Refurbing polishing Xenon headlights.

[Nine468]

Ive managed to get myself a pair of xenon headlights for my car.
Before I fit them ide like to clean up the lenses, as they are a bit cloudy, and slightly scratched.
Whats the best method for doing this.
Any tips greatly appreciated..
I have a "Porter Cable" buffer so can use that if need.

 

[Bluebeard]

I use the following method;
Mask up the surrounding area so you don't damage any paintwork.
1200 wet and dry paper with lots of water. Lots and lots.
Sand the whole light until its one colour all over. Any patchyness needs to be rubbed out.
On a machine polisher (I use a rotary, never tried it with a DA/Porter Cable) use some heavy-ish cutting compound. I use G3.
Then next up use something to refine it. I use Scholl S40 to get rid of the finest of marks.
Wipe down with IPA
Polish/wax/seal with your chosen products.
Genuinely, it will look as good as new.
Hope that helps.

 

[zach172]

Sanding and polishing will improve it but as this happens because the uv protection on the plastic breaks down by sanding all you are doing is removing more of the protection and the process will happen again but faster. Best bet is to sand them down with some 1000 grit paper until smooth then lacquer them. The uv protection in the lacquer will stop them breaking down again

 

[cat171]

Sanding and polishing will improve it but as this happens because the uv protection on the plastic breaks down by sanding all you are doing is removing more of the protection and the process will happen again but faster. Best bet is to sand them down with some 1000 grit paper until smooth then lacquer them. The uv protection in the lacquer will stop them breaking down again

If he seals them afterwards, they'll look like new for a long time.

 

[Knuckles]

I do what Daniel said but go to 2000 and 2500 wet and dry prior to polishing.

Then keep on top of them with a sealant.

I doubt any lacquer will adhere properly to a polished surface. If you do it'll probably flake and look worse than before.

 

[bloke]

I doubt any lacquer will adhere properly to a polished surface. If you do it'll probably flake and look worse than before.

you don't polish them before you clear coat, 1500/2000 then quick scotch pad.

 

[Gaz_]

f**k lacquering them, bet they'll look scabby as hell after a year

 

[bloke]

f**k lacquering them, bet they'll look scabby as hell after a year

erm, why??

 

[Gaz_]

Stone chips?

With no decent primer to bond to and a soft plastic base they will chip and peel.

 

[bloke]

nope, works fine, if anything less prone to chipping than a metal panel.