I redid my headlights, they were all nasty. Went gradually from 100-220-400-800-1000-1500-2000-2500 wet sanding. They look tons better, but I noticed when I washed the ride today after the water settled on the lens they seem to get kinda foggy again...you can simply wipe it off with a finger but it comes right back. Do I just need to polish them?

 

I thought so. I also need to detail my car, I have all the products. I'm wondering, because I cleaned the car with goof off(thin plastidip) the cars paint looks hazy in many spots. I'm hoping compound/polish/wax will get this out.

 

You have to coat them with some kind of clearcoat or else theyll be hazy
again in three weeks.

 

You just sanded a plastic but there is no barrier preventing contaminants, radiation, and oxidization from reacting with that plastic. When you apply a U.V. resistant clear coat on the lense it will act as a barrier and block the contaminants from fogging up the headlights.

 

So I can simply wipe it down with degreaser. Dry. Then apply 3 coats of a regular clear coat form autozone?

 

most important part of a restoration and most overlooked is use of a u.v protectant.

I've restored my headlights about 4 times now and if you use u.v protectant somewhat regularly they will look new for years, if not they will go back hazy in 2-3 weeks.

 

yeah, you need to put some clear UV on it.

 

Can you recommend a specific brand. Thanks guys

 

This is the kit I use. Meguiar's kit, comes w/ U.V protectant.

 

Thank you! I actually saw that earlier today. Is detailing with a random orbital buffer a bad idea?

 

Purpose of an Orbital is to prevent buffer swirls.
I dont think I've ever run into that problem on headlights.
Its up to you, your headlights.

Stick w/ a high RPM dremel drill that you can attach buffer to.
Start off slow RPM to get the compound layered on and then increase speed
to buff it in.

 

I was talking in terms of car paint. Is there any cheap attachments out there to clip into the drill and start compounding and polishing

 

I used a metal polish on mine. Take your time. It's like polishing boots(military). I'm an absolute OCD dude about my lights. To me it's an art. Haha.

Sanded with 2500 grit

First coat of polish

Somewhat final product I probably did a few more after this...


I would reccomend the UV coating, but I've never done it. Just touch up once a month or so....

 

NO! Do not use a degreaser you will destroy the lens. Soap and water.

 

wet sand up to 2500 grit, doesn't matter which direction, just try to get all of the big scratches out. Clean with mineral spirits. Mix an ounce or however much you want of outdoor rated urethane or spar urethane with the same of mineral spirits (1:1). Do three light coats. Apply with a blue shop towel to avoid dusting. Set with a heat gun. Should last a long time. Takes some practice. I did some friends and neighbors to get it down.