removing scratches from plastic?

[shirt]

specifically clear plastic headlamp covers. they are cloudy at the top from, I guessing, road grime impact.

I believe they will polish out, but what grit emery paper do I need to use in order to make them clear again?

[nelly1]

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/...

[shirt]

even better, off to halfrauds I go!

[Waugh-terfall]

I'd also like to know the answer to this, through no fault of mine, my bumper looks like this:


Really sorry for the slight hi-jack!

[Flintstone]

shirt said:

I believe they will polish out, but what grit emery paper do I need to use in order to make them clear again?

Pretty sue that any grade will only make it worse. Better off with the liquid. Or toothpaste

[shirt]

you'd be wrong then. I was thinking about 600+ grits that the detailers use.

[freecar]

shirt said:

you'd be wrong then. I was thinking about 600+ grits that the detailers use.

Nope, you'd be wrong, 600 would fk it right up, 2000 would still leave it super cloudy. They'd only use wet n dry if there were some deep marks they needed to remove. Otherwise it would have been a machine and a couple of grades of plastic polishing compound. You could try a light rub with 3000 grit paper but you'd still need to go though a couple of grades of polish to get the shine. You only NEED paper when the scratch is deep enough to catch a fingernail.

You can get plastic polish from caravan shops and yacht chandlers as well as detailing suppliers.

Edited by freecar on Saturday 7th August 15:30

[Ian_sUK]

The well used technique for clio headlights is start at about 1000 working up to 3000 then machine polish.

From:



To:




(not my pics, stolen from cliosport)

[Mr Dave]

Toothpaste unless the scratches are really deep.

[shirt]

freecar said:

shirt said:

you'd be wrong then. I was thinking about 600+ grits that the detailers use.

Nope, you'd be wrong, 600 would fk it right up, 2000 would still leave it super cloudy. They'd only use wet n dry if there were some deep marks they needed to remove. Otherwise it would have been a machine and a couple of grades of plastic polishing compound. You could try a light rub with 3000 grit paper but you'd still need to go though a couple of grades of polish to get the shine. You only NEED paper when the scratch is deep enough to catch a fingernail.

You can get plastic polish from caravan shops and yacht chandlers as well as detailing suppliers.

Edited by freecar on Saturday 7th August 15:30

hence the query re: grades as ive used v.fine papers on my bath before. ian's pics show my exact problem, albeit mine is a twin headlamp mk3. I will try the polish before having to resort to any sanding.

[Flintstone]

shirt said:

you'd be wrong then.

Wow, friendly.

[shirt]

apologies if it seemed that way. words are at a premium when out & about.

[Flintstone]

Apology accepted

[Big_Dog]

I did my daughters Clio with 2000 grit wet and dry with plenty of soap and water. Then polished it with a plastic polish. Worked fine, lovely and clear.