How do you polish tail lights?

AutoApollo

AutoApollo

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Is it the same procedure for headlights? Is there anything different I should be aware of? Also, is it okay for me to use a pad on the plastic tail light, wash it, then use it back on the paint or that's a "no no"? Thanks

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I usually cut and polish plastics first and then change pads for paint. Sometimes I'll hit them after I'm done with the paint.
 
I treat taillights more like paint rather than headlights.
 
Rsurfer said:
Why, are they both not plastic?
Click to expand...

As I understand it, headlights are generally polycarbonate, which is purposely used for its impact strength and its high transmissivity (of light), although it features less clarity so it diffuses light. The outer layer of tail light covers is polymethyl methacrylate acrylic. PMMA is very scratch resistant, doesn't yellow and is amenable to simple compounding and polishing. Polycarbonate, lacking the clarity of PMMA and due to its diffuse yellowing from UV and less resistance to scratching than PMMA requires much more aggressive treatment in order to re-establish clarity - hence, sanding, compounding and polishing.
 
I just use M105 and the M205 and use an LSP to coat the lense. Works fine for me.
 
CarPro Essence used with a microfiber cutting pad is a great one step combo on taillights. Polishes and protects.
 
PlastX for me too by hand.

I would not polish.

I also seal with Optimum Gloss Coat 2 x per year so no issues.
 
I actually use PlastX for maintenance on my headlights, as well. Just a drop on a microfiber. I don't get after it hard or anything. But every couple of months I'll put a drop on, spread, and wipe until it's gone. IMO it's like a deep clean that removes any built up film and maintains a like new surface. My justification (hunch) is that it keeps things smooth at the micro level and prevents degradation from occurring. I've been told it'll remove the factory UV coating. Maybe it will in 30 years. I have a set of headlights that I've done this to for several years and they look like they did on day 1. No question in my mind that I'm on the right track.
 
I've always used Plexus to clean, then 845 to coat my head & tail lenses since my truck was new off the lot.

They still appear brand new.
 
Compounds and polishes for paint have worked just fine for me ever since I started doing corrections quite a while ago. I see no need for specialty polishes for headlights and taillights as of yet.
 
PlastX vote for me also. I have also treated them like paint with whatever compound I'm using though, then an LSP. Last vehicle I did with PRC has some pretty good sized tail lights that were molded in line with the back hatch so I used PRC on them. It worked great as well.

Like Harpolith mentioned, PlastX works well as maintenance on headlights too. And on motorcycle windshields.
 
I use a polish but before I apply the polish to my pad I hit it with a spray using Honda Polish/Cleaner.
It's a method I've been using for years.
The Honda cleaner works great for plastics.

Once done the taillights and also headlights new brand new.
The Honda Polish/Cleaner also works on paint, chrome and glass.
I buy mine at a local dealership for under six bucks , simply awesome


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