HELP!!! Hard to clean headlights

[jsbihn]

Hey all
I am currently trying to clean my headlights and I have tried many methods so far. I am trying to clean the cloudy haze that is still left on my head lights
I have used:

Turtle Wax Headlight Restoring Kit
Turtle Wax Polish/Compound
3M 320 Grit Sand Paper
3M 800 Grit Sand Paper (Wet/Dry)

I have done everything to buff the haze off the lights but I can not get it to come clean. I have done everything carefully by hand.
The yellow came off, there is still a haze there (in comparison to the edges of the light, which havent been effect and are still nice and clear)
I would appreciate any advice.

[Audibot]

I'm in the process of doing this for my C5 headlights and got the Sylvania kit. Came out very clear except there's still one bit of imperfection that looks like it's deep within the plastic that I cannot get to.

[Mr.Avant]

I refinished two sets of xenon's now. Went through an entire WET sanding process before moving on to Polish. Looked something like
600 grit
800 grit
1000
1500
2000
Polish
3m for protection

Your first cuts with aggressive sand paper are to remove the major flaws/chips/hazing etc. As you move up in grit, you are smoothing the surface, removing all scratches from the previous, lower grit.

Lots of elbow grease, the results were rewarding.

[Audibot]

I refinished two sets of xenon's now. Went through an entire WET sanding process before moving on to Polish. Looked something like
600 grit
800 grit
1000
1500
2000
Polish
3m for protection

Your first cuts with aggressive sand paper are to remove the major flaws/chips/hazing etc. As you move up in grit, you are smoothing the surface, removing all scratches from the previous, lower grit.

Lots of elbow grease, the results were rewarding.

What he said. My kit included 400, 1000, and 2000 grit, plus an included polish. I added a 3000 grit, and some polish of my own on top of it. After doing all that, I used the clear coat (with UV protection) included in the kit. That's where it is right now. I am 100% happy with one of the lenses, but will probably go through another round of polishing on the 2nd lens.

[Willënskraft]

@Mr.Avant what polish did you use?

[john_gonzo]

Useful guide here: DIY-Headlight-restoration-walk-through

[Mr.Avant]

@Mr.Avant what polish did you use?

It was not plastic specific. Any compound for mild oxidation and swirling with a rotary polisher would do the trick. 🖒

[MacFady]

Are you sure the remaining haze is on the outside? When I've refinished lenses before I found it useful to sand in one direction and alternate direction when changing grit, if your not using an orbital.

[Ian1006]

I have used turtle wax headlight kit 2-3 times and was always disappointed, used 3m drill kit twice since then and was happy

[Willënskraft]

Thank you.

[oaybar007]

The 3M kit is really good. It helps to have a corded drill because it does take a lot of progressive sanding and then a hell of a lot of polishing. I usually lose patience and end up with a half decent result, but that's my fault!