Composite headlight clean up

[kpinnc 12,291]

Takes a few minutes, but I found a way to bring headlights back when they get all crazed up. These are 11 year old OEM, and this truck stays out in the sun 24/7. 
 

And whatever you do, do not use the rattle can clear coat products. That stuff looks nice for about a year, and there are no second chances. The clear coat breaks down worse than the plastic itself. 
 

So Turtle wax scratch remover and my Harbor Freight handheld buffer. Takes about 15-20 mins per headlight. Makes a mess, but worth it. Just keep running the buffer until the paste dries up and clears off. 
 

Before and after:

 

Edited November 25 by kpinnc

[Moparfanforever 856]

Holy Smokes, what a difference!!

[ebinmaine 67,945]

2 minutes ago, Moparfanforever said:

Holy Smokes, what a difference!!

 

 

What they said !!!

[SylvanLakeWH 25,731]

 

 

 

[MainelyWheelhorse 522]

@kpinnc Wow, does it work on regular plastic, as I’ve got a ATV that could use that.

[adsm08 2,158]

25 minutes ago, MainelyWheelhorse said:

@kpinnc Wow, does it work on regular plastic, as I’ve got a ATV that could use that.

 

It should. The big thing with this is that if the plastic is burnt on the inside instead of the outside it doesn't work at all.

[Bar Nuthin 333]

1 hour ago, kpinnc said:

So Turtle wax scratch remover and my Harbor Freight handheld buffer. Takes about 15-20 mins per headlight. Makes a mess, but worth it. Just keep running the buffer until the paste dries up and clears off. 

 

 

Same process I use on old turntable dust covers.

[Handy Don 12,343]

3m makes a kit specifically for headlight lens “de-clouding”. A series of finer and finer buffing materials plus paste.

Similar mess and similar results in about the same time. I DO recommend some 2” wide painting tape and sturdy paper to mask off everything nearby 

AND be sure to use eye protection!

[adsm08 2,158]

15 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

3m makes a kit specifically for headlight lens “de-clouding”. A series of finer and finer buffing materials plus paste.

Similar mess and similar results in about the same time. I DO recommend some 2” wide painting tape and sturdy paper to mask off everything nearby 

AND be sure to use eye protection!

 

I have that kit. A power buffer and some Meguiar's rubbing compound is at least as effective and about 1/8 the hassle.

[kpinnc 12,291]

1 hour ago, adsm08 said:

I have that kit. A power buffer and some Meguiar's rubbing compound is at least as effective and about 1/8 the hassle.

Agreed. Plus no need to mask the surrounding areas. 

[kpinnc 12,291]

4 hours ago, Moparfanforever said:

Holy Smokes, what a difference!!

 
I expected it to clean them up a little, but was pleasantly surprised myself. I forgot to mention that the microfiber “sock” that fits over the pad makes a big difference, plus they are machine washable. 
 

Long story short, this is the same thing I used on a scratched up tractor hood. It works very well!  
 

 

Edited November 26 by kpinnc

[peter lena 8,684]

@kpinnc  agree on that , another thing I have done is to get after my  plastic headlights , early , before  they fog up , that alone has kept all the lighting in my related cars , clean / clear .  those outer lenses also tell you they are clean /  !  notice the squeaky  rub down finish ?  check  for the rating / price on what's a t walmart , always a good price , done my tail lights too , remember , don't let them  start to fog up first , doing the application on a clean / clear  lens . WILL RETAIN THAT FINISH , thats what you want , pete