This worked for me, but I combined items in two kits to get a good result. Neither were expensive. After reading way too many reviews, I decided to use a modified method. I'll describe this hybrid approach below. The headlight lenses on my 2008 Honda CR-V were not too bad, about half was moderately oxidized. I double masked the area so that I didn't damage the adjacent painted or plastic parts. First, 3/4 inch tape to get close, then 1-1/2 inch over it to protect it and give a bigger area for final masking (spraying).
Step 1: I wet sanded the light first, starting with 400 wet sandpaper that I had, then moved to the 600 and 1500 from the kit, using some 1000 that I had. I think you really only need to use three grits, and if the lights are only lightly oxidized, start with 600. Remember to always sand with a circular motion. Wearing rubber gloves make all this easier. Keep splashing water on it to remove the residue before continuing to sand. As others have noted, you'll see the yellow residue of the oxidation running down as you sand. When the residue turns to white, then you have removed all the oxidation in that area. Some areas will need more sanding than others. Be careful next to the masked areas. When done, rinse it and wipe dry. It should look like a nice even frosting on the surface. Note: if the oxidation is really light, you may be able to get away with just using the cleaner, but the cleaner is only a light rubbing compound. You've got to remove the yellow oxidation.
Step 2: I polished it with a foam drill attachment from another kit (Mother's 07251 NuLens), using the polishing compound from that kit. Perhaps I could have skipped this step and gone straight to the cleaner (try that next time). This changed the frosting to a haze. Maybe next time I'll try the drill attachment with the cleaner. You can also do it by hand. If you use something on a drill, use it on a low speed. Going too fast at the same spot (and I can tell you it doesn't take much) will melt the plastic and cause marks which are hard to sand out (I had to go back to step 1 in an area). I used a cordless drill on the low speed. (Note: I did not use sandpaper on the attachment with that other kit. I think that would have been too aggressive and left bad circular scratches. I did it by hand. It's some work, but you can more easily control how much you sand when doing it by hand.)
Step 3: Use the cleaner with a soft cloth. Go over the whole area with a circular motion. Rub off any remaining residue. I splashed water on it again and dried it really well. The light should start to look clear, but not perfect, still a little hazy.
Step 4: Add newspaper or plastic to the masking tape. The spray is not directed, it comes out in a wide pattern, and there is a lot of overspray. I wouldn't worry too much, but you'll want to protect a foot or two. It's actually better if there is a slight breeze, as it carries the overspray away from your car. Spray a nice even coat on the light, overlapping each pass. Not too much or you'll get drips. The spray is very fine and it goes on easily. You'll be amazed how the spray makes it shiny and clear. Let it dry 5 minutes and do it again. Let it dry 10 minutes and carefully remove the masking. You're done.
I just did it today, so I can't yet tell you how long this lasts. If I'm lucky, I can update this in a year and report that it still looks great. Some kits contain polish only, and I don't see how it can get completely clear and last for a long while without this protective spray. There is plenty of spray here, enough to do this process a few times. Lots of cleaner too. Both headlights took me about 2 hours, including set up and clean up. If you can remove the whole headlight lens from your car, then do this and avoid all the masking. Just remember to tape the bulb openings and don't let water inside your lens. If I was ordering again, I would only buy this kit along with 400, 600, and 1000 wet sandpaper. Hope this helps!
| Manufacturer | Meguiar's |
|---|---|
| Brand | Meguiar's |
| Model | Meguiar's - G2970 |
| Item Weight | 12.8 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 9.12 x 3.55 x 2.55 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | Meguiar's - G2970 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Exterior | Polished |
| Manufacturer Part Number | G2970 |
| OEM Part Number | G2970 |
| Position | Front |
| Special Features | Durable |
| Mirror Lighting Type | automotive-exterior-headlight-bulbs |
