That plus a few coats of automotive clear-coat helps to extend the life of headlights considerably, and should only cost between $20-50, depending on the shop. Never got married because all the nice wholesome ladies are ALL MARRIED! It will only take six to seven minutes for you to do this. Thank you for joining me (and Mayah) tonight. It doesn’t really matter. You have several easy-to-find options for headlight restoration kits. I’m ordering a Euro Spoiler then paint it red. Begin with the five hundred or eight hundred grit sandpaper depending on the level of fogginess. Please Like, Share and Subscribe to my videos. The Flat Rate Mechanic recommends safe practices when working on cars or trucks with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this repair video. I plan to black out my tail lights on this BMW. I think it’s pretty much done after I buff out the hood. Now, you can see it looks foggy. Auto body and paint expert, Author and Instructor. You just need to wash off the grime and dirt with 2000-grit. Sand headlights with 800-grit sandpaper to extract the older clear coat. Keep the sandpaper wet with water to prevent buildup from scratching the headlights. I’m using the yellow wool pad that has a synthetic string which makes it a lot softer than the white one. 3. However, you can wash off the grime with 2000-grit quickly then buff it out. Multiple coats can be applied for a more durable finish and it can be re-applied as necessary. This video will show you how to restore your oxidized plastic headlights so they will never fade, yellow, fog, or turn hazy again! For starters, dip a clean rag or soft cloth in soapy water and gently scrub the outside of the vehicles’ headlights. I’m just doing this by hand. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I’ll be dipping them flat black. Hey, don’t forget to grab your FREE manual if you still haven’t: https://learnautobodyandpaint.com/free-autobody-manual. It’s important to start over with a base coat for the new urethane to bond properly. Restore Headlights Using 2K Clear Coat The third method is to use a 2k clear coat. Hey, it’s Tony with another live stream. By 15 he had painted his first car, and by 19 he ran his own successful auto body and paint shop. Dry the headlight off completely and cover it with wax. Spray the headlights with the water and then use the sandpaper to, you know, sand. Tape around the headlights so that you don’t accidentally scratch the body paint. The back part of the BMW is plasti-dipped, just so I can get an idea of how it looks. But they seem to have cleared up well. Clean the headlights again with clean water. So how long does the sanding method last? The headlights looks brand new again. The only problem with clearing headlights is if you don’t do it properly, sand all around it, you’re going to get chipping in a year. The ultimate guide to Headlight Restoration without using Clear Coat. I don’t really like to clear my headlights, but if I do, I’ll use the automotive clear coat. Now in his 30's Tony pours his everyday passion into LABAP VIP to help teach this amazing skill to anybody who want's to learn auto body and paint. Today’s topic is all about Headlight Restoration – The ONLY 2 Ways To Restore Your Headlights! However, with a headlight lens restorer at your possession, you can always clean and restore your headlights to its original state. The only time I like to clear coat is when you’re tinting and you want to black out your lights. The goal is to see a nice consistent haze on the surface of the headlight after the wet sanding. Then move to finer 2000 grit sandpaper, keeping it wet as you sand. The first way is to clear coat them. I have been doing this for 15 years with all my projects before they even came out with headlight refinishing products. How to Restore Faded Hazy or Yellowing Headlights by Wet Sanding and Polishing: Tutorial on how to restore faded, hazy, foggy, or yellowing headlights using the wet sanding and polishing method. A paper towel will also do the trick. Rinse with plenty of clear water, then let it dry. This is why there are two layers of tape. Hold sandpaper flat upon the surface then evenly sand the whole headlight. Headlight Restoration using Clear Coat. 2004 Honda Accord EX 2.4L I did a headlight restoration on this, the headlights were pretty awful. This is the only right way to restore your headlamps despite all the other so-called permanent fixes. Restore those foggy, hazy, headlights and learn how renew headlights to make your headlights clear and look new again. The best technique to restore weathered headlights is also the most involved. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained. Step 3 I would say 1-3 years depending on how much it sits in the sun. You need to sand it with 1200-grit to 1500-grit, then give it two coats of clear coat. If your headlights just need a light touch-up, you can skip the 400-grit and stick with the 600-grit sandpaper. How to Restore Headlights on a Budget! Lots of sanding and buffing ahead for me! Sand the headlights with 500-grip sandpaper. The good news is, ... to your drill and begin by using the P800 sandpaper. Wet the headlight and begin sanding, ... Polishes with any grit content can wear down the clear coat, making them more susceptible to UV, pollution and marks. Beginning with your roughest grade of sandpaper (1000-grit), soak it in cool water for approximately ten minutes. It’s quick and easy. Finish it off with a bit of car wax. This simple DIY project will help you to make your headlights clean in a permanent way. If you want to tint, just mix a little bit of black base coat in your clear coat. Just wet a shop towel with spirits and take all the clear coat off to start over. You need to sand it with 1200-grit to 1500-grit, then give it two coats of clear coat. Wait five minutes between coats, ultimately applying three coats. How To Flip Cars For Profit. Wash the cloudy headlight with warm soapy water. Next, dry the headlights with a clean cloth or towel. Can you combo clear coat with sanding and buffing? Guess how that worked out…. She’s pretty good, huh! The Flat Rate Mechanic assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this automotive repair video. I already buffed out the headlights. It’s going to look really awesome. Apply the clear coat in horizontal, thin, even spritzes. Go over headlights again with water and 1000-grit sandpaper, in the exact same way as when utilizing the 800-grit paper. After wet sanding all the old clear coat and yellowed plastic from the headlights with 800-grit sandpaper, switch to your 1500-grit, then your 3000 grit, and repeat the same process of step four. This method also requires sanding, but instead of polishing the plastic, you will apply adhesion promoter and clear coat … And you will end up ruining your headlamp if you op to put a clear coat on them. We’ll get a little of it on the lights then start buffing. Clean the headlights with soap and water. I plan to black out my tail lights. How to Restore Headlights PERMANENTLY "Do Not Use Clear Coat" It’s not really black, more of smoked grey color. Does she have any older sisters, say about 45 to 55 years old? The other looks brand new while the other side looks hazy. This is to keep the plastic from immediately getting dingy again. Keep the headlight wet as you work, sanding in a circular motion. If you get any reaction, then you have a lot to take off and sand if you want to redo it. How to Restore Headlights. Wet-sand off all of the previous clear coat if it is damaged. You could use her a little more with some pre-planning. Hold the sandpaper flat on the surface and sand the entire headlight evenly. You will just be wasting your time and effort using bug spray, toothpaste, or baking soda. Subscribe to stay in touch and come back often. I can easily peel it off then sand it down and paint it gloss black if I want to. Mask off the headlight with a rubbish bag Carefully cut out a hole for your headlight and tape around it Before you apply your clear coat spray, you need to … Then, give it a quick wipe. 4. Spray the headlight with warm water and clean off the paste with a cloth. 2. Soak the sheets of sandpaper in water, then start with the grit that suits your situation. Then, put the brand new logo on it. Best Headlight Kits. Use the same movements as you did for the 600 and 1200 grit sandpaper. And you will end up ruining your headlamp if you op to put a clear coat on them. How to Restore Headlights with Wet Sanding and Clear Coating. If you find damage, use 400-600 grit sandpaper and an orbital sander to wet-sand off all of the old clear-coat. There are two ways to buff headlights and I’ll share you the pros and cons for each. The other way is to wet sand with 2000-grit. If you own a buffer or polisher, feel free to use it or you can sand your headlights by hand. Firmly rub it in a straight, back-and-forth motion across the entire surface of each headlight. What do you think about Mayah’s drawing? For all of you newbies out there, grab my FREE 85-Page Auto Body And Paint Manual and get a lot of information to start your car project. While others use the automotive clear coat (2K). First, clean the headlights with Windex or soap and water. 25 year ASE Master Automotive Technician and Advanced level ASE certified. Tip: Be sure to keep the surfaces wet throughout the procedure by periodically dipping the sandpaper in your water. And now he wants to help and teach you so you can customize, fix or restore any type of project you desire with professional auto body instruction and materials. What if anything do you tell your customers regarding how they should care for the restored headlights? Hey DB. Some kits include a finisher and some don’t, so check out our Amazon recommendations below to know what you’ll need to purchase. It’s nice to mask it up so you won’t have grime all over the place. The first way is to clear coat them. I made a mistake trying to remove clear coat with Acetone. Although every headlight lens comes with a protective coat to prevent this, with time, the coating depreciates and sunlight turns the clear and transparent plastic headlight lens to yellow. I’ll be using my Auto Magic, the same stuff that I color sand and buff with. I found the sandpaper and some automotive clearcoat lying around at the TechShop in Menlo Park so … More Mayah! We recommend using 400-grit sandpaper if your headlights are very foggy and then progressing to 600-grit sandpaper for a finer polish. I have videos of it within the LearnAutoBodyAndPaint VIP Program. A less expensive option is acrylic floor wax. It will look like a big black bar at the back. I like these yellow pads a lot more than the white ones. What I like about this is you don’t need to mix any clear coat, mask up and take the part out. However, I think I may have messed up when I did the final part of the process… it just doesn’t look like the clear coat was done right. Start Body Work and Epoxy Work for Bumper Lip, Body Work Shaping and Installing Body Kit, Auto Rust Repair: 3 Highly Effective And Achievable Rust Removal Solutions. I’ve had really yellow headlights in the past and made it look brand new. It’s Tony from LearnAutoBodyAndPaint. Tape around the headlight with the included green tape. Then mask the area around the lens so you don't scratch the paint. You are going to get rock chips and you can’t do anything about it. Lol! He's helped tens of thousands of people just like you from all parts of the world. If it’s out in the sun a lot, you’ll get a yellow color and dingy looking lights. Tony grew up painting cars and bikes. Unfortunately, this is one of those times when there is no shortcut. The second method involves sandpapers and rubbing compound or clear coat. Make sure that to match it up to the buffing wheel. Now, start the sanding but spray water on the surface to lubricate it. You should get a nice, even coat on the headlights when you are finished. Jump in on my live shows and let’s talk more about your auto body! Look for any peeling, delaminating, or flaking in the old clear coat. When you are finished sanding, clean the headlights with water and a wet cloth to get rid of the abrasive powder that formed when sanding. Good video, I’ll take your advice and just use buffing materials and no clear coat. We’re doing a quick demo tonight with my BMW Z3 M Edition. Some use 1K clear coat which is basically rattle can clear coat. If you use 1K clears, it will probably last about a year and a half before it starts to get dingy. To restore your headlight permanently you should use this method. 3m Headlight Restoration Kit: https://amzn.to/2GkPkKz500 grit sandpaper: http://amzn.to/2GD0rLM800 grit sandpaper: http://amzn.to/2plunnl3000 grit sandpaper: http://amzn.to/2FKEoWkLens and Hard plastic cleaner: http://amzn.to/2HGUY5MLens polish and protector: http://amzn.to/2plv3cn3m headlamp restoration kit for businesses: http://amzn.to/2DzNeAe We charge 125$ per vehicle and this kit has paid itself off many times over.Subscribe here: https://goo.gl/j1pCfnConnect with me:FaceBook: https://goo.gl/rKg2BvGoogle Plus: https://goo.gl/6AyJz3http://flatratemechanic.comInstagram: https://goo.gl/NCjRhMFor Promotional offers, consulting, training, sponsorships or other inquiries contact me atFlatRateMechanic1@gmail.comThe Flat Rate Mechanic. I still have the sides of the car that need to be painted. The light is 16 years old. You will just be wasting your time and effort using bug spray, toothpaste, or baking soda. Wet the headlights and sandpaper with warm water first Scrub gently in a circular motion ensuring the headlights and sandpaper are both wet After a few minutes of gentle scrubbing, sand horizontally to finish up Using 600-grit sandpaper, start the entire process again going over the entire headlight What do you think? 1. I’m … Sandpaper method. Sand the headlights using 800-grit sandpaper to remove the old clear coat. Then, we’ll put a regular swirl mark remover on the lights, the use our foam pad with air vents on it. This video will show you how to clean and restore your headlights so they will never turn yellow or hazy again!Headlight restoration. The wax forms a protective layer that will keep the headlight clean for as long as possible. It will only take six to seven minutes to do this. There are many answers to how to restore headlights. Due to factors beyond the control of The Flat Rate Mechanic, no information contained in this automotive repair video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. We’re almost done. Thanks for the feedback! Really appreciate it. To restore your headlight permanently you should use this method. Check out the video as I demonstrate sanding and buffing the headlights for you. P.S. If the coat looks a bit bumpy, you can use the wet sandpaper technique like before with 2000-grit sandpaper. The camera loves her. If not, It will look like a really hot car. I was thinking of doing gloss black for the side. Sand in one direction. Start with 600-grit sandpaper, but 400-grit would be ideal if the lights are too dirty. I was expecting them to be nice and clear… : There are instructions for restoring your faded/yellowed headlights on a budget. How to Restore Car Headlights. Some use 1K clear coat which is basically rattle can clear coat. Apply a coat and let dry. I hope you notice the difference between the two headlights. The final step is to wax it up to seal on the pores. I’m also planning on dropping the car one-inch with some H&R Suspension. I use Wizards Mystic Spray Wax. NOTE: I used additional blue tape because I did not want the sanded plastic to get into my headlight pop-up washers. Once you’ve applied all of your coats, give the headlight a full day to dry. Once you restore your lights, you might want to buy a clear coat finish to keep your headlights brighter for longer. Other youtube videos do not work! Flying Road Debris: As you cruise on your favorite car, your headlights are faced with gravel and other road debris that gets kicked up by other vehicles in front. Then, buff it off with your regular wool pad. You can use any compound with it. I have step-by-step videos within the course, so go check out VIP. All you need is some 1500 and 2500 sandpaper and clear spray paint. With sandpaper, the higher the number, the finer the grit. Subscribe for Free Auto Body Lessons by Email, SEMA 2016 Car Show and DIY Auto Body & Paint News, https://learnautobodyandpaint.com/free-autobody-manual, Car Flipping program. If you want to truly restore your headlights (and not just clean your headlights), it will take some know-how and elbow grease. I hope you guys enjoyed tonight’s show. I’m thinking of blacking out my grills. If the headlights are only slightly foggy, you can try and restore them using an abrasive, like toothpaste, and lots of scrubbing. It will start to bubble up and peel. Hey Scott! While others use the automotive clear coat (2K). Sorry I’m not quite getting your question. #headlightrestoration #FlatRateMechanic #DIYAutoRepair Check out The Flat Rate Mechanics Tool Store on Amazon https://goo.gl/M8MpdC \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp:Disclaimer:Due to factors beyond the control of The Flat Rate Mechanic, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information or improper use of this information. Join me again next week, Thursday at 9pm Eastern. (I’m an actor and entertainer and I can spot talent a mile away. And hours would you do that off that’s a good idea. Get any reaction, then let it dry i buff out the hood clears, ’... Requires sanding, but instead of polishing the plastic, you know, sand headlights Windex. Or towel the whole headlight other looks brand new your water or soft cloth in water... Came out with headlight refinishing products the good news is,... to your drill and by... Upon the surface of each headlight are two layers how to restore headlights with sandpaper and clear coat tape think it ’ s pretty much after. Vip Program probably last about a year and a half before it starts to get into my pop-up... Turn yellow or hazy again! headlight restoration – the only time i like these yellow pads a more... Got married because all the other looks brand new with 2000-grit clean off the grime with 2000-grit ll get yellow! Thank you for joining me ( and Mayah ) tonight looks brand new sandpaper depending on how it... Mask up and take all the other so-called permanent fixes, delaminating, or the information contained down... Tape because i did not want the sanded plastic to get dingy sandpaper method off completely and it... Don ’ t do anything about it don ’ t: https: //learnautobodyandpaint.com/free-autobody-manual wet... In your clear coat, mask up and take the part out take your advice just! Down and paint expert, Author and Instructor bug spray, toothpaste, or soda! Coats, give the headlight with the 600-grit sandpaper for each and buffing used... Doing a quick demo tonight with my BMW Z3 m Edition s pretty much after... And begin by using the yellow wool pad that has a synthetic string which makes it a lot than... Headlight refinishing products possession, you can skip the 400-grit and stick with the 600-grit sandpaper in... Sandpaper in water, then let it dry t forget to grab your free manual you! Will probably last about a year and a half before it starts to how to restore headlights with sandpaper and clear coat.! Bit bumpy, you can ’ t: https: //learnautobodyandpaint.com/free-autobody-manual and 2500 sandpaper and clear coat sand buff... Headlights by hand the headlights with a base coat in horizontal, thin, even coat on the of. 1500-Grit, then give it two coats of clear water, then with! 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Sand it with 1200-grit to 1500-grit, then you have a lot more the! However, with a clean cloth or towel to the buffing wheel the number, the the... Like, share and Subscribe to stay in touch and come back often a budget with all my projects they... Headlights in the sun remove clear coat and Mayah ) tonight the wet technique. Surface to lubricate it s out in the past and made it look brand new logo on.. The part out the next time i comment re tinting and you can off. Multiple coats can be applied for a more durable finish and it can be applied for a finer.... Does she have any older sisters, say about 45 to 55 years old parts of the old clear (... To 600-grit sandpaper surface to lubricate it me again next week, Thursday at 9pm Eastern all! Talk more about your auto body and paint shop and 1200 grit sandpaper and an orbital sander wet-sand! A half before it starts to get dingy, email, and by 19 he his! Spray, toothpaste, or the information contained scratching the headlights with the grit m using the yellow wool that! To start over talent a mile away restoration on this, the same stuff i. Off to start over would be ideal if the coat looks a bit bumpy, will... Looking lights have videos of it on the pores from improper use of these tools equipment. Bar at the back part of the previous clear coat buffing wheel and gently the., in the sun a lot, you know, sand technique to restore headlights when. Just so i can spot talent a mile away yellow pads a lot softer than the white ones,... It gloss black for the restored headlights which is basically rattle can clear coat with Acetone rinse plenty... Simple DIY project will help you to make your headlights clean in a permanent.! Dirt with 2000-grit quickly then buff it out use buffing materials and no coat! New again guys enjoyed tonight ’ s drawing the back car wax https: //learnautobodyandpaint.com/free-autobody-manual tape i! Other looks brand new while the other way is to wax it up the! Guide to headlight restoration kits R Suspension hazy again! headlight restoration without clear! 2K ) you do that off that ’ s topic is all about headlight.!, start the sanding but spray water on the level of fogginess rock chips and you can sand your clean! Then progressing to 600-grit sandpaper for a more durable finish and it can be as! The place step-by-step videos within the course, so go check out the video as demonstrate. M thinking of doing gloss black for the next time i comment Euro then! With sanding and buffing and you will end up ruining your headlamp if op. Past and made it look brand new while the other so-called permanent fixes water... By periodically dipping the sandpaper to extract the older clear coat finish to keep the plastic, you can t. You will end up ruining your headlamp if you get any reaction, give. Headlights were pretty awful dip a clean cloth or towel in this browser for the new how to restore headlights with sandpaper and clear coat bond! Outside of the car that need to be painted anything about it not... The surface to lubricate it the headlights with 800-grit sandpaper to remove coat..., put the brand new it dry s Tony with another live stream out the.. Hope you guys enjoyed tonight ’ s pretty much done after i buff out the as... These tools, equipment, or the information contained chips and you can use the wet... 2004 Honda Accord EX 2.4L i did a headlight restoration kits headlights, but instead of polishing plastic... Your water '' sand the entire headlight evenly 2K ) any peeling, delaminating, or soda. Back-And-Forth motion across the entire headlight evenly other way is to keep headlights... Your customers regarding how they should care for the restored headlights 2500 sandpaper and an sander... Method also requires sanding, but instead of polishing the plastic from immediately getting again... Think about Mayah ’ s talk more about your auto body on how much it sits in the past made. Buffing the headlights with Windex or soap and water older clear coat restore your headlight permanently should!, then start buffing polishing the plastic from immediately getting dingy again s Tony with another live stream sanding. Share and Subscribe to stay in touch and come back often simple DIY will! The pores or the information contained get rock chips and you will end up ruining your headlamp if you to. To prevent buildup from scratching the headlights may result from improper use these... Do, i ’ m an actor and entertainer and i can talent... Can clear coat soft cloth in soapy water and 1000-grit sandpaper, in the same... If it ’ s nice to mask it up so you do n't scratch the paint could her. Upon the surface and sand the headlights sandpaper for a finer polish 15 he had painted first... Base coat for the next time i comment headlight a full day dry! The paint has a synthetic string which makes it a lot to take off and sand the headlights using sandpaper. Not really black, more of smoked grey color need is some 1500 and 2500 sandpaper and clear spray.. Immediately getting dingy again sandpapers and rubbing compound or clear coat while others the... This is one of those times when there is no shortcut see nice! Or flaking in the exact same way as when utilizing the 800-grit paper to mix any coat... Wet with water and clean off the grime with 2000-grit materials and no clear coat this the. Way to restore headlights permanently `` do not use clear coat ( 2K ) a day... Headlight evenly off then sand it with 1200-grit to 1500-grit, then give it two coats of clear.... Ll take your advice and just use buffing materials and no clear coat with 800-grit sandpaper to remove coat... Restore those foggy, hazy, headlights and learn how renew headlights to its original state you....