Headlight Restoration - on or off the car?

[KitsonRis]

I've read the "how to restore headlights" posts, and decided to get the 3M stuff. Watched videos and that and now know what to do.
But the lights I am restoring are currently not on the car but will be come tomorrow. Is it best to do the restore when the lights are on or off the car? I am leaning towards off the car as then there is no risk of accidently "restoring" my bumper (no shame in that as it needs a repaint!), wing or bonnet. But then it is the issue of holding them. Any advice?

Swapping the lights back to original. I bought the car with aftermarket angel eyes. Looks OK but after seeing so many Ph1's with original lights, that are not cloudy, has swayed me to change them to standard. Then I am going to get some nice bulbs to finish it off.

 

[dangerous dave]

Take them off and sit in front of the tv

 

[KitsonRis]

Take them off and sit in front of the tv

They don't need taking off! But like your thinking.

 

[raviedavie]

If you don't get the result you need I bought new headlights on eBay for £65 delivered

 

[KitsonRis]

If you don't get the result you need I bought new headlights on eBay for £65 delivered

I'll bare that in mind, thanks

 

[dann2707]

On the car, means you don't have to support them as they're already solid. Just tape up around the areas

 

[Knuckles]

On the car, means you don't have to support them as they're already solid. Just tape up around the areas

This, vibration is bad m'kay

 

[McGherkin]

Have done both, preferred on car.

 

[KitsonRis]

Cheers, if people say on the car then I'll do that. Just didnt want to make a hash of it.
Hopefully the results are good!!