SmartWerks
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I have a pair of headlights with plastic lenses in need a lil buff. Am I right in thinking a soft loose mop and some blue polishing compound is the right way to go?
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brightspark
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if its a silvered lenz anything abrasive will ruin it but if its allready gone it wont improve no matter what u do
CRB
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It depends what the plastic is. Some early ones are polycarbonate, very soft material and therefore does not like gritty abrasives. More current ones are clear acetal, I would not even hazard a guess at how to polish that stuff. It is really good at holding its' shape after machining/moulding but I have not tried polishing it.
No much use then. You could get an identical one from the scrappers and try it, I for one would like to know how you get on.
No much use then. You could get an identical one from the scrappers and try it, I for one would like to know how you get on.
SmartWerks
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Just the clear plastic. It's not far gone otherwise I would be sanding them back. I have it in my mind that the blue buffing compound us suitable for the job. I have some of that otherwise I will need to buy something like the 3M stuff.
SmartWerks
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All posted at the same time!
These are ones I've provisionally sold, in fairly good nick so thinking a quick buff.
not that bad, I've heard the toothpaste trick.
don't want to put too much time into them if I have something suitable to hand, just increase saleability.
These are ones I've provisionally sold, in fairly good nick so thinking a quick buff.
not that bad, I've heard the toothpaste trick.
don't want to put too much time into them if I have something suitable to hand, just increase saleability.
DanielW
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Brasso,I remember some one polishing one of their spectacle lenses that had scuff mark on it,turned out well.
Don't use any sort of machine or tools to polish,too fierce it will burn into it,rubbing hard with the hand in a circular motion will eventually polish it out.
Don't use any sort of machine or tools to polish,too fierce it will burn into it,rubbing hard with the hand in a circular motion will eventually polish it out.
SmartWerks
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Do you think I'll be sound on a bench polisher? Using a loosely sewn soft mop, the blue compound has no abrasives and I'm sure I've heard it used on plastic?
brightspark
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thought u meant the silver at 1st 
just start of with brasso then t cut
just start of with brasso then t cutI think most of the lenses are still polycarbonate TBH. It's not exactly soft but it certainly doesn't have the surface hardness of acrylic. The reason is it's basically bullet proof which when being hit by stones at 100mph don't crack them.
Yellowing is the biggest long term problem but I dare say this is constantly being improved with additives. Bearing in mind there will be literally 100's of grades of polycarbonate available.
What you often find when you try to mechanically polish it, it almost comes off in layers - not good. I have repaired a bad scuff on one of my polycarb headlights probably 10 years ago and it still looks good.
Actually cleaned them up nicely back to clear last year too, can't remember what I used. Sorry folks
The last headlight cluster I did a tool design for was about 3 years ago. No doubt in my files somewhere the moulding materials (rear/lens) will be stated but then again will they have used that spec in final production anyway? Things change quite a lot in post production on cars.
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I did some off a 98 Passat using this stuff and a mop:
Worked brilliantly and a nice clear lens. Plastic was originally very yellow and cloudy.
Stuff smells and feels like hob brite that you use for stove tops. I dare say that would work as well.
Worked brilliantly and a nice clear lens. Plastic was originally very yellow and cloudy.
Stuff smells and feels like hob brite that you use for stove tops. I dare say that would work as well.
langy
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You can get a mop that is for plastics only, I use one to restore lenses
SmartWerks
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I'll post a pic of what unused mops I've got that I think may be suitable. Is the blue compound suitable?
SmartWerks
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Had a look through me polishing wheels, thought I had a real soft loose mop but no. Has been a long time since doing any polishing. What would be the ideal wheel?
Hazing seems to be a common problem on Astra headlights.
I've used Farecla G10 on clear plastic with a dremel and polishing mop and got good results but be careful not to get it too hot and melt the plastic! Use plenty of water from a spray bottle and take your time.
I've used Farecla G10 on clear plastic with a dremel and polishing mop and got good results but be careful not to get it too hot and melt the plastic! Use plenty of water from a spray bottle and take your time.
langy
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I use a G quality mop and Beige compound, have a look here as they are top people to deal with http://www.thepolishingshop.co.uk/index.html
SmartWerks
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Thanks Langy, good prices too. Pretty sure I have some beige compound but will check before ordering. Do have some suitable wheels but only really small for the die grinder.
