Wet Sanding Headlights [Archive]

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DJ Hookid

11-18-2008, 03:07 PM

Hey whats up fellas. I DIY'ed a couple sets of headlights and they both came out pretty sexy.

What you need:
800-2000 Grit sandpaper (depending on how bad the lights are)
Plastic Restorer
Microfiber towels
Buffer or Dremel with soft cloth head

Depending on how bad your lights are, your gonna start to wetsand with either 800-1500 Grit sandpaper.

800 if you have yellow haze and your headlights are nasty
1500 if you just wanna get all the grime and chips out your light.

I started off by wetting the lights with a hose. Keep the hose on the headlight constantly cuz your gonna want to keep a constant flow of water on the light.
When Wetsanding the light, do either vertically or horizontally and do a small portion at a time.

The process can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes depending on how bad they are. If your starting at 1500 grit, work the entire light and then go to 2000 grit to make sure its very fine and pure. If your starting out at the 800 grit, your gonna wanna press firmly against the light to get the grime off and work up to the 2000 grit level.

After the process has been done your lights should look a little hazy

After that make sure you dry the heck out of the lights. Make sure there is no water left on the lights. Next grab your bottle of Plastic restorer. I prefer Meguiar's Plastix
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r124/felipecruzjr/MeguiarsPlastix.jpg

Put some of the restorer on a microfiber towel and rub the compound in a circular motion. Let it dry for a moment and once it looks pretty dry hit it with a buffer or with another microfiber towel as if you were waxing your car. I usually do it a couple times before calling it quits.

Read the instructions on the bottle. you dont want to get the light wet until the Plastix has dry'ed very well. I would try to keep em dry for at least an hour or two. After that you can clearcoat em if you like but its not necessary.

Ali

11-18-2008, 06:44 PM

i want to do this with my car .. but is microfiber the pads that you can also you to wax the car?? the circle ones?

EPthree04

11-18-2008, 07:05 PM

microfiber are the towels that sticks to your hands and all that shit.

Ali

11-18-2008, 07:08 PM

wear can i buy those ... my lights are kinda foggy . could use some sanding

DJ Hookid

11-18-2008, 08:17 PM

Walmart, Autozone, Pep boys, Checkers

rOkaZ

11-19-2008, 09:15 AM

microfiber are the towels that sticks to your hands and all that shit.

Put some lotion on before touching one of those freakin towels and it won't stick to your hands.. Lol

MrRline2010

11-19-2008, 01:47 PM

I wouldn't recommend doing anything other than 1500-3000 for these. I used the method you spoke of just this week. 800 can cause scratching and the compound is only supposed to clear whats around 1500 or more.

GunnRulF

11-19-2008, 04:29 PM

not to thread jack or anything but heres a good one from s2ki

pretty similar just with pics and stuff

http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=463970&st=0&#entry9807475

SiR Mikey

11-19-2008, 06:28 PM

DJ Hookid

11-19-2008, 09:03 PM

I've used 2k on some knarley headlights, so to anybody trying this I'd recommend hitting it with 2k first and if you need a lower grit paper, then go from there. Otherwise good writeup, I've been delaying doing this to mine for a while now.

Most people just need a high speed buffer and Plastix but if you wanna get into the nitty gritty then I would do the following.

lexus_is300

11-20-2008, 06:08 PM

FALKEN

11-20-2008, 09:06 PM

ive done this before...turned out good

i got the sandpaper at PepBoys (1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 grit)

lexus_is300

11-20-2008, 10:09 PM

Cool im going to try this tomorrow and will post B&A pics

that one guy

11-20-2008, 10:26 PM

Where do you get that kind of Grit at? cause i was looking on the home depot website can it says 150 Grit LINK-

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100212531&N=10000003+90006+530122

dont think about using 150 grit haha. home depot usually sells up to 1000 if you are lucky, but more likey 800 grit. you can get 1500, 2000, etc at autozone and the like. they usually come in packs of 4 small 1/4 size sheets.

Nedaaaah

11-21-2008, 07:18 PM

dont think about using 150 grit haha. home depot usually sells up to 1000 if you are lucky, but more likey 800 grit. you can get 1500, 2000, etc at autozone and the like. they usually come in packs of 4 small 1/4 size sheets.

yeah that kind of grit is usually reserved for auto related sanding. good write up hoodkid

lexus_is300

11-21-2008, 07:32 PM

I dont know if i did it wrong but my headlights came out really foggy and it actually made it look worse i only did it on one side... i used 2000 Grit and the Plastx

Nedaaaah

11-22-2008, 01:29 PM

I dont know if i did it wrong but my headlights came out really foggy and it actually made it look worse i only did it on one side... i used 2000 Grit and the Plastx

i think youre suppose to go in increments...like 800 then 1000 then 1500 then 2000 since its so fine...does this work with tail lights too?

DJ Hookid

11-22-2008, 02:37 PM

I dont know if i did it wrong but my headlights came out really foggy and it actually made it look worse i only did it on one side... i used 2000 Grit and the Plastx

You probably did not have enough water running over them while you were sanding em down or you pressed down too much when you sanded em. Did you use a high speed buffer or did you buff by hand? High speed buffer is necessary if you pressed down to hard when you sanded it. Show us some pics.

DJ Hookid

11-22-2008, 02:38 PM

i think youre suppose to go in increments...like 800 then 1000 then 1500 then 2000 since its so fine...does this work with tail lights too?

I'm not sure if it works with taillights but I know if you just use the Plastix and a high speed buffer it makes em shine.

NSXR

11-23-2008, 06:37 PM

I'm not sure if it works with taillights but I know if you just use the Plastix and a high speed buffer it makes em shine.

I did a bunch of tailights and they work just fine.

lexus_is300

11-23-2008, 06:51 PM

I didnt use a buffer it just got really foggy and cloudy but it did get all the yellow shit off, im going to a friends to try it over he has a buffer

The Guido

11-24-2008, 12:38 PM

I have done this myself also....you can also use soapy water when sanding and depending on the restorer(ex. Mquirers*)...your not suppose to let it dry. Nice write up.

DJ Hookid

11-24-2008, 04:34 PM

I didnt use a buffer it just got really foggy and cloudy but it did get all the yellow shit off, im going to a friends to try it over he has a buffer

Yeah you need to hit it up with a buffer. Once you do that it'll be like day and night.

I have done this myself also....you can also use soapy water when sanding and depending on the restorer(ex. Mquirers*)...your not suppose to let it dry. Nice write up.

Thanks!

AZ Auto Werks

12-15-2008, 06:54 PM

We do this for $25.

http://azht.net/forum/showthread.php?t=83696

DJ Hookid

12-15-2008, 07:17 PM

Walmart does it too. Not sure how much they charge though

Chinky

12-22-2008, 09:51 AM

before:
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSC01351.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSC01360.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSC01359.jpg

after:
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSCN1750.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSCN1751.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/chinkyeyedemcee/DSCN1752.jpg

NSXR

12-22-2008, 01:32 PM

Chinky

12-22-2008, 06:15 PM

hator

DJ Hookid

12-23-2008, 02:08 AM

Looks good mang

Blue92teg

12-23-2008, 03:59 AM

those are some deeeeep scratches! came out really good

EG2QWIK

12-24-2008, 02:36 PM

I start with 1000 grit, then 12000, 15000, 2000, 25000 changing the sanding direction each time you switch grits. Then polish on a bench grinder with buffer wheel and the blue rouge block. Then wax them with meguirs polymer sealant. They always come out tits. If the damage is on the inside of the light, like water damage, your pretty much screwed.

DC2lsvtec

12-24-2008, 10:40 PM

good post, but still go F yourself! :grin:

ED6BOY

12-26-2008, 05:51 PM

did you clear coated them afterwards?

MrRline2010

12-27-2008, 05:28 AM

DJ Hookid

12-27-2008, 11:39 PM

You have to buff it some more. Did you hand buff or use an electric buffer?

MrRline2010

12-28-2008, 04:34 PM

You have to buff it some more. Did you hand buff or use an electric buffer?

hand buff.

cowtown

12-28-2008, 10:00 PM

Just did this today, I used 200o grit, paper towels, and plastiX. I am gonna go over it at work with the buffer, they were super yellow before, and almost perfect now. I could probably get them perfect with a microfiber cloth and mroe hand rubbing.

Ryan

xXRollinXx

12-29-2008, 05:30 PM

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/norm/ccp-pol-100_w_m.jpg

5 mins, 6 pads, roughly 10$, and a house hold drill......

headlamp restorer

DJ Hookid

12-29-2008, 07:43 PM

Stuff is pretty good too but my way is better. :thumbup:

hand buff.

Get an electric buffer. something that rev's at high rpms.

1 Dude

12-30-2008, 12:23 PM

Wat and were do i get the rubbingcompound? i sanded it but i need rubbing compound.

DJ Hookid

12-30-2008, 02:25 PM

Autozone or Checkers or Pep boys

ldog

01-27-2009, 02:29 PM

lol

*EG3*

08-12-2009, 05:12 PM

i wanna do this to my ride...

DarkAngel

08-12-2009, 08:06 PM

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/norm/ccp-pol-100_w_m.jpg

5 mins, 6 pads, roughly 10$, and a house hold drill......

headlamp restorer

Used this before works great. Just dont press too hard or you will burn the plastic lens. One can also use rubbing compound too. BUt I would finish it up with the PlastX though as it is made for lens.

Tip:

After you run those pads down and they wear out, double them up and tear some terry cloth and wrap it around the bottom and secure it to the upper part of the Wheels. Walla you have a mini buffer.

Being creative you can get some 3M Double Stick tape and tape on some sandpaper for more aggressive jobs. I did this a while back to my teg headlights. Got rid of the three lines in the center.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/th_MVC-435F.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/?action=view&current=MVC-435F.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/th_MVC-434F.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/?action=view&current=MVC-434F.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/th_MVC-433F.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/?action=view&current=MVC-433F.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/th_MVC-432F.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/?action=view&current=MVC-432F.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/th_MVC-431F.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/?action=view&current=MVC-431F.jpg)

This is what they used to look like stock.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/th_MVC-430F.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/?action=view&current=MVC-430F.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/th_MVC-429F.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/?action=view&current=MVC-429F.jpg)

tokico

09-07-2009, 08:47 PM

i tried this it came out a lot better than before

SlowLS

09-08-2009, 11:53 AM

got a question for this. I did this with 2000 grit sandpaper and it cleared it up after I finished with the plastex but about a day later it started to cloud back up. Does it need to be waxed or clear coated to keep it from clouding?

all i did on mine was sand with 800, 1000, 1200 and 1500 then i just shot a clear coat on top and they look brand new.

INTEGRA DC2

09-10-2009, 01:00 PM

all i did on mine was sand with 800, 1000, 1200 and 1500 then i just shot a clear coat on top and they look brand new.

i have seen a few people do this and i honestly dont like the way it turns out, you got any pictures of how yours turned out?

EM1 jooowizzzle

09-10-2009, 07:24 PM

[quote=DarkAngel;1607391].

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/th_MVC-435F.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/?action=view&current=MVC-435F.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/th_MVC-434F.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v496/20EVOLUTION01/RX330%20Retro%20Pics/?action=view&current=MVC-434F.jpg)

/quote]
kool retro fit, did u do it your self? was it easy? im lookin into duin this too for my ek headllights and cleaning up the lenses too

SlowLS

09-10-2009, 09:47 PM

i have seen a few people do this and i honestly dont like the way it turns out, you got any pictures of how yours turned out?

I'll post some tomorrow, my computer at home is way to slow to load pics, lol

SlowLS

09-11-2009, 03:14 PM

i have seen a few people do this and i honestly dont like the way it turns out, you got any pictures of how yours turned out?

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/OptimusHonda/7-13-09/7-11-09010.jpg