Fixing Yellow Headlights And Scratches On Lenses

[demonic s12]

to fix yellowed plastic headlights and scratched/weathered lenses.

i use and highly suggest 3m and meguires products

-materials

high speed buffer (1500-1800 rpm)
rubbing compound (liquid type, hard cutting)
high quality liquid wax
1200 and 2000 grit sandpaper (wet sanding type)
either water or better yet, mequires final inspection spray
masking tape

step one:

mask painted areas, or remove lens, whichever is easier

step two:

use water or meguires spray to lubricate surface, for more weathered lenses, use 1200, then follow up with 2000 grit sandpaper. use light to medium pressure, ensuring to get all surfaces sanded.

step three:

remove water/debris with lint free towel or chamois

step four:

set buffer to 1500-1800 rpm, use clean foam pad or buffing pad, apply a quarter size of both compond and wax in the center, then stream a line out from the center in a circular motion.

step five:

apply buffing pad to surface, try to get most of the polish and wax onto the lens before turning the buffer on, then proceed to buff the surface, using up and down, back and forth motions. you should see the compond/wax mixture begin to thin out and the lens should begin to shine greatly, be sure to avoid rubber and painted trim surfaces.

step six:

use a soft towel, or a microfiber cloth to remove residue, remove masking tape, the lens should be significantly cleaner and more transparent, if yellowing remains, repeat process until desired results are achieved.

enjoy!

[Arro]

Can you provide suggested brands for materials? I figure you have lots of experience with different products and know what works better than others.

[Xano]

i have to say for the rubbing compound, I've used toothpaste before to fix minor cases of this same thing, but for more severe cases, this guide seems good.

[Arro]

I think Andrew's listed process is a total-care and refresh, which is the better route to go. I personally would rather do it right once.

[demonic s12]

edited

[silvia love]

ive done many headlights this same way. however i used 3m trizact compound. i have and will always stand by that stuff.
also a foam pad will cut and polish very nicely. a wool pad would work great too.

[nismologist]

any before and after pics?

[demonic s12]

not the best pic, but this would be "after"

[Xano]

I think Andrew's listed process is a total-care and refresh, which is the better route to go. I personally would rather do it right once.

Agreed arro, but part of the issue at least around here, is that in a single year, those composites get to looking like that.  The salt damages them EXTREMELY fast here.  So it'd be a bit of a bear to do the whole process.  

But as I said, his process is a good process, and it works well.  I've done the full process before, like he listed, and it turns out better than the toothpaste version, but the toothpaste one is quick and dirty and does the job in a pinch.