Polishing headlamps

[JohnD]

I have oxidation or tarnishing on the "glass" of my headlamps.

Polishing it off is slow and tedious. I bought a buffing wheel made of cotton disks stitched together, used in an electric drill with an arbour, it polishes by holding the edge against the plastic. It tends to throw the Polish off. Is there a better way?

 

[foxhole]

I have oxidation or tarnishing on the "glass" of my headlamps.

Polishing it off is slow and tedious. I bought a buffing wheel made of cotton disks stitched together, used in an electric drill with an arbour, it polishes by holding the edge against the plastic. It tends to throw the Polish off. Is there a better way?

What polish ? Let it dry before buffing .Plastic bath polish works well.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cramer-30200-S208-Acrylic-Cleaner/dp/B003BNIAMS/ref=asc_df_B003BNIAMS?mcid=3a916c5ba1663474bc81b5a32f21f049&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697226876379&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1136678069152591420&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046674&hvtargid=pla-422461574818&psc=1&gad_source=1

 

[Mottie]

I clean them by using a drop of T Cut on a damp cloth. A couple of minutes and they are done.

 

[JohnD]

It's Meguiars brand, marketed for headlamp polishing.

 

[Mottie]

Even toothpaste will do it at a push.

 

[norseman]

WD40 makes them look good .. until it rains !
You read of people using toothpaste, which is about as effective as the WD.

A semi-retired bodywork guy does mine & the effect lasts for around 2 years but I don't know what product he uses, only that a buffing wheel is part of the process.

 

[Avocet]

It's Meguiars brand, marketed for headlamp polishing.

I've used those kits before. You might be using a bit too much compound if it's going "everywhere", but some splattering of the surroundings is inevitable, I'm afraid. The buffing mop that came with my kit is more of a sort of "toweling" affair though, like the polishing bonnets you get for some car polishers.

 

[mattylad]

I used the mguires kit on my wifes old Micra years back, worked a treat however it does take time.
Lots of rubbing with water and different grit pads then the buffer pad in the drill and some T-Cut type stuff.

Looked like new when I'd finished, so just keep at it.

Tape a towel/rag around the lamp to catch any splatter.