How to avoid swirles in clear lenses

[abcinabq]

I have been using a 60 then a 30 then a 15 and then a 9 micron 3M sanding disk system with a cushion backing pad all velcro to refinish extreme damage on headlights. Then I use a felt pad with plastic polish and then polish with foam buffing pads. The first pad is firm and then a medium foam pad is used with the polish.
Not until I'm down this far can I start to see where the micron sanding left behind some very tiny swirles in the plastic. When I apply a spray on finishing coat and buff it in with a very soft foam pad it shines the plastic up like a diamond but I can still see the tiny swirles. The lense is very clean and super clear, all the damage is gone, but those lines make it look less then top quality and I'm wondering if I'm ever going to get it right.
This process is taking up to 2 hours to complete and I hesitate resand with the 9 micron disk again and then have to repolish all over again.
Any Help Please?

[chips1144]

I'm guessing you are using the 3M plastic polish, and that my friend may be the problem, I have used 3M products on a daily basis for 15 years or more, (NOT THEIR HEADLIGHT SYSTEM) I have lots of respect for 3M but I don't think their plastic polish does as good a job as other coatings I've seen demonstrated on Headlights, Id try the Dvelop coating available from Dvelop or Delta kits, I'm sure it will do a much better job for you, GOOD LUCK.

[GlassStarz]

they have tried to reinvent the wheel way too much work and way too many steps I would look at a easier to use system many are described here my way takes 10 minutes and costs about $2 in material

[chips1144]

More thoughts, are you cleaning off headlights between different grades of sandpaper, Could it be Dirt?

Is this happening to all of your headlights?

[abcinabq]

I'm using Glass Technology system that is listed here. {URL Removed by Moderator}
I keep it all washed down during and in between coarse changes. I have not seen any other systems but GT's up close and in person, so I'm will to use others just not sure which yet.

[chips1144]

My guess is you are creating these by sanding in a circular motion with the Jepson, you need the DA sander that Delta kits sells for sanding, the Jepson will be great for buffing, Like I say that's my guess, I dont own the GT system so I cant be 100% sure, I know there are others that tried it and said it was a long process...

[GTECH]

The swirles might be caused by the foam backing pad,when you use the micron disc's they are not cut all the same some just make it to fit.On you backing plate you might need to trim off the outer edge, so the micron pad overlaps the backing pad.try that and see if this is causing your problem.


Good Luck.

[GTECH]

Do you have any before /after pic's of your work.

[GTECH]

GlassStarz
Do you have any before/after pic's,

[GlassStarz]

I am not sure about your system but the way mine works is the fine grits remove the marks left by the rougher grits if you still have marks you are not doing the fine well enough with the system I use (Modified Bens) the coating eliminates a large percentage of the swirls