Subj : Re: Toothpaste On Dirty Headlights
To   : Ogg
From : 2twisty
Date : Fri May 27 2022 10:30:58

 Og> "Toothpaste On Dirty Headlights

Toothpaste is too mild an abrasive for most "foggy" headlights.

I use a kit from autoparts store and follow the instructions and sand them down and work up through the grits.  Make sure you spend plenty of time on each grit after you get the bulk yuck off them so that you sand out each previous grit's sratches and replace them with the ones from the new grit. 

It's easy to think you have done it "enough," so take probably DOUBLE the amount of time you think it should take, and clean and examine the headlight carefully after each grit to make sure you have done a good job.

I like the kits that use your drill -- you will wear your hands out quickly using manual methods which will likely result in you not sanding a given grit long enough.  Things to note about the drill-based kits:

    1) Keep the headlight damp: have a spray bottle with water handy
    2) Don't press hard.  Apply gentle pressure and let the drill do the work.
    3) Put the drill on its lowest gear (if you have that option)
    4) Don't run the drill at full speed. Take your time.

As a final step after using all the grits, I use some PlastX plastic polish as a final step with a buffing pad. Keep the light MOIST!

Then, I use a UV-resistant clearcoat paint on them. This is a critical step: it will fill in any fine scratches on the light, and also protect the light from UV for longer than a regular clearcoat or just applying wax to them.

I have had trouble in the past finding the UV protective clearcoat at local parts stores.  We found it on Amazon, it's Krylon K01305.

As always when applying paint, light coats. Don't get crazy.  It also may be easier to apply the paint with the headlight assembly removed, but if that is too much of a PITA for your car, just mask it off carefully.

I've done LOTS of headlights using this method and it works well.  You will never get the same amount of time out of the redo as when they were brand new, but you can come back and do it again in a couple years if needed.

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 * Origin: The Ratrace Losers (21:3/166)

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