2500 grit sandpaper
3. Lastly, use 3000 grit
4. M105 with DA
5. M205 with DA
6. Protect

My question with that process is, should I keep stepping up the grit after 2000 until I reach 3000 or will 2000 grit then M105 do the trick. So if I start with 1000, should I then go 1500 then 2000 then 2500 then 3000? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[hernandez.art13]

Whenever I have done Headlights Jeweling always comes to mind.

You can buff out 1500. But why not keep smoothing it out? IMO

 

[bugeye]

The sandpaper scratches will be removed more quickly by stepping up the sandpaper grits. I have removed the headlights and clamped to a work bench. Then used a 4" oscillating pad sander. No risk of contact with the car body. I haven't used M105/205 on headlights. Megs Plastx finishes nicely with a DA.

 

[Father87]

I'm also interested. Do you sandpaper by hand or 3" DA?

 

[hernandez.art13]

I honestly don't think it matters

 

[Mike Calloway]

I use sandpaper by hand (for now). I wetsand 1500 then 2000. Compound w/ aggressive pad and then a medium compound/polish step. Then Opti-Seal.

Here are my results from the other day

 

[theblob640]

I was planning to sand by hand first then hit it with a da with m105/205

 

[Rsurfer]

I was planning to sand by hand first then hit it with a da with m105/205

Up until now nothing seemed to protect the headlights from yellowing. Opti Lens is the answer..never have to polish your headlights again. A little pricey, but worth every dime.

 

[Father87]

I was thinking of getting the bulk 3M discs, glass polishing pads, carpro ceriglass, and opti seal.

 

[Rsurfer]

I was thinking of getting the bulk 3M discs, glass polishing pads, carpro ceriglass, and opti seal.

Are your headlights made out of glass?

 

[Father87]

No, the product description says it's great for polishing headlights.

 

[Rsurfer]

No, the product description says it's great for polishing headlights.

Your going to use a glass polishing pad and Ceriglass on plastic headlights? Good luck.

 

[Durallymax]

For what its worth, the 3M kits use p500,p800 then 3000 trizact.

 

[Calendyr]

I don't see why you go through all the trouble when the 3M kit comes with everything you need at a low price. The drill pad seems quite useful to me for other things too.

Have anyone tried using toothpaste? I have read several places and seen a few videos of it being done and results seemed good. Anyone to it when people are not interested to do a full headlight restoration? It only takes 5 minutes to do, I am tempted to include it in a package or something

 

[Father87]

Your going to use a glass polishing pad and Ceriglass on plastic headlights? Good luck.

Well Ceriglass says;
"Great for polishing Plexiglas and restoring headlights."

I figure it's more designed for headlights than compound that's made for paint no?

 

[theblob640]

I don't see why you go through all the trouble when the 3M kit comes with everything you need at a low price. The drill pad seems quite useful to me for other things too.

Have anyone tried using toothpaste? I have read several places and seen a few videos of it being done and results seemed good. Anyone to it when people are not interested to do a full headlight restoration? It only takes 5 minutes to do, I am tempted to include it in a package or something

It's not that I am trying to do the hard way, more like I already have the equipment that usually comes in the kits to get the job done so there really is no reason for me to buy the kit.

On the other hand, thanks for the input, looks like "jeweling" will be my best bet.

 

[Rsurfer]

Well Ceriglass says;
"Great for polishing Plexiglas and restoring headlights."

I figure it's more designed for headlights than compound that's made for paint no?

M105/205 will do a much better job after wet sanding with 2500/3000 grit. Cerium oxide was made to polish glass and not plastic. You could use tooth paste to polish plastic, but I much rather use it on my teeth.

 

[theblob640]

Well...these are my results after trying to correct the headlights.
Picture on the left:
I used what Meguiar's Heavy Correction Kit comes with but without actually using the kit itself.
1. Used 1000 grit
2. Followed with 3000 grit
3. Hit it with M105 with orange pad on speed 6
4. Hit it with M205 with white pad on speed 5

Picture on the right:
1. Used 1000 grit
2. Used 1500 grit
3. Used 2000 grit
4. Used 2500 grit
5. Used 3000 grit
6. Hit it with M105 with orange pad on speed 6
7. Hit it with M205 with white pad on speed 5

 

[glen e]

I have done many sets 8-10 years old with no sanding...just an rotary-wool hydrid pad- merzerna fg400..

they come out perfect...

 

[BlackHawk]

I have done many sets 8-10 years old with no sanding...just an rotary-wool hydrid pad- merzerna fg400..

they come out perfect...

My kinda guy right hererops: