How to polish headlights so it lasts (re-adding UV protection)

[Daox]

My wife polished up and sealed the Metro's headlights the other night. Since I'll actually be keeping this car for a while, I'll have to remember to report back to see how its worked.

Here is a before shot.






And an after shot.





Right side done, left side cleaned but not done.






Both sides done with urethane on them.

[thomason2wheels]

Originally Posted by Daox

I just became aware of the blue magic sealer the other day when I was going through a box of stuff I got from my uncle. In it was some blue magic headlight restoring compound. I quickly read the directions and it said 'for best results, use with blue magic sealer'. According to the reviews on amazon it works about 6 months to a year. That pint of urethane cost me $15 plus $5 for the mineral spirits. Blue Magic headlight sealer is $8 a bottle on amazon right now.

If it actually lasts, I'd probably prefer the urethane just because I'm lazy and willing to pay a little more (and that pint will last me forever). Time will tell.

The can of varnish will go bad before you can use it all. I wonder what the realistic shelf life of the varnish is?

[cowmeat]

Grrrrrrrrrrrr!

Now you made me go and polish mine! I Use that Blue Magic restorer, followed by a good buffing with my cone buffer and some color restorer wax, then a top coat of synthetic wax.

Dang, you can see the inside now!

[Daox]

The urethane has been holding up great on the Metro. There is still no fading. It hasn't been super long and its also winter, so there is less sun. However, I'm happy so far.

[oil pan 4]

I need to do this on at least one vehicle.

[sokdo]

lots of good info.... i've been using plastic X also

[MobilOne]

And with the Rockauto replacement you get new bulbs which make a difference as well.

[johnlvs2run]

I polished the covers with Trader Joe's fennel toothpaste, water and a cloth 9 months ago, and the headlights are still clear.

[Xist]

I used my buffer months ago and do not remember which headlight I buffed.

Unlike my hood, everybody knows which side I buffed!

[darcane]

After screwing around with my crappy headlights for way too long, I just replaced them:

Best $70 I've spent in a long time.