Removing scratches from taillights

[Bossxr8]

Just purchased some second hand G6/XR50 taillights for my G6ET, they are in pretty good condition except for some swirl marks in one, and some minor scratches in the other. I'm thinking that polishing them should get all the swirl marks out, and should go some way to make the scratches disappear, but not sure how to go about it.

What should I use, plastic polish? Ok to use a dual action orbital and a light cutting pad?

Or would a normal light cut polish like S20 Black do the job?

[prktkljokr]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Just purchased some second hand G6/XR50 taillights for my G6ET, they are in pretty good condition except for some swirl marks in one, and some minor scratches in the other. I'm thinking that polishing them should get all the swirl marks out, and should go some way to make the scratches disappear, but not sure how to go about it.

What should I use, plastic polish? Ok to use a dual action orbital and a light cutting pad?

Or would a normal light cut polish like S20 Black do the job?

The guys at work just use the standard polish gear from doing the cars after spot ups, the same stuff they denib new painted areas with.

Wet sand with 1200, 2000, cut and polish, then finish with a soft polish.

[MuzzMelbourne]

Originally Posted by prktkljokr

...then finish with a soft polish.

Couple of coats of UV clear coat for fading prevention, like polycarb headlights?

[Itsme]

When I restored some radio facias and some taillights/headlights, I used Autosol Metal Polish which gave me the desired result.
Autosol Metal Polish works well on acrylic plastics.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Just purchased some second hand G6/XR50 taillights for my G6ET, they are in pretty good condition except for some swirl marks in one, and some minor scratches in the other. I'm thinking that polishing them should get all the swirl marks out, and should go some way to make the scratches disappear, but not sure how to go about it.

What should I use, plastic polish? Ok to use a dual action orbital and a light cutting pad?

Or would a normal light cut polish like S20 Black do the job?

Don't bother with a plastic-only polish, that's just marketing.

Scholl S20 Black will be perfect for the job, start with a finishing pad and step it up if needed. Perfectly fine to use a dual action machine too.

In this case, I am dealing with factory defect headlights, but the process is the same. I actually needed Sonax Cutmax on these.



Typically, you would only polish headlights if absolutely needed, however taillights are different as they are not coated in the same way as headlights are, so you don't necessarily need to apply a UV protectant afterwards.

I usually just apply something like NV Nova Jet or Carpro Reload. You can otherwise get a specific polymer sealant to treat headlights.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...nt-spray-236ml

photo hosting service

These kits are also worth looking at due to the specific sealant they have included -

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/in...40102509609049

[Bossxr8]

I hit them with the s20 black on a da. Worked well. Didn’t completely remove it all, but unless you put your face right up against it none of the scratches are visible. Have to have the right angle of light too. Standing behind the car you don’t see any.

Good result.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I hit them with the s20 black on a da. Worked well. Didn’t completely remove it all, but unless you put your face right up against it none of the scratches are visible. Have to have the right angle of light too. Standing behind the car you don’t see any.

Good result.

Nice work.

Sometimes you have to know when to stop, if the result looks good and you have to be selective in seeing the remaining marks, then why bother chasing it further. Coat them in your chosen LSP and chances are that fill, hide or reduce any remaining marks.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Nice work.

Sometimes you have to know when to stop, if the result looks good and you have to be selective in seeing the remaining marks, then why bother chasing it further. Coat them in your chosen LSP and chances are that fill, hide or reduce any remaining marks.

Exactly. If you can’t see it it’s not really worth chasing your tail to get it perfect.

[Bossxr8]

Look pretty good to me.