Full disclosure: The Before picture was taken indoors whereas the After is using natural light, thus the paint color variation.

The Zuffenhausen factory specified a tough clear UV protective coating which has performed well for the past 13 years of exposure. However it’s a tough environment and these lense covers are only plastic afterall.

A polishing kit from 3M was purchased to rejuvenate the current cloudy finish. Using my low speed electric drill, the supplied buffer wheel attachment and abrasive media, pits and scratches were incrementally removed. I deviated from the prescribed and used some 320 grit to begin with. This made quick work of the original factory coating, totally removing it. Naked uncoated, stages of number 500, 800, 3000 (wet) progressed. Finally the kit included a liquid rubbing compound that completed the goal of clarity. The surface is now quite smooth.

Routine application of a formulated polish with water resistant polymers such as PlastX or toothpaste (!) should offer protection from this point onward.