Those of you that have repaired your hazy scratched headlights mostly using a 1500 or so wet sand and then using a plastic polish and high speed buff, or are you wetsanding and then spraying with clear coat?

I've heard that the wetsand and polishing is good but the results don't last. If this is the case, how long is each process lasting?

For those of you with the clear coat finishing, are you finding that this is a permanent fix? Did you have a body shop clear them, or will spray can clear laquer work?

Thanks,
Ryan

 

McGuiars used to make a line of super high-end polishing compounds, and the finest grits were perfect for plastic headlight casings. I'd see if something like that were still available first, because the wetsand process can be a real PITA to get perfect.

 

unless you seal the headlamp (not with wax or spray on sealant) your headlamps will get even worse within 30 days of buffing/polishing/etc....

 

I just finished using Micro Mesh (wet) and then applying Xpel (3M) clear bra headlight protector. Looks great so far. I have some before and after photos, I'll post if you care.

 

When I bought my 996tt the headlights were so bad, they were yellow. I bought the permatex headlight restoration kit (which includes all the fine grit sandpaper). It made a world of a difference. I think I have them about 85%, but still nowhere near perfect. I've repeated the process 3 times already, each time getting better, however the previous posters are correct, after 30 days the lenses don't look so hot. I've been re-applying the plastic polish every month, which helps.

I've have also experimented with other products such as clay bar, rubbing compound (for the really bad spots), and back-to-black (which actually helps a little in the random yellow spots). Hope that helps!

 

Pics would be greatly appreciated!

 

before photos

 

during photos

 

these after photos are pre-micro mesh polish and pre-3m x-pel clear bra, I'll try to take some photos of finished look today, but these photos are post all wet sanding

 

Did the p3M xpel clear bra help retain the finish for longer than the month some people are finding?

 

unfortunately I can't say just yet, it has only been a few weeks, but will update this thread later on

 

Thanks for your help.

 

The X-pel 5/6 months later looks just OK, still some bubbles. It is possible I just didn't apply it perfectly. Overall, very happy with the micro mesh, sanding, and X-pel.

--BM

 

I did a writeup on this just a few posts ago. I got it to look brand spanking new.

 

can you post a link to it please, i tried searching your recent posts but couldnt find it