This is what I’ve always used in the past. This product has been around forever from Meguiars Plast-X. [I talked about it on here before], but it’s a very easy-on applicator that you rub on with a microfiber cloth, the key is to put a little force when rubbing and then allow to dry, then rub off. I even used this product on removing scratches from discs, and even minor scuffs on plastic trim in vehicles.
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This seems to be different than the Meguiars Headlight Restoration product I bought first that describes the product as a cleaning liquid, but according to the directions the entire lense must be treated, and when finished, the entire lense appears frosty. This alarmed me because I don’t want to degrade the plastic surface by roughing it up, and then applying a liquid to make it appear clear. The question is in the environment how long does this method hold up? It carries a 1 year warranty.
In contrast the 3M Restoration system uses sanding abrasive disks, a polishing cream, and a drill to treat just the area that needs treatment and the process sands out the oxidation, not degrades the entire surface with a chemical. And of note, the Menguiars product is listed as non returnable, although I talked Amazon in to taking it back due to an inaccurate description of the product.
How Does it Work?
The 3M Headlight Restoration Kit restores clear plastic lenses in a way that standard cleaners cannot. This convenient system requires just a few simple steps. First, apply high-performance masking tape (not included) to the painted surfaces around the lens you are restoring. Use a progressive system of Trizact abrasive discs to remove yellowing, scratches, dirt, haze, and other material buildup on the plastic lens. With a common household drill (not included), Hookit attachment system makes it easy – just slap the disc onto a pad, and you’re ready to go. Also includes 3M Rubbing Compound to achieve maximum shine and clarity. Remove the masking tape, and you’re finished.
About Trizact Abrasives The abrasive in 3M Trizact abrasive discs for headlight restoration is so fine that you can sand across the plastic lenses without worrying about creating scratches or other damaging marks. 3M Trizact abrasives feature microreplication – small 3-dimensional structures are reproduced and then uniformly distributed over the surface of the disc. These patterned, precise mineral structures contain multiple layers of abrasive mineral. As the structures wear, fresh, sharp mineral is exposed. The result is that the abrasive cuts faster, stays sharper longer and allows for precise finish control – it removes the yellowing, dirt buildup and small scratches that can cause haze, without damaging the lens itself.