Headlight Polish

shadow85 · 12-01-08, 04:52

I am looking for a hand polish for headlights. I have KAIO and ScratchX but they dont seem to be the correct product for the job. Any suggests? my headlights are not really bad. just a slight haze is starting to build. 5 month old car daily driver.

reggie11 · 12-01-08, 05:04

I would try Glassylite. I will be using this in a few weeks as I have heard great things about it. My car mag had a great write up on it and highly recommended it. It has a nanosealant and is applied by hand. The price is not bad and the reviews on Amazon seem really good as well.

Hope this helps. I will also have a full write up on it once I use it. I have tried Plastix and some other stuff and did not get the results I was looking for.

Amazon.com: GlassyLite: Automotive

Legacy99 · 12-01-08, 05:20

Get a mini power ball for a drill. Beats doing it by hand.

BigAl3 · 12-01-08, 05:22

get some plastx...

reggie11 · 12-01-08, 05:23

Plastix did nothing for the yellowing and scratches on my headlights...

Maybe they are just in really rough shape!

BigAl3 · 12-01-08, 05:28

i've used plastx on my headlights and it's always done the job (do a few applications with some elbow grease), but then again they weren't in the worst shape either. what other polishes do you have in your arsenal?

89gt-stanger · 12-01-08, 07:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl3

i've used plastx on my headlights and it's always done the job (do a few applications with some elbow grease), but then again they weren't in the worst shape either. what other polishes do you have in your arsenal?

Use this procedure. It has always worked for me, and I am sure it will work for you.

Wet sand with
3m 1500 grit until the yellowing and roughness is gone.

If it is really bad, I might break out the 1000, but must be very careful with it.

Follow up wet sanding with 2000 grit.

Use an old pad on a rotary, and Turtle wax *polishing* compound. Worked a few passes in with that on speed 2.5-3.0

After you have gained most of the clarity back, on a different pad, use Meguiars Plastix for a few passes on speed 3-3.5

It normally takes around 45mins. per lens when wet sanding. Polishing steps usually take 20 minutes per lens. So all in all, you are looking at about 2-3 hours for a pair.

BEFORE

AFTER MY PROCESS

Not 100% perfect, but they look really dang good.

jeteast99 · 12-01-08, 07:46

if the car is only 5 months old, Plastx should be fine unless it is really bad. Then you might as well start wetsanding and polishing with a rotary.

BigAl3 · 12-01-08, 08:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89gt-stanger

Use this procedure. It has always worked for me, and I am sure it will work for you.

Wet sand with
3m 1500 grit until the yellowing and roughness is gone.

If it is really bad, I might break out the 1000, but must be very careful with it.

Follow up wet sanding with 2000 grit.

Use an old pad on a rotary, and Turtle wax *polishing* compound. Worked a few passes in with that on speed 2.5-3.0

After you have gained most of the clarity back, on a different pad, use Meguiars Plastix for a few passes on speed 3-3.5

It normally takes around 45mins. per lens when wet sanding. Polishing steps usually take 20 minutes per lens. So all in all, you are looking at about 2-3 hours for a pair.

BEFORE

AFTER MY PROCESS

Not 100% perfect, but they look really dang good.

while your process looks great and works for you, wetsanding isn't needed in my situation...

reparebrise · 12-01-08, 08:24

If your car is only 5 months old, you may want to speak with your dealer, the lights should stay clear for the length of the warrenty at least.

BigJimZ28 · 12-01-08, 08:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl3

while your process looks great and works for you, wetsanding isn't needed in my situation...

yea that and the OP
is looking for something he can with out a machine...by hand

Quote:

Originally Posted by reparebrise

If your car is only 5 months old, you may want to speak with your dealer, the lights should stay clear for the length of the warrenty at least.

good call!

shadow85 · 12-04-08, 04:36

hmmm. so if the headlights turn foggy/yellow, it should be covered under warranty? I am considering the Plastx. It seens like a mild friendly polish. By the way, nice results! I will consider the wetsanding later in life =)