Cleaning lenses and other plastics.

[Slacker]

I just got my fog lights, they're from a 98 Bonny so they've been pretty sand blasted. So my question is how do you get sandblasted, scratched, and oxidized plastics back clear?

[Waynestowels]

Quote: Originally Posted by Slacker

I just got my fog lights, they're from a 98 Bonny so they've been pretty sand blasted. So my question is how do you get sandblasted, scratched, and oxidized plastics back clear?

By using the best plastic polish-
Novus 1, 2 and 3
You can find them online or possibly local.

[Dallas@2020Kustoms]

Slacker,

I recommend using Poorboy's Professional Polish. It's great stuff, you need very little and get great results. It's very easy to work with by hand but honestly if you have a polisher like the Porter Cable 7336 then you will be light years ahead in terms of speed and results. I've attached a picture of some work I did last weekend of the mentioned products.

The lights really weren't in bad shape but the polish certainly took out the yellowish haze. I also used the polish on the bug deflector as it was really worn out looking and it polished up to the point where it almost wasn't embarassing to have it on the truck. hahaha... I tried my best to get the guy to dump it!



As always you get a 5% discount using the "S10forum" discount code AND you don't even need to pay shipping since you live right in town!

Here's a link to the polish (more info including alternative uses like on chrome, paint etc.)
http://www.2020kustoms.com/?product&ID=44

and polisher starter kit
http://www.2020kustoms.com/?product&ID=55

[Waynestowels]

I have used both polishes.
Novus is made for plastics and there is a world of difference...

[Slacker]

These lights have some real deep marks though, seems that only sanding would get them out.

[Dallas@2020Kustoms]

Quote: Originally Posted by Waynestowels

I have used both polishes.
Novus is made for plastics and there is a world of difference...

I've tried other "plastic" polishes like Meguiars Plastix etc. and I keep coming back to the Poorboys Pro Polish because it does the exact same job but is far more universal since it can be used on chrome, paint etc.

Slacker if they are really pitted I would actually use a more abrasive polish first like the Poorboys SSR 1 or 2, then work back to the Poorboys Professional Polish to completely smooth them out.

[Waynestowels]

Quote: Originally Posted by Slacker

These lights have some real deep marks though, seems that only sanding would get them out.

I didn't know they were that bad...


These are the steps I recommend:

1. Mask off the paint and trim area around the lens, use two layers of tape for protection

2. If the lens has very light scratches go to polishing section below, if pitted and whitish in color, you’ll need to color sand

3. Color sanding
a. Use lots of water
b. Start with 600 grit and workout as many of the deep pits and scratches as you wish
c. Use light pressure, smooth the surface out as much as possible. This may take a little while, but is crucial in getting a smooth/clear surface
d. The lens will become completely white from the sanding and that’s fine
e. Work your way through sanding grits; 600, 1000, 2500 or 3000 (3M makes Imperial brand wet sand paper and is available at Pep Boys, Wal*Mart and better auto parts stores)
f. Don’t worry about how white the lens becomes, polishing will correct

4. Polishing
a. Just like you would your paint – polish the lens
b. It’s a lot of work by hand but doable – if you have a Porter Cable (PC) type orbital polisher I strongly suggest you use it.
c. Use only as aggressive polish as needed
d.Novus 2 or 3 depending on damage to repair.
e. Progress through the paint polishes as needed; more aggressive to less
f. The lens will become clear again, if it was color sanded
g. Next, refine the clarity with a plastic polish like Novus #2
h. Follow with Novus #1

Let us know how it works out

These steps take time, but IMO and experience the results are excellent.

[Meed]

I used to drive a mazda mx6, and the 2nd gens always expirenced yellowing headlights.. heres a pretty good how-to from mx6.com that I used, work really good.

http://www.mx6.com/forums/showthread...threadid=20850

Brian

[Waynestowels]

Quote: Originally Posted by Meed

I used to drive a mazda mx6, and the 2nd gens always expirenced yellowing headlights.. heres a pretty good how-to from mx6.com that I used, work really good.

http://www.mx6.com/forums/showthread...threadid=20850

Brian

Cool!!
Totally different approach
I have not tried that one or even heard of it..., but will try it out when I have time..., very interesting...

[Meed]

Quote: Originally Posted by Waynestowels

Cool!!
Totally different approach
I have not tried that one or even heard of it..., but will try it out when I have time..., very interesting...

Yah, worked really good.. I skipped the oxy clean step though.
The more time you spend sanding the better they turn out. The nice thing about clear coating is it lasts a lot longer then the polish.

[Waynestowels]

Hey guys...,
Here is a new one from CMA-
I have not tried it yet..., just heard about it tonight.
http://www.properautocare.com/plaslenclean.html

[defpiper]

start sanding with 400 grit, then 800, then 2000. then clean and polish with 3M's clear plastic cleaner and polish. this is what i use and it works great for me.