SZMB

The problem with plastic lens is that they get "cloudy" or oxidized over time. I have tried all kinds of off-the-counter hand or machine polish for head light lens renewal, but none of these products really worked. I've found a very effective way in dealing with this problem.
Tools & materials needed: Wet sand paper, water, any type of off the counter lens restorer/polish, any paint polish and orbital polisher/buffer.

Here's the procedure (it only took me about an hour to polish both head lights):
1. The lens shown below is fairly cloudy/oxidized. Use masking tape on painted surfaces to protect the paint.


2. Get some wet sand papers from any auto store. I used 400, 800, 1500, and 2000 grit.

3. Start with wet sand paper grit 400. Hand sanding is sufficient; about 3-5 mins of sanding should be good enough. Use plenty of water while sanding.

4. That's how the lens looked after 400 grit sanding.

5. And after 800 grit.

SZMB

6. After 1500 grit sanding.

7. After 2000 grit sanding.

8. The lens needs to be polished w/ any lens restorer/scratch remover, and followed by paint polish. The orbital polisher shown below is from Griot's Garage, $130. But you can pick up a cheap electrical buffer/polisher from Kragen or Autozone for under $30.

9. Start polishing w/ the lens restorer. 4-5 mins should do. Then followed by using the paint polish. Another 4-5 mins would do.

10. And the lens is like new again.

Klinh

Damn.......you pulled out all the tools. I just used my hands, polish pads, polish compound and wax with same result !!

starbrite

Good write up szmb !

lboudreau

That is an awesome result! I'm going to give that a try as well. My headlights arn't in really bad shape, but this would make them look brand new again.

dumpsta

Looks good!

I wouldn't do it if they aren't in bad shape. Because once you start doing this you will have to redo it once in a while. If you don't mind then go ahead

SZMB

Not really, and depends on how well you take care of the lens from then on. I did the same on my Bimmer 4 years, and the lens are still in great shape. I spray on some instant wax every 2 weeks to keep the lens protected.

SZMB

The lens were in bad shape (very cloudy and the surface was very rough). Polishing by hand didn't work -- I tried that already.

lboudreau

I guess I could go crazy and get them AR coated after. I believe that is what comes on them from the factory since mine have a purple tint to them in certain light.

gaazmon

very nice. you see so many on the road like this now

cyclrder

much better than my results! I bought the Mcguires cleaner/ polish in one bottle... a total waste of time.

I had cheaped out .. should have tried the separate cleaner and polish products

Sathinas

Good write-up. Personally, I took the easy way out and got two brand new ones... Under warranty. Had I had to shell out almost 5 grand for two new ones, I'd have already restored them myself. Close to what you did, but a little different.

Heatwave

Excellent results.

I get the same results using Novus No. 2 plastic cleaner/polish ... it's the coin of the realm for keeping motorcycle plastic windshields (Lexan and acrylic, mostly), goggles, and face shields flawlessly clear.

Most motorcycle stores carry Novus products, and I've seen it at WalMart. Use Novus with a towel and hand application/polish, or twirl it on with a polishing device on an electric drill. Either way, Novus polishes out all the hazing and scratches and leaves the lens covers crystal clear. Really a piece of cake.

BagMan

My lenses still look good. Is there anything I can do to prevent the yellowing?

tbone

Good info. How long did it take for you to restore?

dynomite05

Nice Restore!

SZMB

I would use hand polish once every 2 months, and spray on some instant wax once every two weeks or after each car wash. This should minimize the oxidation process. Once the protective film on these lens has oxidized badly, the only way (as far as I know) is to remove part or all of the protective film. Just like the paint on the car. Once the paint has oxidized, you need to remove part or all of the clear coat and buff the paint.

lboudreau

Further to my earlier comment. There must be a way to reapply a protective coating to the lens to prevent it from dulling up early. I suggested an AR coat, but that usually doesn't really protect anything. What about a coat of clear on the lens? anyone know if thats possible? Sand the whole thing as normal then spray the clear on and buff it once its dry. Just an idea.

BagMan

How about clear Lamin-X film right after the restoration?

lboudreau

Yeah I was thinking about that too. Good idea. But is it harder than a clear coat? I just wouldn't want to put that film on and have it haze up not that long after.

lowpost

I used the 3m kit and it works just as good. although lately I've been sanding it down pretty much using the same process you did - someone wrote that up like 2 or 3 years ago.