Headlight Restoration...Do-it-Yourself & Save Money

Are you having trouble seeing when driving at night, due to dull and dirty headlights?

• Well, restore them yourself and save.

• The results will be astonishing and so clear.

• More visibility equals safer driving.

• You will wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

Not only do they look better and newer, they provide more light for increased visibility and your safe driving.

Remember, cars are made of 60% plastic, that includes the headlights. Of course, this does not refer to the older model cars that have glass headlights. Plastic can be polished or cleaned. I have included two different methods to restore, or polish headlights. Restoration is used to remove the cloudy, yellowish and dull coloring on headlights by polishing. Essentially you are polishing plastic.

Method #1: Wet Sand, Machine Buff, Wax (Lasts approximately a month)

How to wet sand: Wet sand by using a bucket of water with a little dish soap added and a sponge or rag. The sandpaper must be wet at all times, do this by constantly wetting headlight with spong/rag.

• Simply wet sand the headlight with 800 grit sandpaper, until the yellowish color is no longer visible.
• Sand again with 1000 grit sandpaper. If there are still scratches, use 1500 grit too.
• Using a machine buffer, and compound, a medium or fine compound will do, no need to buy the expensive one, buff the headlight until you are happy with the way it looks, because at this point you may be laughing at how clear it looks...just like new!
• Finally apply a car wax, of your choice, to the headlight for a finishing touch.

If you choose this method, you will need to repeat this about once a month.

You will know when it is needed because they will begin to get the yellowish color back.

Method #2: Wet Sand, Machine Buff, Clear Coat, Wax (Lasts approx. 6 months to 1 year)

How to wet sand: Wet sand by using a bucket of water with a little dish soap added and a sponge or rag. The sandpaper must be wet at all times, do this by constantly wetting headlight with spong/rag.

• Begin by wet sanding the headlight with 800 grit sandpaper, until the yellowish color is no long visible. Then again with 1000 grit, then with 1500 grit.
• Prepare surrounding area from any overspray. You will need to cover and tape the area of the car surrounding the headlight. At this point, only the headlight is visible.(If you choose to, the headlight can be removed, but will require more time than it's worth.)
• Clean the headlight thoroughly by using a blue shop towel. Must be completely dry.
• Spray the entire headlight with a clear coat spray can, using a very light coat. Wait for it to dry, 5 to 10 minutes between coats, depending on the weather. Do a total of 4 to 6 coats, until it is clear and like new, to your satisfaction. (Do not attempt to spray it all at once, as this will cause runs or dripping, and you will have to start over.)
• If you are happy with the way they look you are done!
• If any runs are visible because you sprayed too much at once, don't worry. Let it completely dry, by waiting 1 to 2 hours, depending on the type of clear coat used (see label on can).
• Lightly remove runs using 1000 grit sandpaper, the 1500 grit over the entire headlight.
• Machine buff with compound (medium or fine compound).
• Finally, apply wax to the headlight, using a car wax of your choice.

By using this method, your headlights will remain clear for aproximately 6 months to a year.