Topic: Removing scratches from clear lenses. (Read 1281 times)

Butcher · « **on:** November 26, 2011, 09:04:38 AM »

Alright guys, bought myself some broken angel eye headlights to rob the clear lenses off. The lenses are ok and iv removed them but there's some light scratches id like to get out before fitting them.

So any tips tricks and magic potions that will do this without damaging the lenses?

Ideas welcome.

ALZ1307 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 26, 2011, 12:26:58 PM »

Meguaires (sp) do a plastic polish I believe? Though to be honest some very fine wet n dry followed by a good 'buff' should do it if they are literally surface scratches.

lammy · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2011, 12:37:10 PM »

Don't start messing with them...you'll regret it...put up with the lights scratches......

Butcher · « **Reply #3 on:** November 26, 2011, 13:00:03 PM »

Quote from: lammy on November 26, 2011, 12:37:10 PM

Don't start messing with them...you'll regret it...put up with the lights scratches......

This sounds like the voice of experience? You done this before?

ALZ1307 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 26, 2011, 13:04:04 PM »

Well

When I had my bumper resprayed lets just say the silly chap didn't mask up too well

I made a bit of a mess getting some paint off the very corner of the lens, a slight go over with some wet n dry (used wet) buffed up with some Autoglym (I think) and it came up dandy.

It was only a tiny bit mind but if you think of it as a panel... If you had a light surface scratch you would do the same, flat it back then buff it back up.

I've heard of toothpaste being used too as it's slightly abrasive....

lammy · « **Reply #5 on:** November 26, 2011, 13:06:43 PM »

I'm not a fan of putting wet and dry to plastic?..I have seen liquid/cream compounds that you can buy to take scratched off mobile phone screens though...that would be my option...least abraisive and less likely to leave you with a dull patch on the lens..

Mr V · « **Reply #6 on:** November 26, 2011, 13:10:14 PM »

BMW owners use this kit to do their plastic headlight lens with good results -

http://shop.autobritedirect.co.uk/renovo-window-polish-restorer-100ml-1320-p.asp

ALZ1307 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 26, 2011, 13:14:01 PM »

Quote from: lammy on November 26, 2011, 13:06:43 PM

I'm not a fan of putting wet and dry to plastic?..I have seen liquid/cream compounds that you can buy to take scratched off mobile phone screens though...that would be my option...least abraisive and less likely to leave you with a dull patch on the lens..

It's fine, no different to removing a scratch from a painted panel IMO. You need to use something abrasive whether that be polish or wet n dry, end result is the same but wet n dry is easier and cheaper. You will always get a dull patch whatever you use, hence the need to buff it back up

Butcher · « **Reply #8 on:** November 26, 2011, 13:18:29 PM »

Cheers for link sounds good stuff if it does what that say.

I know what you mean lammy and iv had a Google search and toothpaste comes up quite a lot use water and a soft cloth with toothpaste as it has a very light abrasive compound. Sounds logical but i might try a small corner that can't be seen first.

ALZ1307 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 26, 2011, 13:20:13 PM »

It'll be fine! Body shops don't spray an entire panel for one light scratch this is no different. Fair doos you will sh*t yourself un till you buff it up

DanSE4 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 26, 2011, 13:48:38 PM »

Quote from: Butcher on November 26, 2011, 13:18:29 PM

Cheers for link sounds good stuff if it does what that say.

I'll let you do yours first & if it works & you don't ruin them, I'll do mine!

Teejay · « **Reply #11 on:** November 26, 2011, 14:12:58 PM »

Butcher · « **Reply #12 on:** November 26, 2011, 15:00:35 PM »

Quote from: DanSE4 on November 26, 2011, 13:48:38 PM

I'll let you do yours first & if it works & you don't ruin them, I'll do mine!

I shall test for Calibra kind and keep you posted on results

Pickles · « **Reply #13 on:** November 26, 2011, 16:52:01 PM »

I had to wet n dry some headlights on an Astra a few weeks back where the previous (dipshit) owner had laquered them and they failed the MOT

Like Alz said just go steady on them with a lot of soapy water and it'll be fine, then buff them up afterwards

moddedcalibra · « **Reply #14 on:** November 26, 2011, 17:56:45 PM »

Just stick some compound on it and buff. But be carefully not to burn through if u are using a proper buffer.

Gorfinkle · « **Reply #15 on:** November 26, 2011, 20:31:07 PM »

I had scratches on the plastic cover on my clock face on the Senny, I used normal T-Cut with plenty of water to polish them out. Comes up a treat

Butcher · « **Reply #16 on:** December 01, 2011, 06:16:55 AM »

Well after getting the idea from moddedcalibra who did this on his clocks with good results I set about my clear lenses last night.

I used:

1200 grade wet n dry
1500 grade wet n dry
G3 rubbing compound
T cut swirl/scratch remover

I did each step in the above order and the result is spot on but I may get some 2000 grade wet n dry and do the final three stages again as there is still swirl marks but the scratches have gone and they look miles better.

Pictures to follow.

Teejay · « **Reply #17 on:** December 01, 2011, 08:29:19 AM »

ALZ1307 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 01, 2011, 09:40:22 AM »

Told you!

Butcher · « **Reply #19 on:** December 01, 2011, 11:05:06 AM »

Quote from: ALZ1307 on December 01, 2011, 09:40:22 AM

Told you!

Yes you did

it is daunting when you dry them after the first wet n dry rub down, there misty as f*ck and I thought "oh sh*t, how will I get these see through again" but they come back slowly but surely.

I'll get some pics of them tonight if I decided to go over them again.

Author Topic: Removing scratches from clear lenses. (Read 1281 times)