Headlight polishing.

"GLiddy" (GLiddy)
03/21/2020 at 22:33 • Filed to: None

We’ve self-quarantined because, you know. Since the kids have been released from high school and college, we are all hanging at home and I am taking on some of those projects I’ve been meaning to get to. First up, headlight polishing. These Toyota units were very hazy and foggy. I am not using a kit, but instead just general automotive and household items I picked up a while back.

Started with hand wet sanding the plastic with 600 grit (I didn’t have 400) and then went to 2000 and 2500. This left them cloudy and not clear. Wasn’t sure if this was what I wanted. I then vigorously cleaned them with a clean rag and isopropyl alcohol and they seemed a bit clearer, but they still looked fogged. Oh well. After they dried I hit them with Rustoleum UV protecting 2X universal clear coat. That gave them the appearance of being clear, but you can still see a bit of fog. Definitely not mirror-like shine and smooth.

I think I’ll just call this good enough.

DISCUSSION (4)

Thisismydisplayname > GLiddy
03/21/2020 at 23:07

I typically go to 3000 grit and then a polish with a drill buffer . Then clean the polish with rubbing alcohol and clear coat, or polish and then hit with a UV wax/protectant. But if you got the yellow off them, they are going to work way better than before.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > GLiddy
03/21/2020 at 23:29

The grit you used were fine, but they need to be polished out (and really they need to be mechanically polished). The plastic polishes are obviously designed for this, but any polishing compound will work. Even something like Meguire’s fine cut cleaner or ultimate compound (that you can get at any retail parts store or even Walmart) will work pretty well with some machine action. Anything with a mild cutting action will clear them right up from 2000 or 2500 grit. Those little polishing wheels that attach to a drill are perfect for headlights , and you need the R PM s a drill can offer anyway in this application.

Like Tuester said, they’ll stay pretty clear for about six months or so before needing another light polish. The restoration kits come with clear plastic polymer UV protectant that will extend the clarity, but even a good UV blocking car wax will buy you more time.

GLiddy > GLiddy
03/22/2020 at 00:09

Thanks. Next time I’ll dig up some polish...heck I even called this polishing and all I did was sand. I read some guy’s blog that seemed like he knew what he was doing and he didn’t mention doing a final polish. Live and learn.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > GLiddy
03/22/2020 at 13:51

The final polish is something 4-5k grit. So microfine texture. as said, they’ll be better than they were before.