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Part of this clear coat or film was degraded from the headlight, this was like this when I bought the vehicle used.
The rubbing compound did nothing to the headlights, but clear them up. I also used Maguire's Scratch-X after applying rubbing compound, and then waxed the headlights.
I've just try the Rust Oleum Wipe New last week. It works well and pretty easy to use. Time wise 1-2 hours depending on how bad the lights are. Very happy with the results, similar to the OP's pics.
The package states "Headlights guaranteed to pass inspection for the life of the vehicle!"
You can probably refinish two vehicles if you do them at the same time side by side.
For about $10 it's also a good value.
I've also used the 3M product but not impress with results and pricey. Stayed clear for about year and a half.
so there are multiple way to deal with head light after polishing it.
1. Apply strong protect coating like Opti coat or Opti lense (or anything equivalent)
2. Apply an over lay film (which easiest but once you remove the old film you will need to get all the glue off your headlight before apply new film.
3. Have a bodyshop spray clear coat over your headlight (HIGHLY recommend professional work because uneven surface will cause your beam pattern distored) Also note if the clear coat peel/ bubble it will be PITA to remove it.
How easy or hard is it to put the 3M scotch guard clear oil that you can buy rolls on amazon? I figure the cutting part will be the hardest specially if one don't have any experience with applying a clear vinyl film. Anybody done it? The Xpel clear film kits are like $60 for a set. Steep if you ask me.
Any spray can of clear coat that is made for exterior use will work on the headlamps. That is because paint made to be use in sun light will have UV blockers in it to with stand the sun's UV rays.
Just wet sand with the correct grits of sand paper as noted above in this thread, dry, mask off the car, and spray with the clear coat.
You can use a spray bottle to wet the lens when wet sanding and to rinse off the lamps so you can inspect your work.
It's not rocket science, it just takes time and elbow grease.
I would highly recommend using 3M Headlight Restoration Kit and 3M Clear Bra. I used it on 5 cars and the headlights still look new after few years. Example is my 2001 Audi A8L with about 3 years since the restoration and applying 3M Clear Bra film over the lenses:
The cutting part is very easy and will take you probably less than 5 minutes being very careful and detailed.
I washed my car tonight using a new pressure washer and then put the meguires headlight protectant and. Did not wax.... But after a few hours I was very impressed by the looks of them. Plus I have a new phone with a nice camera (v20)
Just to quickly update this thread, I originally went with the Sylvania headlight restoration kit and it didn't seem to last that long to me.
Next, I had a local guy do my headlights and they looked good initially but I questioned his process immediately because he didn't apply a clear coat. Headlights became crazy hazy
This week, I used the 3M Heavy Duty kit and I have been very impressed with the results thus far. The kit was only $20 on eBay. I honestly never realized how great the factory headlights were until after I applied this kit. I know have a visible cut-off line. I'll update the thread regarding the longetivity of the restoration.
Forgot to take a before picture, but here are how the headlights curently look at the moment.
When you take away the original OEM UV protectant, you're exposing the plastics even more to the elements. You have to apply a clear coat or clear vinyl or the hazing will come back with full force even more quickly.
the headlight restoration kits work well but they do not last. sand/debris in the air will chip away at the finish as you drive
it needs a sacrificial layer on top of the headlight. clear paint protection film works best. i bought a pre-cut set in 2015 and to this day my headlights look great. prior to putting on the film i used the sylvania kit
the headlight restoration kits work well but they do not last. sand/debris in the air will chip away at the finish as you drive
This is true, it'll continue to weather over time, BUT it's very easy to compound them by hand for 1 minute each headlight once a year so it's essentially a non issue.
This is true, it'll continue to weather over time, BUT it's very easy to compound them by hand for 1 minute each headlight once a year so it's essentially a non issue.
Originally Posted by thoiboi
Sealing is always #1 priority after clearing.. a lot of people don't understand that
09-08-2017, 10:47 PM
(v20)
