How to get haziness away?

[Ride1226]

Im kinda lost on this one. Basically, if you have scratches and haziness on your headlights you can sand them out with extremely high grit sandpaper and then refinish the headlights with a plastic polish? Where do you get there kit that you mentioned above? Im picking up my wrx on friday morning and im a perfectionist, the only thing on the car that bothers me is the darn scratches and haziness on the headlights.

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[REVNU]

Try something like this:

http://www.autogeek.net/diamondite-clear-plastic.html

or this:

http://www.autogeek.net/lc-plastic-pro-kit.html

I think you will need a drill for either one, but power tools are the way to go to get those headlights restored. Doing it by hand may not provide enough "cut" and it could take you a long time to do it. There are A LOT of different ways to go about fixing up the headlights, the two above are specifically for headlights. As someone else mentioned you can use a paint compound also, that you would have to follow up with a polish. It's really hard to say exactly what you need without seeing the headlights first hand.

[Kean]

Originally Posted by Ride1226

Im kinda lost on this one. Basically, if you have scratches and haziness on your headlights you can sand them out with extremely high grit sandpaper and then refinish the headlights with a plastic polish? Where do you get there kit that you mentioned above? Im picking up my wrx on friday morning and im a perfectionist, the only thing on the car that bothers me is the darn scratches and haziness on the headlights.

....if in doubt, always start with a less aggressive method first. In many cases, any numbr of the readily available plastic polishes will be enough. ....in others, a compound then a polish. ....in the worse case scenarios you will likely need to wetsand then compound/polish. Revnu makes a good point about using a polisher/drill (w/attachment). It makes a world of difference and makes the application of compounds and polishes much more effective.

[TexSurfer]

Originally Posted by dave_mtu

ok, i have been in this battle for awhile too. I tried cleaning mine up by wetsanding, etc. Ive used up to 2500 grit, then used Macguirs Plastic Polish. But, after a few hours they are hazy again due to the super fine scratches from the sanding.

Your lights look really good, how long has it been since you applied this? Do they still look like this half a year later?

After wet sanding, the process really requires polishing by machine. I just don't think there is enough elbow grease in the world to remove sanding marks. And your Meg's polish may not be strong enough either. Really need a high speed buffer and combo of some quality polishes and pads to do the job.

The kit that he used is a resurfacing kit (there are several kits on the market just like it). You sand down the imperfections, and then use two types of sealants that self level and have UV inhibitors. Its a type of controlled volatility silicone polymer sealant. Similar to the makeup of the lense itself. Kinda like clear-coating the paint. Never tried one myself. They all claim very long warranties or lifetime guarantees.

[TexSurfer]

Originally Posted by rpeirats

I think I didnt explain myself very well. I am not talking about large amounts.

What I do is put a polishing cloth over a finger or two, apply a very SMALL amount of brake fluid (2-4 drops) to the finger tips, and slowly and carefully rub the hazy area. The haziness disappears INSTANTLY. Then, with a clean cloth, wipe the area, and then wash with water and soap.

I have been doing this for years without any negative effects. Its cheap, VERY easy, and takes no time.

Honestly I think we both understood. If it works for you, cool. We both were conveying the side effects of brake fluid as an option. And like Kean said, there are just several purpose built products for the job that are safe with no ill side effects. Brake fluid on the other hand could cause other issue. Just be safe

[Kean]

^^^^^ ....simply using that stuff in close proximity to painted panels is an unnecessary risk (in my personal opinion). .....considering the other known, relatively safe, & effective solutions available. One spill or missed drop can stain, soften or remove the paint underneath. ....putting aside the potential risks to the actual plastic itself.

[98imprezaWagon]

IMO for the ones who are wondering about trying the sanding kits, i say try buffing with a rubbing compound and polish first before even trying a wetsanding kit. i personally have had no luck with them and like others have said the lights just get hazy shortly afterwards. i personally dont think that putting fine scratches in the lense and then hoping the plastic polish will fill them uniformly is a good idea.i have had great luck with rubbing compounds (namely perfect-it 3000 - which also works awesome on scratches in paint if you use some elbow grease), they keep my lenses perfectly clear. i usually clean them monthly also.

[Ride1226]

Looks like I will try one of the basic polish kits first before doing any sort of damage. I have a drill and I can pick up a polishing end for it to make life that much easier. Can I find all of this stuff at a local automotive store? Really hope this cures my ocd on my headlights lol.

[98imprezaWagon]

ya, even walmart has what you want, even the powerball (drill attachment). your headlights im sure will look new, and if not buy a bunch of hella's if its better light output your looking for

[pumaking]

Originally Posted by dave_mtu

ok, i have been in this battle for awhile too. I tried cleaning mine up by wetsanding, etc. Ive used up to 2500 grit, then used Macguirs Plastic Polish. But, after a few hours they are hazy again due to the super fine scratches from the sanding.

Your lights look really good, how long has it been since you applied this? Do they still look like this half a year later?

I bought the car on Halloween I did the restoration a few days after. So far they look amazing. The manufacture says they provide a lifetime warranty. The process was pretty easy. Wetsand with 1000 Grit, than move to 2000 Grit, dry, apply polish, than apply hardner.

The hardner is no joke, probably they offer a lifetime warranty.



http://www.myheadlight.com/

[NutBucket]

I'm lazy so a Mother's Powerball Mini + PlastX did an admirable job considering the minimal effort.