<VV> Re:LENS POLISHING

[Tony Underwood]

I've had good luck treating dull lenses as if they were dulled 
lacquer (which technically is similar, being basically 
plastic).    Wet-sand the surface with 600 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper 
(be prepared to expend some effort if you want good results) and 
soapy water until the surface of the lens is uniformly "clean" and 
satin-smooth, then assault it with rubbing/polishing compound (a car 
buffer is a time saver), finish with a good rubdown with a reputable 
brand car wax.    If there's any hope of salvaging the lens at all, 
this will do it.

I've seen a few lenses that deteriorated so badly that even the 
inside was hazed and discolored.   Not a lot you can do in that case 
but anything is likely to help.    I've heard of people wet-sanding 
lenses and then shooting them with clearcoat.     Sounds logical... 
I've done this to 'Vair (and a Fiat) tail light lenses to brighten 
them up (after a severe cleaning) and it does help.


tony..