Originally posted by thejms:
Originally posted by 1314:
Originally posted by unisys12:
The cracks that you are seeing (sider webbing) is the UV coating. It dries out and can crack. The only way you can correct this is buy using the wet sanding method. You actually have to remove the coating.

You really have to look at this UV coating just like you would the clearcoat on your paint. If it is physically damaged, as in cracked or scratched, you have to remove the coating down below the defect. Then you can restore it.

In our case, I don't think you can just go out and buy this UV coating persay, but the clear plastic products mentioned do add some water and UV protection. I am not sure at what level, but I do know it adds some.




So do I just sand away until it clears up? I definitely don't have hazing and it clearly looks like spiderwebbing. If the UV coating gets completely sanded off, is the only problem going to be the headlights hazing a lot faster, or could there be more damage than hazing?



My UV coating was actually chipping off, like flakes. I sanded them and everything. I was very happy.....at first. Now I have to use plasitic polish on them every time I wash my car because they haze soo fast. I have heard of ppl waxing the headlights. I havent yet, but I am goin to and see it that helps slow the hazing down and keep them clear longer.



Yes, you would just sand litely, but enough to remove the layer of UV coating. I would stay with the 1500 grit and work slowly using even pressure. And like the how-to above states, finish your sanding with the 2000. Be sure, when using the 2000 grit, to sand in a different direction then what you did with the 1500. In other words - if you went from side to side with the 1500, then sand the lens at an angle such as \ or /.

You can easily check your sanding progress by pouring water over the lens, making sure to clean off any residue. The water will fill the scratches enough to give you and basic idea of how well you are doing in removing the coating. Take an area that you can plainly see the cracks and sand at it until it strikes you as to how you might be doing. Take a damp rag and wipe the area off, followed by pouring water on the lens. When it looks like glass and you can no longer see any of the cracks, to the point that you feel comfortable. Then wipe the lens dry and hit it with application of the plastic cleaner. See how it looks and go from there. After you are happy with everything, finish it off with the plastic polish.

I didn't have any hazing when I did mine the first time, only the spider (got it right that time!!)webs.

As for waxing, I used to do the same but have found that the clear plastic products do a much better job. Plus, it has also been noted here that caranuba wax can actually speed up the hazing process through chemical reactions. As I started in the above reply, the clear plastic products do add some UV protection and water beading properties.

Good luck!!

Phillip Jackson `98 Mystique LS 262K+ and counting... ATX rebuilt @ 151K "This storm has broken me, my only friend!" RIP Dime