After you have finished sanding you will need to polish each headlamp either by hand or by machine polisher. We prefer polishing our headlight restorations with a DA polisher as it is much faster than hand polishing, but if you do not have a polisher don’t fret. Either if you choose to polish by hand or machine you may need a couple of different compounds.
It is ideal to use a 3 inch DA polisher as you can maneuver them easily around tight corners and smaller areas on the headlight but not a necessity. We can use a 5 inch or 6 inch DA polisher and the results are the same as a 3 inch polisher but may take a little more finesse. This is also were your taping skills will help you stay on the headlight and not on painted surfaces.
Begin by applying a few beads of compound on your microfiber or foam polishing pad and work it around the headlight. Then turn on the polisher and begin increasing the speed and working the area with your compound. After you have made a pass or two we recommend inspecting your work and look to see how things are shining up.
Continue with the current compound and pad for a couple passes, and then work up to a finishing polish and foam finishing pad. Before you just start trying new pads and compounds, remember to wipe the headlights with your panel prep or IPA spray to help remove additional compound off of the surface. The next step is the jeweling phase and will bring the high luster shine that will make your headlights look great and actually perform much better. Run your polisher with your final polish and pad for a couple passes and then inspect your work again. Look for any spots that need more attention. After you have worked out the entire headlight you should clean it with your IPA wipe one more time. If you are doing this by hand you will continue working the compound in a crosshatch pattern until the headlight turns clear and even.