How to polish your headlights to factory new - the RIGHT way

There are many different options when it comes to renewing your headlights. This is my preferred method as the end result looks and feels like a factory new headlight. No clear coat to run or peel in the future. No bugs or orange peel, just a perfectly smooth and clear surface. Touch up is very easy when it does start to fade again. The polish has a UV protectant in it. All products used are from 3M.
For more ideas on automotive tips and tricks, let me know in the comments what you'd like to see!

[@digitalrailroader]

The 3M kit we use at work consists of 6 500 grit pads, 4 800 grit pads, and a single 3000 Trizact pad. The method I found that works the absolute best is what I call the “Dry-Wet-Wet” method. Use the 500 grit pads dry, use the 800 grit pads wet as well as the Trizact pad. And I don’t skimp on the water on the wet sanding because it keeps the pads cleaner longer and rinses away the plastic particles.

[@MrChevy1972impala]

They sell some stuff at auto zone it’s a polish and lasts about 6 months the bottle will last 10 years and if you use it regularly your lens will always look new I been doing it to my 2005 Yukon xl since I got the Yukon in 2005 lights still look great

[@thunderclaws99]

Looks good, man! Thanks! Helps give me the confidence to try this myself.

[@kytepheonix]

It's unfortunate that once the original surface degrades away even a repolished lens doesn't last as well as the manufactured surface.
Same thing goes for retrobrightened plastic honestly - once the original plastic begins to break down it's going to continue 😔
However being able to do this yourself is still WAY cheaper than replacing the lenses!