Using a clay bar and a polish will be a huge help to make the paint feel smooth and look it's best again. I would start off with a wash and include the CarPro Iron X Iron Remover in the washing process. This product will help remove iron deposits in the paint that are hard to remove even with a clay bar. Next use the clay bar to thoroughly clean the paint. The DI Packages DI Gentle Fine Grade Clay Bar 100g & Clay Lube is a great value and effective combo for this process. Polishing is a little more involved you can do a one step process by hand or if you want to get even better results do a two step process with a buffer. If interested in a buffer I'd highly recommend the Porter Cable 7424 XP which is safe and easy to use. This kit (DI Packages PC 7424XP with M105, M205 and 5.5" pads) provides you with everything you need to polish the paint and get outstanding results. If you prefer to do it by hand just pick up the Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205, apply it with a foam applicator and medium pressure. After this is done you can protect the paint with your favorite sealant or wax. I generally recommend a sealant because it's more durable and they apply so easy. My favorite choice is the Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection which looks amazing and protects for months. You can apply this with a buffer and a blue pad or by hand. If you want a great value for a sealant check out the Rejex Sealant.

As for learning more about each step I'd HIGHLY recommend you read our detailing guide and our Ask a Pro Blog. The guide will help you with step by step instructions and the Blog has articles from pros around the country sharing their advice. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

 

Thank you!!!!

Good luck with that and keep us posted.

Greg @ DI

 

Thanx, I am leaning at the by hand method so I can take my time. Ima have to build a kit with all the info you gave me and order it. Thanks man, big help.

 

Glad to help and if you have any other questions please let me know!

Greg @ DI

 

Before I get flamed for this, I did search the thread and couldn't find a situation similar to mine, because my lights are relatively clean and in good condition. Here we go!

Hey there! Thought I'd finally post something in this thread, as it is a GREAT resource, so thank you for answering the millions of questions you get! I was wondering what products to use to get a really good, clean polish that'll really make a difference on the headlights/tail lights? Right now I'm using a plastic polisher that my friend gave me (I think its Mother's brand for headlights) with a microfiber rag. Any suggestions?

 

Greg, what's the best way to clean off the light dust on the car? I've been spraying quick detailer on it and wipe, just wondering if there are other ways to prevent scratches?

 

Greg,

I've taken your recommendation on CG maxi studs 2 auto cleaner and the gilmour foammaster gun. How much of the auto cleaner shall i put into the container? It states that it is highly concentrated. one cap full per gallon. How many caps should i assume for the entire car?

Thanks!

 

If you go to this link you'll find several articles that discuss different methods for headlight restoration Headlight Care – Detailed Image.

To summarize some of those articles you could do something very simple like buffing them by hand with the Meguiar's PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner and Polish or the Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205. This would provide a good cleaning and a light polishing to the surface.

If you want a more thorough job or a deeper cleaning the Meguiar's Ultra-Cut Compound M105 would be a great step to do, followed by the M205 or the PlastX.

If you want even more power apply these same products with a buffer.

If the headlights were in bad shape I'd suggest a light wet sanding as well but it sounds like yours are in pretty good shape overall. When you are done you can apply a sealant to the plastic just like you would your paint.

Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

 

There is no fool proof method, but I think your method is one of the best. I personally spray a quick detailer on my microfiber towel like the Poorboy's World Spray & Wipe (S&W). Using a thicker mf towel is also a big advantage like our DI Microfiber Ultra Plush Two Sided Towel or the DI Microfiber reTHICKulous Towel. Fold the towel and fourths and wipe with virtually no pressure. I keep refolding the towel after each section so you get eight fresh surfaces from each towel. This will usually take me 2 - 3 towels if I'm being extra careful. This should help you clean safely and not introduce new swirls. Good luck!

Greg @ DI

 

It really just depends on your personal preference of how sudsy you want it. I normally put about 6oz of shampoo and 6oz of water in the reservoir and turn it to the richest setting (E). You certainly can use less shampoo than this but this is my personal preference. Try different ratios and see what works best for you!

Greg @ DI

 

Thank so much for your help Greg! Sounds like a plan.

 

Glad to help and good luck!

Greg @ DI

 

Thanks Greg! Will do it this weekend and see how it turns out.

 

Thanks Greg! Can you shine some light on how to take care of pleather? I know real leather will absorb oils etc from leatherique and re-soften leather again, but how about pleather?

 

Sounds good. If you get time take some before and after pics. Good luck!

Greg @ DI