My version of headlight refinishing...

[Mike93]

Inspired by NoSlo's stickied post on refinishing headlilghts, I got to work. My version was a bit different and not as intense as his. Total time from beginning to end for both sides was 1 hour. I didn't remove them from the car nor did I remove the lens from the housing, but I think the results are still pretty good.

My process:
First step- wetsand with 320, 600, and 1000 grit.
Second- buff with compound and a wool pad with a high speed buffer.
Third- buff with polish and a foam pad.
Last- throw somw was on and wip off by hand.

before:

after:

 

[N3FOL]

Did you seal your headlights with clear acrylic as recommended by some SHO members? Where did you purchase your 'wet sand' materials (kit perhaps)?

 

[Mike93]

The wet sanding consisted of sandpaper that can be bought at any auto store, Walmart, hardware store, etc. Take the paper and dip it in some water and sand away.

A sealer isn't necessary with the the technique I used. The process of sanding the oxidation out and buffing the lens back to a shiny state is enough. Keep them waxed up and they'll stay as is for many miles to come. I've done this to past cars I've owned with these results.

I spent probably 2 minutes for each step of sandpaper...320, 600, and 1000. Buffing took maybe 10-15 minutes...I'm experienced with the buffer, I'm sure this helps out. 1 minute to wax. 5 minutes to look at them and smile.

Try not to overcomplicate the methods I used. They are very basic. Only thing that makes it difficult is the high speed buffer as not many people own these.

 

[stevemainian]

Is that goo crap on the inside or outside of the headlight?

 

[Mike93]

Is that goo crap on the inside or outside of the headlight?

Are you talking about the before or the after pic???

 

[ES_8CH_OH]

They look awesome! Nice job. Can you see any fine scratches with the headlights on at night? What size head pad do you have on your buffer and how did you ensure you did not hit bumper?

 

[Mike93]

They look awesome! Nice job. Can you see any fine scratches with the headlights on at night? What size head pad do you have on your buffer and how did you ensure you did not hit bumper?

Thanks for the compliments! Can't see any scrathes at all. I use a 9" pad on the buffer and had the rpms set at 2500. Not trying to be cocky but I've been buffing long enough to where I don't have to worry about damaging the paint. When I get close to an edge or a vulnerable spot, I just take the finger off the trigger and do short little bursts of pulling the trigger...keeps the buffer spinning but not as fast, this prevents burning.