DIY: 15 minute Headlight Restore

[andrewboi]

Took 15 minutes to restore my headlights - here is what I used

1.) 1500 grit wet sandpaper
2.) 2000 grit wet sandpaper
3.) Porter Cable 7472xp
4.) Lack Country Orange Pad
5.) Meguiar's PlastX

Steps
1.) Wet sand headlights with 1500 and follow with 2000
2.) Dry
3.) Apply Meguiar's PlastX by hand or with a PC
4.) Buff out
5.) Stand back and admire

Before:




During: Left side is being buffed out, right side is after wetsand


Results:

[enoel]

I use toothpaste and a piece of microfiber cloth for restore my headlights, it works great too!!!

[andrewboi]

Originally Posted by enoel

I use toothpaste and a piece of microfiber cloth for restore my headlights, it works great too!!!

True! I heard that works too

[leakyseals]

Nice DIY, thanks going to try it!

[XeroedEffects]

Thanks!

[EdW]

How long are you all finding the lenses stay clear for after the cleaning procedure? Mine seem to start getting foggy again after about a month, then need to be done again in about 3 mo time.

[andrewboi]

Originally Posted by EdW

How long are you all finding the lenses stay clear for after the cleaning procedure? Mine seem to start getting foggy again after about a month, then need to be done again in about 3 mo time.

I did this to my M3 a year ago, and it is still clear

Wetsanding is essentially polishing and removing the upper most layer of plastic, and taking off all the dirty contaminants. This method I would expect to last a while

[Balik]

I used Rubbing Compound with Microfiber pad , it worked great.
Total time for both lights was 20 mins.
Total cost around $10.

[gold94corolla]

Don't forget a really good sealer/clear coat to provide protection, especially from UV rays. Otherwise, it will go cloudy very quickly all over again.

[EdW]

I've been using a couple coats of a good quality carnauba wax as a sealer. Mayer that's part of why it's not lasting longer?