Need Help with 3200 Polishing Pad

[edwho_2000]

Looking for feedback on 3200 polishing pad. Just received my new HLR Delta Kit and am very pleased overall.
Only problem I was having was with the 3200 polishing pad. What power setting are you guys using for best results.
I tried the first pad and it seemed to stick to the light, leaving a dark streak behind and actually decreased the clarity from the 1500 pad.
I sanded back down with the 1500 and tried another pad (assuming that the first may have had some dirt/debris). I got the same result.
I actually went back over it with the 1500 to clear it up and after cleaning, applied the final mixed liquids. The result was good, but left a few light scratches.

Final product was very good, but I know if i could get the 3200 polishing pad to work, the scratches would be reduced even more.
Im sure it was something in my process (first time using the delta kit) - Im just very particular about final product (as Im sure - are the fine professionals on this forum!!)

Notes:
Applied same pressure to lights when sanding as with polishing.
Power setting on tool was 3-4 for all applications. (sanding was smooth with light to medium pressure - polishing pad stuck with same pressure/speed)
I did clean off the lens with water between the sanding and polishing.

Any input would be appreciated.

**Also - very grateful to Delta for this forum and all of the past postings - lots of information gained from a few hours on here. **

[Kgobin]

Eduardo,

I would like to thank you for your recent purchase of the HLPRO302 headlight restoration system. Also, it was great talking to you on the phone earlier. When we do a headlight restoration the random orbital’s power setting is on 5-6 for all sanding and polishing steps. With the 302 system using an interface pad is optional so may I ask are you using an interface pad? If so did you make sure that the sanding and polishing discs were lined up evenly with the interface pad? Also, did the headlight have any alignments tabs. If for any reason you feel as if the polishing discs might be defective we would be more than happy to switch them out. I am sure that other technicians will chime in but please call into Delta Kits at your earliest convenience so we can walk you through the headlight restoration process and help trouble shoot you through any issues that you might have encountered.

[edwho_2000]

Korey,
Thank you for the quick reply sir.
1-Thanks for info on speed. Will make adjust on my process
2-I did use the interface pad
3-The polishing disks were lined up. I did have to readjust the polishing pad the first time, but this may be due to the speed i was using.
4-Ill try to do another lens with the higher speeds and advise Delta direct if I need to change out the pads.

I expected more response from the other users regarding their use of the 3200 polishing pads. I guess Im the only knuckelhead that was doing it wrong!!!

Thanks again for your help.

ed

[Kgobin]

No problem! Keep us posted on how your next headlight restoration turns out.

[t4k]

Korey,
Thank you for the quick reply sir.
1-Thanks for info on speed. Will make adjust on my process
2-I did use the interface pad
3-The polishing disks were lined up. I did have to readjust the polishing pad the first time, but this may be due to the speed i was using.
4-Ill try to do another lens with the higher speeds and advise Delta direct if I need to change out the pads.

I expected more response from the other users regarding their use of the 3200 polishing pads. I guess Im the only knuckelhead that was doing it wrong!!!

Thanks again for your help.

ed

I don't use Delta's kit or equipment and I use a 4000 grit polishing pad but I have never had your problem nor have I heard of this problem. Maybe it's just a fluke.

[edwho_2000]

All,
I did a new set of headlights yesterday. I started with the 320 pad.
I know - I know....I didnt mention in the earlier post that I didnt start with the 320!!
The other light was a light I had done by hand, and since it already looked ok, I didnt think I would need to strip it down with the 320.
I started it with the 600.

Back to the point of this post.....I started out with the 320 and worked by way up to the 3200 polishing pad. The pad polished up just fine.
The lights look really good and customer was very impressed. Overall job took 45 min (for two lights on a mazda protege).

Problem solved.

Thank you for all your help.

ed

[t4k]

All,
I did a new set of headlights yesterday. I started with the 320 pad.
I know - I know....I didnt mention in the earlier post that I didnt start with the 320!!
The other light was a light I had done by hand, and since it already looked ok, I didnt think I would need to strip it down with the 320.
I started it with the 600.

Back to the point of this post.....I started out with the 320 and worked by way up to the 3200 polishing pad. The pad polished up just fine.
The lights look really good and customer was very impressed. Overall job took 45 min (for two lights on a mazda protege).

Problem solved.

Thank you for all your help.

ed

Ed - I'm not sure your non use of the 320 pad in your previous repair was the problem with the 3200 pad. I frequently start a H/L restoration with a 600 grit pad or higher, depending on the severity of the damage. I am glad you latest venture was a success but I not convinced the 320 pad was what solved your problem.

[candyman]

EDWHO
sometimes I will start with a 600 if the lens is not too cloudy. I tried an experiment on a set of BMW 2002 headlights recently. I used 320, 600, 1000, 2400 then polished it. I used 600, 1000, 1500 then polished the other lens. I applied the coating at the same time. I could not tell any difference between the two nor could the owner. I honestly think sometimes its how cloudy and the condition of the headlight is that requires more sanding or finer sanding. I've seen real fine blemishes disappear with just buffing. I am still learning and sometimes I may judge wrong. It takes me normally 30-45 minutes for a set of headlights. I don't rush it and I get good results. 10 - 15 minutes is taping off and setting up to do the job. I use to do one light at a time when I first started. Now I sand both lights as I go and that has reduced my time considerably and apply the UV treatment at the same time. Not having a work routine is why it took me longer in the begining. My Metabo's normal speed for sanding is between 3-4 setting and buffing maybe a 4-5. It just seems to handle & work better for me at those speeds. If I tilt the orange buffer too much at a angle I will get a black /brown mark on the lens if Iam not careful. If any moisture gets on the lens while using the 2400 or 3200 it will grab at times leaving a mark. I've had very few marks with the metabo. Normally a 320 or 600 will take it right out and then I normally buff it. Candyman