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

Polishing headlights is ridiculously easy, however they always seem to yellow again after a couple months (or less). The reason being is that by polishing the headlights to remove the yellowed plastic, you remove what is left of the ultra violet (UV) OEM coating on the plastic. So, to fix it, you need to add some form of UV protection back to the headlight lense. Here is how I did it.

I started out with Meguiar's PlastX, and a cloth buffing wheel on my battery drill. That gets rid of the yellow oxidized layer of plastic on the headlights. Its pretty quick work with the battery drill.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1413208640



Here we have one light done, and the other obviously not done. I had just done these about 3 or 4 months ago and you can already see how bad they were without re-adding some form of UV protection.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1413208640



To add that UV protection, I grabbed some spar urethane. You add some mineral spirits to cut it. Use a 50/50 mix. Then dab a cloth in the urethane and rub it on the headlight. You barely need any to do the lights as this stuff is thin. I used a quarter sized drop of each on a yogurt lid and that was more than enough.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1413208640



And of course, here are some of the before and after pics of the light to show how pretty it is now.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1413208897

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1413208897

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1413208897

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1413208897



I haven't seen how long this lasts. I've read it'll last 2 years. I actually would like to put another coat or two on since its so thin. Seems like that would give you a bit more time.

Very nice! I recently buffed up the Civic's headlights, but didn't coat them yet.

Oddly enough, yesterday I bought some Blue Magic headlight sealer. It was on clearance for 67 cents so I figured I couldn't go wrong. Haven't used it yet but most of the reviews were positive.

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.

I normally use plastix to give the lamps a like new appearance when I detail.

I was watching an episode of chop cut rebuild and they had a mustang they were redoing with driving lamps and retro fit halogen lamps. Chip Foose sanded the brand new lamps til they looked hazed over, then clear coated them. I dont recall why he did that, nor can I find it online, but it made the prism, lines and such really stood out afterwards.

Automotive clear coat works too, just most of us don't just have clear coat laying around and a sprayer. :)

I did this 5 yrs ago on the Q45. THe key is to re-seal the lens.
Nice explanation.

What method did you use to polish and seal?

I had bought a kit from auto geek com that included a sealer. It's backed away or I'd give you the brand name

.

When I redo plastic head and tail light lens, I use 2000-3000 grit wet-dry sandpaper. Then, while using a garden hose, I wet sand the lens. It usually takes about a minute per lens and will easily remove heavy oxidation. I then use a polymer based wax like Nu finish to buff and seal it. Since this method lasts several months I haven't seen the need to clear coat the lens, as it would make the process of re furbishing the lens the next time more difficult.

However, sometimes it is easier to replace the lens assemble on some vehicles, especially older models.

I've found good prices here.

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/catalog.php


:)

>

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.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1413578434




And an after shot.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1413578434



Right side done, left side cleaned but not done.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1413578434




Both sides done with urethane on them.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1413578434

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

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!

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.

I need to do this on at least one vehicle.

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

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

toothpaste
 

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

After screwing around with my crappy headlights for way too long, I just replaced them:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-da...headlights.jpg
Best $70 I've spent in a long time.

< getting in an accident because I can't see.

How to keep those pearly whites...and lights.
 

WD-40 debugging, Windex prep, plenty Arm & Hammer toothpaste on clean rag with vigorous kagite uke blocking movements and finally Windex chaser.
The bug spray could melt plastic trim and ruin paint.

This is what a few of my local body shops will use. There is aerosol clear coat which should work too.

Ahh, another one of my projects I haven't gotten around to.

I'd like to do that then upgrade my headlights to XtraVision Sylvanias.

I thought the Echo's headlights were a nice step up from those in my Mustang. Then I started driving the wife's Kia and WOW. Good headlights are such a nice luxury at night.

I've been very happy with the urethane UV sealant over the buffed headlights on the Metro so far. Its been about 5 months now and they still look nice and clear. It also super easy to apply.

I wish I would have thought of that years ago! Would have saved so much time sanding and buffing!

Pete

How long has that lasted?

It seems like on Amazon, it generally lasts around six months before the lights return to their original state.

Assuming you're asking me, I can't say it's a "one & done" application because I routinely "wipe" the lenses down with a thin coat of the sealer after each (infrequent) car wash. So far, all's well...yellowing not being seen.

I tried cleaning my yellowed lens...it got better but still far from 100%. However, I bit the bullet and got a set of Sylvania XtraVision bulbs...night and day difference. Good headlights feel so luxurious...

I'll have to work on that lens some more. There may be no possibility of saving it. 15 years of neglect will do that...

I figured I'd post an update on the Metro's headlights. Its been over 6 months now. But, a lot of those months have been winter, so lower temps and not as much sun hours. However, I always park into the sun in winter for cabin heat, so they do see all the sun during the day.

Here are some pics. Its not super easy to see from the pics, but they are a little hazy.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1430400560

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1430400560



When time allows, I will be redoing the headlights again. This time I'll probably sand them down with 2000 grit like the DIY I read said to do. Then I'll add the urethane. I'll probably also add a few coats of it. I imagine that doing this will build up the urethane thickness and give a longer lasting protective coating.

Awesome, I was wondering how they'd be looking after this long. I know that Ecky sanded down his headlights in the past and they looked amazing in the picture he posted, but I seem to recall him saying something about how they were slightly hazy up close.

I was at the store the other day and found this product on the shelf. I looked at the list of contents and it includes everything you need including: sand paper, rubbing compound with cloth, and a sealer. Not bad for $12, and less messing around for sure.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1432818834

Nice find. I've never even looked at the list of materials in one of those, I always just assumed it'd be some compound, glass cleaner, and a few microfiber cloths, or something.

I'm a big fan of the 3M headlight restore kit over anything else on the market. 500 grit,1000 grit sandings, then a water buffing and polishing. Lasts for years, in all kinds of weather conditions. Note It requires the same prep as painting, masking off the painted areas, paint protection, etc. I did my neighbor 2005 insight three years ago an they are still haze free. And she parks outside in the California sun 365.

The 3m kit has a sealer in it then?

They do come at a price, much shorter life. Sometimes the problem is old wiring, and, especially on vws poor wiring, such as a lack of a relay.

I have had the same problems with an old CRV. Buffing compound does the trick on a buffer works best.

My autobody teacher said to spray it with clearcoat. I've seen it in a can. Don't know if that type works. (Most sprays are poor quality.)

sounds like a candidate for a 3m kit if you have a drill, very bad lenses will barely benefit from plastX alone, the first stage of the 3m kit is basically like taking your lights to a grinder untill the yellowing is gone, the rest of the kit is taking that rough lens back to to smooth and clear. the kit only comes with a foil pack of rubbing compund for the final stage. i use plastX with the foam attachment from the 3m kit to maintain the lights every so often
no sealer, the masking is necessary to protect painted surfaces around the lights, especially for the early / aggressive stages

I have a 1994 Corolla, parked outside in South Florida ever since new. I have never seen a lens as bad as mine....ever. I started with a 600 grit and spent lots of time with it. Then a 1000 grit, 2000, then 3000, buffing, then coat with a sealer. I usually get 4-6 good months and then it turns cloudy again. I have extremely deep cracks and scratches from all the scorching sun. I'm going to try again, but this time with a 320 grit, then 600, and on and on. I will do my best to post pictures.

Once you've stripped them down once (I use the Blue Magic now to strip them), you can keep up with them pretty easily.
I buffed Turtle's out back in the day, and they looked like new lenses. Now they just need a little maintenance every time the car is waxed.

I need to buff out Ron Burgundy's like I did on Turtle, I'm jealous looking at my handiwork from back in the day.

I agree with worthrj, the Florida sun makes anything you do to the headlights a temporary measure at best.

sounds like a possible candidate for...
off brand lamps start at $27 ona 94 corolla, i didnt go that route because i was looking at $100 ea, and they cleaned up pretty nicely

semi-restored original 1994 headlights. Nowhere near perfect.
 

Attachment 17988

Attachment 17989

Attachment 17990

Passenger side was worked on.
Drivers side was left foggy.

600 grit, 1000 grit, 3000 grit, then plast-x, then sealer

The last headlight service was done on the car about 4 months ago.

These are original headlights to the car