Today, I wet sanded my headlights for the first time. The oxidation wasn't bad, but it was noticeable.

I used 1000 grit to remove the oxidation, and sanded until the surface was nice and smooth. I then came behind with 2000 grit and smoothed everything out. My headlights didn't have major scratches or anything, just slight oxidation. After sanding and drying the headlights, I finished with PlastX. I applied it with force and worked it into the surface.

You can still see the "scratches" from where the sandpaper scuffed the surface. Can I eliminate these, or are they an effect of wetsanding? You can't see the "scratches" I'm talking about through pictures. Basically it looks like my headlights have swirls and I can't get rid of them.

So, should I go back with 3000 grit and try to eliminate the "swirls" and give it the smooth, brand-new look? Or is this normal?

I got done around 7, so it was getting dark on me. Maybe if I see the headlights in the daytime it will be better and not bother me as much...

Any help is appreciated!

 

yea go higher, 3000 is overkill, try 2000 and then use plasticX again.

are u applying it by hand?

 

you have to buff out the wet sand marks with a small polishing pad (i think 3M makes a kit) and the plastX. you can put it on a cordless drill.
arm strength isn't going to be enough to buff out the swirls

 

2000 grit should be plenty, if not go to 2500. Would be best to apply the Plast-X with a pad on a drill.

 

3000 is not overkill, if anything, it'll make it a lot easier to buff to a swirl free finish.

 

just take your sweeeet time with the 2000, and make sure it's wet like... ok im not saying it, but you get the idea.

 

 

Okay, I'll go over one more time with the 2000. Take my time and sand it good to get it real smooth.

I have a cheap buffer and I'll see if it can work some of the scratches out.

Thanks guys! I'll report back and I'm trying to get some pictures up.

 

i just did mine with 320 wet for starting, they were really bad.
1500 wet then 2000 wet. used some plastic polish to see if their are any scratches left and just two or 3 really deep ones. other than that its all good. just have to buff them, and seal them

 

I went back over with 2000 again, and it still looks scratchy. I need to get a good quality buffer. The headlights look good, but when you get close to them you can see many small scratches.

Here are some pictures of the finished product...











And a little eye candy for AZine. The latest thing done to the TL, and one of my favorites.

 

BlackBerry Pearl camera FTW. lmao

 

sand more or go to 2500 grit. my g1 pics are better. both both work good

 

My next step will be 2500. Or possibly 3000. I really need a good buffer, because my car is developing swirls. But I still have the red overspray on it, so I can't buff anything. I want to burn my highschool down.