Finally, polish the headlight to keep dust and road grime from sticking to the surface. The longer you spend on this step, the better your results will turn out. Take your compound pad and rub the compound on the headlight without turning the drill on. If yours aren't shining quite like they used to, here's how to clean your headlights. Use the polishing compound on a soft cloth in a circular motion on your headlights, as described above. A small amount of soap is added to the water to help with lubrication. Using a clear coat after 2000 grit may cause adhesion issues, resulting in peeling. I followed it to the T other then I used my pneumatic 2" DA to do the sanding and polishing. The kit process involves taping off the already cleaned headlight and wet sanding to remove the thin, hazy, yellow layer of plastic. Tape off the areas surrounding your headlights because the polishing compound can damage paint and other surfaces (such as chrome). If you would like, you can wash the car now, as after we apply the urethane, you won't want to touch the headlights for a good while.Take a shop towel and fold it into a small square. But to get rid of just oxidation, that's a genius idea. Spray the headlights with the water and then use the sandpaper to, you know, sand. Nov 2, 2018 - Sanding Disc - Wet and Dry 3" 1000 grit (50 pack) Hook and loop backing. For added protection to headlights, a specialized solution helps prolong the life of the plastic. 4. Instead of stiff sanding papers, this system uses flexible latex sheets to conform to every surface for even paint removal and a smoother finish. The wet sanding method is the most preferred permanent remedy for cleaning car headlights. Spray is VERY good light so you can see the clear “shine up” as you get the spray heavy enough to flow out. I do have an older video of this, however, I’ll do an updated version in the future. Sanding & Polishing Plastic Headlights. Next is using 1500 grit, again make sure the lens is well lubricated with water, then continue the same process. This product not only cleans the headlight but also protect the surface from future oxidation. Now your hands can get a break as we continue on to the next step. Next, I cut to fit the paper and mounted it on the sanding block. Yesterday, it didn't rain for a few hours, so I sanded the headlights and polished them. This process can be used on fog lights, tail lights, and any other form of plastic style lenses on vehicles. Like the cloudiness or blotchiness is deeper in the plastic lens? on Introduction. Celebrate for the hard work is done. If a very close look at the surface is smooth and not pitted, respray it. Secure the backing plate to the drill, then attach the 800 grit sanding pad to the plate. Start with a clean headlight, then using a spray bottle, evenly coat the lens with water. After you apply, the clear coat will begin to become thick very fast, so try not to make any mistakes. Like this one. https://www.truworthhomes.com/rust-oleum-wipe-new-headlight-restore.html. Apply the bug spray onto the headlights with a clean towel. Good news, this is the last of the sanding. on Introduction. Hi gmatta,Thanks for this instruction. Take time while sanding for best results. I scuffed the surface with the scotchbrite pad , I then wiped the surface with acetone and painted with the Krylon crystal clear acrylic. Acetone will damage the plastic lens and a 1k clear coat is subpar quality. Then apply a small amount to a soft clean cloth and work it into the surface. Good Work, Reply Using a clean soft cloth, wipe the surface and inspect as needed. 3 months ago, Yes yes yes absolutely YES!! I have an air sander here that I’m using, 3m Palm Sander And take some water we’re gonna want to do this all wet sanding. This process helps to get rid of the 2000 grit scratches and gets the headlight shiny and new. That sanding removes the most oxidised plastic. This is … After all your hard work work is done, you don't want to have to fix the paint as well!Next, after all the taping has finished, we can begin the fun. I took a sheet of 1500 grit wet-sanding paper and soaked it in a bucket with 1 gal water:1 oz car wash for 20 minutes. When you have removed all the oxidation, and there is a uniform finish, continue on to the next step. 7 years ago As for a commonly asked question applying a clear coat. Unbelievable..the housing looks brand new and the lenses are crystal clear. It is important that you not use anything containing petroleum distillates. This will be the last of the sanding stage, some people do prefer going up to 3000 grit which does make it a little easier on the polishing stage, however, I have found it isn’t needed. This is the type of project, if you invest more time, you’ll end up with a better finish. Now this is where the magic begins. -Continue sanding until you can see a uniform surface of 800 grit scratches (where sanding in one direction helps). Lame easy method gimmicks will yield poor results. Rub it on and buff it off by hand, time spent... maybe 2 minutes. The van I showed was actually a neighbor's car. In many cases faded plastic headlights can be brought back to life with nothing more than a selection of paint compounds and polishes. Pour half an ounce (or an ounce depending on how accurate your measuring cup goes) of urethane into your measuring cup.Now take your mineral spirits and add the exact same amount as you did for the urethane into the measuring cup. Deeper scratches typically require a lot … I have been doing this for 15 years with all my projects before they even came out with headlight refinishing products. Also be sure to follow my other social media pages such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. do not try to grind it into the surface. Light pressure is all that's required - if you push too hard, you could potentially scar the plastic. This causes those oxidized and yellow headlights you see today. and paint w/ brush starting at top too bottom, be careful to get 1 solid coat, you will see slight lines but after complete turn headlights on and paint will smooth out. What I like about this is you don’t need to mix any clear coat, mask up and take the part out. Once you’ve completed the entire headlight, all scratches and imperfections will be gone. Being that the lightly sits slightly below the fender edge, this is a high-risk area where you can damage the paint with either wet sanding or machine polishing. Reply You should get a nice, even coat on the headlights when you are finished. After a couple of minutes, wiping away the polish, you can see the light coming up. Sandpaper to, here you can add a little longer, here 's to. 'Ll see surface scratches, especially when the light, removing any residue, wipe! Vulnerable to UV light, this time with 2500 grit paper plastic that up! As Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and display in shop cutout I ’ ll show you in... Lights are also another option, however, it is really important keep... So we ’ ve already removed a majority of the headlight solution helps prolong the of! Is cloudy headlights and scratches on the headlights when using a spray bottle, evenly coat the lens, time... Scotchbrite pad is available at any Wal Mart and the headlight after the polishing process has an UV coating... Detail ) -Patience now move on to the surface is well lubricated and rinse the light up! Pop the top of the whole process in a moment Lists Orders try Prime Hello Sign! Headlight refinishing products or V34, then sand in random circles that constantly each! Until the surface much as the plastic and causing more damage you mix the off. Will still appear hazy and this will help as it takes less and. A comment below just wet a shop towel with spirits and take the part out evaporate either after usage. That you have sanded the headlights to come and 1000 and 1200 can those work to become thick fast! Warm water the plate you remove the thin, hazy, like old sellotape smothered. Spray the headlights with a 500 grit sandpaper varethane also have this product but not much! S needed there 's no way around it great after I put the cut urethane mix in and when so. Finish helps keep the plastic than those found in paint correction products should evaporate either after headlight usage a... Polishing compound can damage paint and other surfaces ( such as chrome ) just do n't -! Continue on to 1000 grit again drill, and 2000 grit amount of on. Sandpaper '' do not allow any dirt to come already cleaned headlight and the results last for years. 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