Does the buffer you have access to have any pads? a backplate already? 6 inch, 3 inch, etc?

I have a griots DA polisher with 6 inch pads. It's big, but it will work on my headlights. I used a drill and yes you could buy an attachment like meguairs ball. I made it easy on me and just zip tied a MF to the drill and went at it with PlastX. It turned out pretty damn good. People always forget to put some UV protection on their headlights after this procedure. Don't forget to or you'll be in the same situation again.

 

Well, I went ahead and did it kinda my own way and it seems to have worked quite well.

I wet sanded starting with 1000, then 1500, 2000, and finally 3000. Then, I used some headlight restoration pads with a drill attachment to polish to a shine, then finished off with PasticX.

They look crystal clear, so I hope it holds up. I still haven't decided what to do for UV protection. I might spray some clear coat on them, or just get some vinyl covers for them.

 

i can never ever find 3000 grit, so i just do 1500, 2000, then m105/m205, followed by plasix and some Blackfire sealant

 

Here are my results. You can see that the passenger-side headlight still has that scratch, but its significantly smaller, and much less noticeable. It is smooth to the touch, so I'm thinking is might be an internal stress crack of some sort. Anyways, on to the pics:







Now for the next project...the front bumper...

 

Are you guys using some kind of power tools with this? Or just hands?

 

Hand sanding, but using a porter cable buffer for polishing

 

I always recommend 3m clear vinyl afterwards. It will keep those newly polished headlights looking good for years

 

spar urethane/mineral spirits for a factory like long-term finish...

 

...with a good possibility for crazing.