Ask-A-Pro: Headlight Restoration using Porter Cable 7424XP and Menzerna

Hi, My name is Stelian and I’m from Romania. How can I restore car headlights using Porter Cable & Menzerna Polish? I want to mention that I have 4″, 5″, 6″ backing plates, and all pads and all dimensions from Lake Country. And as Menzerna I have PO106FA, PO85RD, PO203 & Power Gloss. What combination should I use? Sincerely, Stelian

Hi Stelian, and thanks for writing in.

Well the combinations you use will depend on what level of restoration that you need on the headlights. If they’re extremely bad, you may need to wetsand them first and be sure to finish up as fine as possible with 3000 grit paper.

But I wouldn’t jump right into sanding though because you may be surprised what you can do just with the Porter Cable 7424XP.

First I would use the 4″ Lake Country pads and backing plate. This will give you the most cutting power, and it will be easier to maneuver around the tight areas. Start out with an orange pad and PO203S Power Finish since that’s your mid-level product, and see what kind of correction you get. If that has cleared up most of the affected areas, then move on to a white pad and 106FA for finishing. If however it looks like you need more cut, then step down to the Power Gloss with an orange or yellow 4″ pad. After you have hit it with your heaviest combination, then proceed back to the Power Finish / Orange and finally with 106FA / White.

Be sure to tape up all of the surrounding areas around the headlight as well so that you don’t risk damaging any trim or painted surfaces.

I hope this helps.

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