Headlight restoration is a process that removes the yellowing and oxidation from your headlights lens. This process involves restoring the clarity of your headlights and makes them look like new again. Not only do hazy oxidized headlights look bad, they also decrease the value of your car. Therefore, on top of making your car look better, you’re actually going to help increase the value of the car by fixing your headlights.

What Causes Oxidized Headlights?

When you drive, small particles of dirt, dust, and debris chip away at the protective layer on the lens and gets embedded into your headlights. These particles mix with moisture to create a chemical reaction that causes your headlights to turn yellow/hazy over time.

Why should I restore my headlight lenses?

Restoring your headlight lenses will not only make them look better, but it will also improve their function by giving you better visibility at night and during inclement weather conditions like rain or fog.

How To Restore Your Headlights Step-by-Step

There are a few ways to restore your hazy headlights to almost new. You can use a headlight restoration kit that contains everything you need to get the job done in one package. Or, you can use the traditional toothpaste and baking soda method to clear your headlight lenses. However, these methods are only temporary and will result in your headlights oxidizing over again.

To do the job with longevity in mind, follow the steps below for the best possible results that will last. Firstly, you will need to prepare the following:

• Garbage bags
• Masking tape
• Paper towels
• Sand paper (400, 600 & 2000 grit)
• Spray bottle full of water or a hose
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Gloss clear coat for plastic that’s non-yellowing and UV resistant

Step 1: If your headlights are easily removable then we suggest to remove them as it’s much easier to restore them off the car.

Step 2: Tape around the entire perimeter of your headlight, ensuring none of the paintwork is visible.

Step 3: If your headlights are really bad, start off by lubricating your 400 grit sandpaper and the headlight with water.

Step 4: Begin to lightly sand in a circular motion whilst constantly keeping the surface lubricated with your water.

Step 5: Then, begin to sand horizontally across your headlight.

Step 6: Now, with your 600 grit sandpaper and as you did with the 400 grit, begin to sand in a circular followed by a horizontal motion across your headlight (remembering to keep the surface wet). Note, you can apply a little more pressure with the 600 grit.

Step 7: Clean down your headlight with your water and a paper towel ready for the 2000 grit. This will help to prevent cause further damage from any left over grit from the previous wet & dry stages.

Step 8: Again, lightly sand in circular and horizontal motions with your wet and dry sandpaper, adding a light pressure.

Step 9: Dry the surface of the headlight with a clean paper towel. This should reveal a hazed, smooth, uniform finish which is what you want.

Step 10: Apply some of your Isopropyl Alcohol to a clean paper towel and wipe down your headlight. The alcohol helps to remove any oils from your hands that may have gotten on to the headlight, and it also helps to dry the headlight quickly.

Step 11: Next, tape your garbage bag to the surrounding areas, ensuring plenty of coverage to avoid overspray.

Step 12: Ensure the headlight is clean by wiping it over with more alcohol and leaving to haze over again before applying your clear coat.

Step 13: With your can of clear, apply 3 layers of light, even coats with around 5 minutes drying time in between layers. Ensure you get all angles of the headlight for the best results. After applying all 3 layers, leave to dry for at least 24 hours for the paint to fully cure.

Step 14: After 24 hours have passed you can either leave it as is, or wet sand it as you had done previously with 3000 grit to remove any orange peel.

Step 15: Clean the lens with isopropyl alcohol and apply Carnuba car wax. To do this, simply dab a clean microfibre towel into the wax and work the product into the headlight in circular motions. Once dry, wipe off the wax with a clean micro fibre towel and you’re all set.