I attempted to shine up my headlight covers as per the directions here

http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/tips_pages/How%20to%20polishi%20plastic%20headlight%20lenses

Well the plastic now still has a haze. Should I wet sand with 2500? Do I need to start over? Any help ?

Having a polisher will make this easier. IF you do not have a polisher we have a 4 inch foam pad kit (http://www.autogeek.net/spot-buff-kit.html) that has a electric drill attachment you can use to help buff the headlights.
I would use a stronger polish like a swirl remover (http://www.autogeek.net/pin210.html) or 3m finesse-it II (http://www.autogeek.net/3mfiniimacpo.html) prior to using the #10 Meguiar's. You can start with the #17 by hand to prep the surface. Follow with the orange pad and the swirl remover this will remove most of the haze left behind by the wet sanding. Polish the headlights using the white pad and the #10. You can include the #10 and #17 in your regular cleanings to keep up the clarity of the lenses.

Did you use the cleaner and polish as suggested in the post?

I did everything as per the instructions, except I used 1200 grit instead of 1000. The lens does feel smoother only hazy and it wasn't that bad to begin with.

600 seems a bit aggressive, but I guess it just depends on how bad they are to begin with. I used 1000 chased by 2000, they look really bad right after wet sanding, it's the application of the polish that seemed to bring out the clarity when I was working on my headlights. Also, I used Novus II in conjunction with the Meguiar's products listed above.

The Paint cleaner I used was Meguiars Clear Coat Scrub. Could this be the problem?

The Paint cleaner I used was Meguiars Clear Coat Scrub. Could this be the problem?


I don't know that product, but I would think that the #17 and #10 would take care of it.

Are you polishing with a PC or by hand?

600 seems a bit aggressive, but I guess it just depends on how bad they are to begin with. I used 1000 chased by 2000, they look really bad right after wet sanding, it's the application of the polish that seemed to bring out the clarity when I was working on my headlights. Also, I used Novus II in conjunction with the Meguiar's products listed above.

damn what percentage is your tint? your car is clean bro.

I don't know that product, but I would think that the #17 and #10 would take care of it.

Are you polishing with a PC or by hand?

By hand. I thought about get one of those 4" attachment that go on the drill but not sure that would work. I'm just not wanting to buy a PC when I dought I will use it much.

I bought some really good polish for my headlights its made by the wax shop.Its in a yellow bottle and is called safe cut.It cleaned them up good.

Polishing the lenses is the best way to get rid of the haze or marrying left behind by the wet sanding. Also an extra step you can take is applying a coat or two of clear to the lenses. This will keep the lenses like new for a longer time.Wurth High Gloss Clear Lacquer. (http://www.autogeek.net/w893351930.html)

By hand. I thought about get one of those 4" attachment that go on the drill but not sure that would work. I'm just not wanting to buy a PC when I dought I will use it much.

I wet sanded my left headlight to remove a defect. I could not remove the sanding marks with Mother's Plastic Polish. I tried a rubbing compound, which helped some. Then I tried Meguiar's #17 and #10. This helped quite a bit. I used some #10 on a PC which helped more. There's still a bit of hazing, so I'm going to try a more abrasive product with the PC, then back to the #17 and #10.

So I guess what I'm saying is that I think you're going to need a polisher of some kind. The 4" pad that you use with a drill would probably be a good choice.

So.. skip the 2000+ sanding?

I do have rubbing compound I may try it.

IMHO, it's really hard to remove the sanding marks by hand. A finer sanding paper, like 2500, should level out the 2000 grti sanding marks. But IIRC, rubbing compound is probably able to remove those fine marks, too.

If I were you, I'd try the rubbing coumpound. I can't see how it would hurt.

I think Meguiars #10 fills some of these marks, but I'm not sure it's just the fillers that make the headlight look better.

damn what percentage is your tint? your car is clean bro.

Thanks, it's 20% all around.