Headlight Restoration Using Cerakote Ceramic Restoration Kit || Restoring My Cayenne Headlights

Рет қаралды 86,927

Жыл бұрын

If you have an older vehicle with plastic headlights, then chances are, you have headlights that are foggy and yellow. Plastic headlights oxidize overtime and this oxidation will cause your headlights to be less effective, especially at night when you need them the most, making it more difficult to see and could affect your safety. To resolve this issue, you have essentially only two options: spend a lot of money to replace your headlights with brand new ones or buy a headlight restoration kit and restore them to their original look yourself. In this video, I will show you how to use the ‪@Cerakote‬ Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit to bring your headlights back to life.
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#headlightrestoration #cerakote #cerakotekit

Пікірлер: 104

@transporter9539 11 ай бұрын

Good Video. Two comments, people need to really know that the headlight and area must be completely bone-dry before applying step three. No moisture can be present or in a position to run down over the work just completed. Second, almost without fail, the driver's side headlight comes out better no matter what headlight is done first. This is mainly due to the passenger side headlight taking more abuse from being on the side of the vehicle next to the shoulder where more loose debris resides. Vehicles traveling in front of you kick this debris up and the headlight must drive through it, causing more wear and tear on that headlight.

@RobotDad 10 ай бұрын

Thank you! Very Helpful Comment/Info

@mikemc6761 10 ай бұрын

Thanks. I’m fixing to do my wife’s and I’ll try to focus on the right side more while sanding.

@clintonemerson19 Жыл бұрын

Appreciate this video. I literally just did my headlights 2 days ago on a 2007 Ford Sport Trac, but I used the Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit. It came out really, really well. Oddly enough, my 81 year old father just bought the Cerakote Kit for his Toyota Tacoma. Health issues and such, there's no reason for him to be doing this. Told him I'd come up next week and do the restoration for him, then found your video to walk me through the steps. Very much appreciated man, nicely done.

@transporter9539 11 ай бұрын

Unfortunately I have bad news for you. The Sylvania product is crap! It looks great for 9 months to a year, then it is worse then before you did it the first time. Both my vehicles were done with it, within a year I had to apply for warranty replacement. Redid all four headlights, and again within a year, all four bad again! I'm not doing all that work over again once a year with Sylvania hoping I sell my vehicle before submitting another claim year after year. Stay away from Turtle and Sylvania because their coating is basically a finisher and not a true sealing protector as the Cerakote ceramic finishing step is.

@AfternoonProductions 6 ай бұрын

Hey honest question, i saw the other commenter's input about the sylvania.. I have the kit sitting on my desk now just waiting for warmer weather to use it LOL How have yours held up?? Also props for the sport trac.. i wanted one for my first car so bad back in the day lol.. How did the cerakote kit work for your old man's tacoma as well? Thanks

@broncoguy4862 18 сағат бұрын

@@AfternoonProductions Used the Sylvania kit on a 2004 BMW X3 in 2022, and 2 years later the headlights still looked fantastic, we sold the car a month ago. I think a lot of folks don't take the time to do a thorough job during the wet sanding stage, and their results don't hold up as well.

@user-jz3tv3hh5r Жыл бұрын

You vid helped me STEP BY STEP to clean my car's headlights. She has never been more clear! Thanks a bunch!

@reginahartley3440 5 ай бұрын

Just finished. Thanks and goodnight!🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

@anymouse4322 Жыл бұрын

Wow! That is a big difference!

@vtxdaryl 8 ай бұрын

Great kit, I’ll order one today and follow your directions. Thanks

@mokimine Жыл бұрын

Thank you! This was really helpful. Did my 2015 Subaru and the headlights look brand new!

@peanut62-cm8nw Жыл бұрын

My son did his 2004Tacoma I couldn't believe how good it looked so he gave me the kit for my birthday I just did my 2007 Chevy Colorado it turned out great it really works

@moet818 11 ай бұрын

Very detailed and on point. Great video. TY!

@AudnessEverdean 8 ай бұрын

I Just got this for my 2006 Chevy equinox and I am so ready … well now to do it !!! Thank you for the video my headlights look just like this !!!

@epicnoise206 Жыл бұрын

Just the absolute best way to teach: explain first, demonstrate second, explain the results third. I bought this kit due to the results on my '02 330i with the Cerakote Trim Restoration Kit and am looking forward to using this product on my friend's '06 Golf! Bonus points for cat cameos.

@dennisburbank 4 ай бұрын

You did a good job. Doing mine tomorrow. Thanks for sharing 😊

@redpillscholar560 Жыл бұрын

Outstanding video!!! Will be doing it to my 02 325i. Thank you sir

@perustc9158 Жыл бұрын

Just purchased new headlights for my Tribute from "Rock Auto" for 150 bucks (bulbs included) and THEN saw a Cerakote ad! It figures. I don't know where you buy your headlights but I already installed a set from the same place on my sweeties Impala for 170 bucks and they are C.A.P.A. Certified! Didn't take 5 minutes. If the Cerakote doesn't work on the Tribute it will be a much more involved process. You have to remove the dang bumper etc. Kudos for the vid! Thank you!

@killingsleep Жыл бұрын

Just bought this restoration kit. Now I know how to do it. Thanks

@motomatt7102 Жыл бұрын

As a professional detailer if you want better results with this kit use 800 grit, 1000,1500,2000,&3000 then wipe on the ceramic clear coat

@thediygrunt Жыл бұрын

I agree with this. I felt the sand paper provided should have had a bit more variety. I have done a couple projects over the last few months where I went with a much higher grit sand paper than what the instructions for the product called for and I got much better results from it. The headlights still look good though so I'm still happy with how it came out especially considering how they were before.

@user-rw4pb4wt6l Ай бұрын

What are your thoughts on about doing a buff stage before the ceramic coating?

@16stommy Жыл бұрын

thank u for ur service big dawg

@2405therow 2 ай бұрын

2012 crv. nicely turned out. not perfect, but 100 times better especially with led upgrades

@rabbitkm533 Ай бұрын

Amazing...I can see the difference Thx for showing us👍👍👍👍👍

@EdwardRecupero Ай бұрын

This stuff is excellent,did my 2011 outback perfect,seen this product on a firearms channel,only cerskote paint,gave headlight product,no complaints

@Oplix Жыл бұрын

Just did mine with Cerakote today. Just like new. Perfectly clear.

@rraheem_p 4 ай бұрын

Just did mine . Came out pretty good. I would recommend either being careful around the edges when sanding or using some masking tape so you don’t scratch the surfaces

@shanewilson2152 5 ай бұрын

Great work

@nastysoda9212 10 ай бұрын

taping is a good idea, helps when sanding so you don't knick or scratch your clear coat.

@alohaboy62 6 ай бұрын

Helpful! Thanks~

@cadaint Жыл бұрын

great vid...thanks

@RobotDad 10 ай бұрын

Helpful - thank you

@mesutozil298 Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for this video

@CallieCEntertainment Жыл бұрын

Superb video, the passenger side was cloudier after step one, I am guessing not as much time was spent with the four wipes? Thank you for this, I've gotten my kit and will be doing it today.

@thediygrunt Жыл бұрын

Honestly I don't know what is going on with the passenger side, maybe I didn't clean it as well so the final result was less clear than the driver side. I am having issues with that headlight currently with moisture inside the lens probably from a bad seal so that could have been an issue at the time, so the cloudiness could be on the inside of the headlight.

@CallieCEntertainment Жыл бұрын

@@thediygrunt That's a great thought about the interior condensation. I did mine yesterday, spent a lot of time with the wipes and careful sanding. Happy to say, they came out looking brand new. Thank you so much for your video, it really helped my confidence to tackle it. Your supurrvisor should give you a raise :)

@mikemc6761 10 ай бұрын

I’m doing mine right now and my passenger side light is foggier than the driver side. I read on another comment that this is common as the road has more debris on the edge of the highway and this debris is slung up by vehicles in front of you. 🤷‍♂️ Made sense to me. I’m going to spend more time on the right side and see if I can match the driver side.

@dankollars4501 9 ай бұрын

i used this kit and it turned out amazing, but i did an extra step. i highly recommend that you buff the headlights with rubbing compound and get the headlights as clear as you can, then clean with rubbing alcohol and let dry before applying the ceramic coating. mine turned out like new. i hope it lasts.

@thediygrunt 9 ай бұрын

I have had no issues so far and it has been about 10 months. My only issue is the passenger side headlight seal failed so now moisture is inside it but the lens is still good. I do feel that the passenger did not come out as clear as the driver side so If I ever had to redo the process I might try your suggestion.

@michaelsera746 Жыл бұрын

Mine came out amazing but am so tempted to go again with step three . Anyone do that and howd it turn out? improve or ruin it...

@Brie.s Жыл бұрын

I was About to buy this and the cerakote trim restorer for my brothers 1990-something truck (I’m cleaning it up a bit just to help out since his main vehicle just broke down and now he’s needing to drive the truck everywhere for business) but I was nervous about doing it. This vid was so comprehensive that I feel completely comfortable doing it now, thank you so much! Also ‘porch kitty’ did an amazing job supervising 😂

@thediygrunt Жыл бұрын

Glad my video is helping you feel confident! I'll let the kitty know she's doing her job well 😂

@curioussand1339 5 ай бұрын

Also replacing the Xenon bulbs could be worthwhile. Last time I replaced the Xenon bulbs on my BMW 5 series was 9½ years ago, they were still working but low beam light output was not ideal anymore. The old ones was Osram Night Breaker Unlimited Xenarc D1S + 70%, and the new ones I just installed are Osram Night Breaker Laser D1S +200% Next Gen.

@madbadger6255 8 ай бұрын

Im using this kit but doing extra sanding steps with wet snd dry up to 8000 grit.

@2_brute Жыл бұрын

really helpful. as good if not better than Cerakote video

@Swoliosis1 3 ай бұрын

Definitely do the tape. I was lazy and even when extremely careful, scuffed up some paint.

@thediygrunt 3 ай бұрын

A big lesson I have learned with basically any project is always take the time to do the prep work. I hate it to I just want to get to the fun stuff but the prep work always pays off in the end. But we learn from our mistakes.

@Swoliosis1 3 ай бұрын

@@thediygrunt Yeah I'm not that bummed... 16 year old car...... but will prep the slightly newer car before I try again..

@user-rw4pb4wt6l Ай бұрын

What are people’s thoughts about buffing it before the ceramic coating?

@jaywu2287 Ай бұрын

Good jobs marine

@extra2743 2 ай бұрын

I wonder how long the clear coating lasts Thanks

@thediygrunt 2 ай бұрын

Almost a year and a half since I did it, and it's still looking good. Especially in comparison to how it was before restoration. The car was parked in the garage for a little bit but now is parked outside and has been for a while.

@whojackson 2 ай бұрын

mine turned out not so well. The headlights still feel rough when you move your hand over them. They are definitely brighter and a little bit more clear however you can still see the peeling clearcoat. Maybe I didnt sand enough? Maybe I needed to use a 600 grit sandpaper to get more of the factory coating out so it would be perfectly smooth? Should I repeat all the steps and sand it down completely until i feel that the headlight is perfectly smooth?

@thediygrunt 2 ай бұрын

I do not remember my headlights feeling rough or anything peeling when I went to do mine so our situations are not quite the same. I did sand for several minutes with the 2000 grit on each headlight before moving on to the 3000. So maybe you just didn't sand long enough. If you want to go rougher than the sand paper the kit provides then I would start by trying a 1500 and working my way down if necessary. I would probably not go below 1000 grit I think anything below that will be to rough. 600 grit will give wood a nice finish but on a surface as smooth as a headlight that could leave visible scratches. I might be wrong but I would use caution and test a small area if you are set on using 600.

@AmvGuruFreak Жыл бұрын

Damn 27 I got mine at Walmart for 16

@franciscoguerrero2142 Жыл бұрын

Can you repeat the process after you put the ceramic coat on? One spot is still a little foggy

@thediygrunt Жыл бұрын

You could definitely repeat the process again if your first attempt doesn't come out well but you will need a new kit to redo the ceramic coat.

@Bay_Area_john 6 ай бұрын

Hi, im thinking of buying this product for my 2010 Lexus LS460 I would love to know how long did the coating last on the lights

@thediygrunt 6 ай бұрын

I honestly think they are still as clear as when I did it, which is now about 13 months or so. I will say the car has probably spend about half that time in the garage and the other half out side so that might affect the longevity.

@Bay_Area_john 6 ай бұрын

@@thediygrunt thanks for the reply makes me feel a little more confident using the product

@GTRliffe 28 күн бұрын

you need to sand that yellow right off till your sanding dust is white (not yellow) then apply cera and it will be like that for ever

@Hi-lb8cq Жыл бұрын

Just did my 1996 Hyundai accent hatchback and the lights look new again

@Corvetteboy6988 3 ай бұрын

Grunt, next time you have to do this on your Cayenne, use the tool under the trunk floor to turn and release the lock holding the headlights in, they then slide out! No need to tape stuff off and no tight areas!. See your owners manual. There is a rubber gasket around the lense that seals against the body. You can just pop that off so you don't get anything on it and clean it well while its off. Replacements are reasonable if they are torn or worn. I have a 2005 Cayenne Turbo, your paint looks in great shape! My headlights have no yellowing or haze, but very very small hairline cracks, all running on the same direction. Did yours have these and did this restoration help? How is it holding up?

@thediygrunt 3 ай бұрын

I'm aware of how to remove the headlights on the Cayenne as well as the location of the headlight removal tool. In fact I have a video on how to remove the headlights, replace the bulbs, and replace the mounting bracket that the headlight sits in. I left the headlights in on purpose so I could work on them without having to hold them in place while sanding and cleaning them. No I do not have any cracks in my headlights (yet). The lights are holding up great especially considering the car has had to sit outside in the drive way for the last year I see no yellowing from the UV light exposure. Considering some people said it won't last a year unless I have a "professional" do it, I would say they look great for being done by a DIYer. Yeah the paint on the car is probably the one thing I have zero issues with. The interior on the other hand is a different story and makes me want to call it quits on the car.

@Corvetteboy6988 3 ай бұрын

Yep, I spoke to early, that was the 1st video of yours I ever saw, then I caught your other one when you replaced the head light mount....

@brentmip Жыл бұрын

You didn't do the last step horizontal

@volodymyrslonov9136 7 ай бұрын

1 kit = 1 light or it enough to 2 lights?

@thediygrunt 7 ай бұрын

1 kit will take care of both headlights

@DanDanTV3 5 ай бұрын

are your headlamps plastic or glass?

@thediygrunt 5 ай бұрын

They are some kind of plastic. Basically all new cars are plastic headlights. In fact I believe its a requirement now for safety because in the event of a car accident you don't have a bunch of broken glass. Plus the plastic is what allows new cars to have headlights formed in a way that creates a more smooth and aerodynamic front end. On my older Porsches they have glass headlights but they are simple round lens usually 7-8 inches in diameter. If they were glass I wouldn't have to worry about the lens yellowing since my older Porsches are twice the age of the Cayenne and perfectly clear. But the glass is heavier and more expensive so there are trade-offs.

@joshuamoore24_7 8 ай бұрын

Those headlight lenses really needed restored.😳

@steveazusa Жыл бұрын

16 bucks on Amazon right now my head lights aren't that bad but I'm going to do this

@thediygrunt Жыл бұрын

Been 8 months or so since I did mine and they still look like they did 8 months ago so I'm happy with the money and time I spent doing it.

@jensz9360 6 ай бұрын

These home kits end up flaking off and yellowing/browning looking uglier than they were before. Only real way to deal with it is using several sanding stages and then using actual clear coat paint that is made for plastics. Its the only thing that will last and restore the lights to 99% new. These kits will look good at first then they will fade, especially if car isnt garaged or under a carport. If you dont want to go through the hassle of prepping and properly coating it or dont have the items required or know how to do it, best to pay someone to do it, especially if you have expensive headlight housings. This guy did a pretty good job on this considering how yellow and horrible they looked. It was a huge improvement.

@steve3667 7 ай бұрын

So, when does the yellow come off? Not really a restoration.

@rolandotillit2867 Жыл бұрын

Lasts 2 years parked in the sun in FL.

@thediygrunt Жыл бұрын

This car spent years parked out in the sun in various states across the south, the original finish lasted for years if this one lasts only for a year or two I will still consider it money and time well spent.

@stephenaguiniga7960 Жыл бұрын

2 years is actually a pretty good time imo.

@eharmon959 Жыл бұрын

Where's your shave profile marine?

@thediygrunt Жыл бұрын

I keep it next to my DD214

@robertl955 Жыл бұрын

Like everyone else I have this kit sitting on my dresser and have just been waiting to get it done. I want to say after watching other DIY videos on this I feel like all we really need it the Ceramic coating, whatever that chemical is lol. I feel $30 it too much when we can go remove the oxidation with some turtle wax rubbing compound and small pieces of sandpaper from the hardware store. Oh well, the damage is done and paid for already lol.

@rangerryda8218 Жыл бұрын

Carpro CQuartz ceramic coating is all you need if you polish out your own headlights without one of these kits. Or your favorite ceramic coating.

@transporter9539 11 ай бұрын

Just one problem after all the work you have done, it is NOT SEALED and Protected from happening again. Yes you removed the oxidation but have done NOTHING to keep it from happening again. So while it looks great now, in 6 months to a year, you will be doing it all over again. And because you have removed the original sealed surface by sanding it, you will have to keep repeating it more often because you are not resealing and protecting it! You have the kit, use it!

@petermuller161 Жыл бұрын

For the over achiever you could use some buffing compounds before the final coat to really get them to shine

@thediygrunt Жыл бұрын

I was concerned that it might cause damage to the coating and I wanted to see just how well it would look on its own. I have seen other kits that suggest or include buffing as a final step though.

@mike_adams Жыл бұрын

@@thediygrunt.. polishing compound for a 3rd pass definitely made a difference. I did this on my 2014 Mazda cx9 .. they look like new.

@transporter9539 11 ай бұрын

DO NOT USE ANYTHING before the final step of applying the Coating/Sealer!! The Cerakote Ceramic needs the fine roughing of the sanding so it has something rough to BOND to. It will fill-in hence smooth out any of the sanding. If you polish or buff the headlight after sanding, the ceramic will not properly bond and might even peel or lift where it was improperly polished before the final sealer step!

@kenmastersmaster Жыл бұрын

Update??? These don't last long

@thediygrunt Жыл бұрын

I did this back in late December I believe and they still look like they did in this video. My passenger side is still slightly cloudy but that could be an issue on the inside of the headlight lens because I have moisture in there right now so I definitely have a broken seal. The driver side though still looks great and even if it only lasts a year and I have to re due it that is still worth it to me since the car was basically not drive able at night before I did this.

@stephenaguiniga7960 Жыл бұрын

Nice was just wondering the same thing. Just did this for a friend of mine and I felt bad that she may have to have this done again after so long. Maybe we don’t have to redo the whole thing but just redo the coating?

@jeffendicott8754 Жыл бұрын

Well done, thank you. One thing I would suggest, use masking tape instead of duct tape. Easer to remove.

@thediygrunt Жыл бұрын

I used delicate surface painters tape, not duct tape

@transporter9539 11 ай бұрын

Do not use masking tape or duct tape. Both are bad for painted or finished surfaces plus normally leave sticky residue behind. If using tape, only use blue painters tape or delicate surface tape.

@rango3v509 Жыл бұрын

Lookin like a whole recruit

@thediygrunt Жыл бұрын

So do you with the profile pic of dudes on an M60 by the looks of it and a banner of what looks like the Horno Crosses. Looks like we are both a whole recruit.

@agalpalacio9157 Жыл бұрын

those kits limit you intentionally so that it doesn’t take away the jobs true professional headlight restorers

@thediygrunt Жыл бұрын

I agree with you. But if I have to do it every year I bet I will still save money over having the professional do it cause no matter who does it the finish will wear off over time. The labor cost alone would have been more than the price I paid for the kit. I have nothing against paying a skilled professional for their time but I don't mind spending an hour of my own time and 20 bucks to achieve the same result even if it does not last quite as long.

@akidim13 11 ай бұрын

Boot Jk Jk boot

@randumdude5824 Жыл бұрын

It would have worked out better if you sanded first. Have a spray bottle handy while wet sanding. Intermittent spraying until the yellow/milky run off gets closer to white-ish To no milky run off. Note. The milky runoff is actually the original headlight coating that you are going to replace. When milky runoff is gone you know you’ve removed all of the old coating. Then do he first oxidation pad. I know it’s not what the instructions says , but when the yellowing is that bad you have to sand first , if yellowing is marginal then yes they supply with enough of the oxidation remover. He used more on his left light that why it looks better.

@CallieCEntertainment Жыл бұрын

I would say going completely contrary to manufacturer instructions is a fast way to void any warranty offered, not to mention this is not a good example of "Work smarter, not harder". My yellowing was horrific. Could barely see the bulbs. I followed the directions supplied, and my headlights came out looking like brand new.

@transporter9539 11 ай бұрын

WRONG! There is a reason for the prep wipes being used first, then wet sanding. That reason is lasting results, a proper finished surface for the Ceramic to bond to!