The BEST Way to Restore Headlights - Permanent Results

The BEST Way to Restore Headlights - Permanent Results - Like New Again

Рет қаралды 417,104

Жыл бұрын

Don't replace your headlights when they get cloudy and scratched up - restore them using this easy method. This tutorial shows you how to sand and clear coat your headlights so they last, no more buffing them with cheap kits every few months. Restore headlights - with PERMANENT results. No more yellow, hazy headlights. Watch and learn how easy it is to have like-new headlights again! It just takes a little effort!
Here are the tools I used to perform this work:
USC SprayMax 2K Clear Coat - amzn.to/3ESrXTW
Dura-Gold Premium Sandpaper - amzn.to/3VtjFZS
Isopropyl Alcohol - amzn.to/3BvxHCn
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You don't have to purchase the specific items I'm linking to in order to help the channel at no added cost to you!

Пікірлер: 287

@chrismechanic6164 4 ай бұрын

I've done multiple cars this way and haven't had a single come back. I've had the same vehicle come in for brakes 3 years later and the headlights still look great.

@eeyyaakk6801 4 ай бұрын

Is it possible the yellowing/blurring is on the inside which means sanding the outside would be useless?

@DmitrysGarage 3 ай бұрын

I've never seen it on the inside, it's always on the outside when I do this.

@donwyoming1936 2 ай бұрын

I've also never seen the yellowing on the inside. It can take quite a bit of sanding to get through the oxidation to clear plastic.

@adairjones11 2 ай бұрын

@@DmitrysGarage Can I apply Night Shades spray paint over the Spray Max?

@DmitrysGarage 2 ай бұрын

@@adairjones11 No idea, sorry.

@sethmorgan6693 8 ай бұрын

I purchased a headlight restoration kit from Walmart today made by Rain-X. The kit comes with 3 grits of sandpaper, a wheel you attach to your drill, some fine compound and some clear coat sealer with a UV protectant. All that for under $22. Did an absolutely phenomenal job. Took probably 30 minutes all told and the lenses came out looking like new. (Not dissing your method- just saying there’s a quality kit out there for not a lot of $ and a lot less elbow grease.)

@DmitrysGarage 8 ай бұрын

Those kits absolutely work, it’s just that typically they only last months to a year if the car is daily driven and especially parked outside. Granted for $22 you can do it every year and it is a viable option for sure.

@royy_obs8439 6 ай бұрын

Those kits work great. I’ve personally used the 3M kits. But the best solution is to go with an automotive clear coat as the restoration kit removes the UV protectant layer. You’ll have to keep adding UV Protestant wax on the headlights every month or so to prevent yellowing again.

@LynxStarAuto 3 ай бұрын

That kit does work great. All the kits on the market do the job. The issue is, you need to restore the UV finish, otherwise, you will be back to square one again. That's where the clear coat comes into play.

@donwyoming1936 2 ай бұрын

The key is to get a clear coat that doesn't yellow and has built in UV protection. There are brands that are specifically for headlights. Krylon has a suitable clear coat that is affordable.

@Zz2424zxcvbnn Ай бұрын

@@DmitrysGarageYou’re absolutely right! These restore kits make the headlights look good for a small period of time, but end up causing far more damage in the long run. This method is best by far

@B2loud 3 ай бұрын

This works for sure and lasts way longer if you have a garage just don’t over coat . These look great

@jamessowder193 Жыл бұрын

You're definitely right bud! The best way to do it is to hit them with clear for sure!

@Matasky2010 2 ай бұрын

From my experience 800 grit by hand will not be enough to remove heavy oxidation/yellowing, or will take a LOT of manual sanding. The 3M heavy duty kit includes 500 grit to be used with drill attachment, I'd start there.

@johnsalvatore97 Жыл бұрын

that spraymax clear is the best you can get out of a can, but you shouldnt sand any finer than 1200 to give the clearcoat proper adhesion. It will end up flaking off after a while. Clear wants to fall into a 600-1000 grit scratch ideally.

@lizrain2210 10 ай бұрын

Will the 1200 make the heaslights clear though?

@kevinhancock4064 10 ай бұрын

@lizrain2210 all.ya doing is removing micro layers . So as long as theure rubbed down well be fine got to do mime very soon 😊

@dossegundos7145 9 ай бұрын

Not sure how it will not hold after 2000 grit if properly clean and free of oils or waxes, and let cure properly for a week before adding anything or even getting wet.

@nickmac3426 9 ай бұрын

I just used 3 cans of that exact clear coat a couple weeks ago. It wastes alot due to the insane wide pattern that does nothing but create overspray. If it had a decent spray pattern and didn't waste so much I could've got by with 1.5 cans at most. And that was me repainting a hood. The slicker the base is the better the clear is gonna look. It will adhere just fine because that's completely normal to use 2k grit before a clear if you want a mirror finish. The end result always depends on the quality your prep work. The cans of clear are 30$ each, so it's not a cheap clear

@gooutside-_- 8 ай бұрын

Can I use 2x clear coat?

@bruceblackerby3742 5 ай бұрын

Remember when headlights were glass and you didn't have to do any of this BS?

@kursor52 4 ай бұрын

Probably because glass is more expensive?

@donwyoming1936 2 ай бұрын

Doing my 3rd set, using lessons learned from owning a lot of cars over the past 50 years. Really bad headlights with pitting, start with 600 grit. Not so bad, start at 1200/1500. I do 1500, 2000, 2500 & 3000. Be sure to remove all the original clear coat. Then buff with buffing compound until they're clear. Then clean & clear coat. But try to keep the clear coat thin. When you buy a new car, don't wax the headlights. Never touch heaslights with a buffer. It will remove the protective coating. Be careful when buffing your hood not to hit them. Clean them gently with a sponge or microfiber only. No bug & tar remover. They will last 10-15 years if you leave them alone. Won't last 8 years if you mess with them.

@keithroberts5611 Ай бұрын

Just buy a 3M headlight restoration kit, Only 3 sanding steps!! Follow the instructions properly it's fool proof, In addition to this kit you need a certified clearcoat like Meguiars one thick coat is required drys in less than 5min's!!!

@toycoma98 Ай бұрын

are you talking about the clear coating? or 2k clear? 2k clear wont stick to 3000 grit and buffed surface.

@bluesky-ud9wg Ай бұрын

Haha, wrong. Apply wax to headlights at least monthly. Wax fills in the pores, doesnt remove material.

@corinnelaking569 17 күн бұрын

That 2K clearcoat works amazing on spray touch-ups as well. Great video, thanks.

@a.j4383 Ай бұрын

Great job! I Have a 2006 mdx and i will try this fosho!! THANX 4 THE VIDEO!!

@lydiakeene6421 23 күн бұрын

Gonna try this out! I used a headlight restoration kit and it messed my headlights up even more than before. Picked up one of my friends the other day and her husband was doing his headlights and looked at mine and took a Brillo pad to them 😳 and sprayed some crap on them. Now they’re super scratched and still foggy. Hopefully this method will put them back to looking good again. Really don’t want to purchase new headlights for my mustang.

@pooloftim8263 Жыл бұрын

Dude went a little crazy masking off the headlights…

@modemock Жыл бұрын

He’s spraying clear coat so he doesn’t want to get it anywhere else on the car

@anonymoususernam1000 Жыл бұрын

He didn't. He's spraying an automotive 2k clear that you absolutely positively DO NOT want to get the overspray from on your paint or anywhere else.

@Depl0rable10 Жыл бұрын

@@modemockyea exactly 😂 like bro that clear coat isint gonna be even on the pannels around it lmfao

@McSquirts 11 ай бұрын

Do you want to fuck the paint up on your car?

@drizzle6262 11 ай бұрын

@@Depl0rable10yeah exactly you’ve never sprayed paint before 😂

@andrewb3882 6 ай бұрын

How do you put the sand in a back-and-forth motion instead of a brown motion to avoid swirling?

@ASETECH1978 10 ай бұрын

Good job my guy that’s exactly what I do fu*k buffing and the shit they sell don’t last clear coat lasts years and years

@DmitrysGarage 10 ай бұрын

Yep, everyone wants to buff because it's a quick fix. It's ok on like a show car or garage queen, but other than that UV is going to reclaim it back very fast without a protective layer of clear.

@lowkey2830 Жыл бұрын

Great video

@Bemandyd Жыл бұрын

Thanks ❤

@teknykill 11 ай бұрын

Ah ha momemt did the all the sand grits😂 Still look foggie and them your chanel came up thx!!! Got the clear coat on the way

@icebox829 9 ай бұрын

How is it now? I s to lol got the same problem

@teknykill 9 ай бұрын

I think I could have done better. Def like the results @@icebox829

@AudreysKitchen Жыл бұрын

This stuff is SUPER toxic btw. Should wear a respirator and skin/eye protection even for a quick job like this.

@4144758 11 ай бұрын

💯

@Whachadoon 10 ай бұрын

Its wet sanding

@whojackson 2 ай бұрын

my headlights still feel rough and look like the factory clearcoat is still peeling after doing this. They are slighter brighter and clearer however. Should I have sanded more until I felt that the headlight was completely smooth? Would going from 800 grit to 1500 to 2000 to 3000 achieve a really smooth surface? Could I just repeat all the steps or would that mess with the ceramic coat?

@Jennifr1966 5 ай бұрын

Is it okay if i do a spot area to make sure it's going to work on my 2007 that's been exposed to the sun for years?

@exoyex6243 Жыл бұрын

Hey I will be doing this on my Camaro tomorrow and just had a few questions. Why not use only 2000 grit sand paper? How long should I sand each side for with each sand paper? Also how long does this need to heal before I can start washing my car normally? Thank you!

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

You want the other grits to cut quickly and get bigger defects out. You work each grit until the surface feels uniformly smooth for that level of grit. 2000 will provide the smoothest finish at the end. Once the paint is cured you can start washing your car. I'd give it at least 48 hours to cure before washing, but depends on environmental conditions and how thick you spray.

@arturocharlesjr1423 Жыл бұрын

Do you have a video on mixing your own clear coat and activator?

@familyman8439 7 ай бұрын

I saw a video where you can take WD-40 and wipe that on there with a rag, and it will come off, going to try that today

@sadfxces 2 ай бұрын

@@familyman8439did it work

@nicholasadams9535 3 ай бұрын

Just did this to ky Kia Rio. Literally saved myself about 345 dollars. Buying new ones is so expensive.

@fotografiayretrato Жыл бұрын

Error usar lija tan fina basta con 800 el transparente necesita el grit de la lija para poder pegar mejor y mas en el frente que esta súper expuesto a las piedrecitas

@mikehunt8968 Жыл бұрын

Take the lights out! Much better job with no risk of body damage.....

@ronnydisalvo80 Жыл бұрын

Easier said then done on certain cars man. Believe me. I have to take my grill off. And bolts out of my bumper, where as my friends gmc you can remove his headlights in under 30 seconds.

@FedSmoker64 11 ай бұрын

@@ronnydisalvo80All the more reason to own a truck or suv, space isn't only important inside the car.

@FugaConManolo 10 ай бұрын

@@FedSmoker64not everyone needs an suv or truck.

@FedSmoker64 10 ай бұрын

@@FugaConManolo Not everyone needs two kidneys, but it's nice to have.

@vannevels6758 10 ай бұрын

@@FugaConManolohe's a typical AmeriKKKan.....

@Mitchellaaroncoleman 2 ай бұрын

Can I use less grit sandpaper?

@BarefootMark1611 8 ай бұрын

Clearcoat made them look more foggy. Buffed it with some polish and looks good as new.

@DmitrysGarage 8 ай бұрын

Thats pretty odd. It shouldn’t make them look foggy. Was it maybe very humid or cold or anything?

@Theeeeea 7 ай бұрын

@@DmitrysGarageorange peel happened

@Theeeeea 7 ай бұрын

When you spray the clear it’ll look hazy, orange peel, wait some hours or the next day, i use 2000 grit sandpaper while heavily wet sanding, all this after the original steps, and then I buff the headlights with wax, always look good

@umeshyadav4673 7 ай бұрын

Can i use 1K clear coat?

@josecruz021 29 күн бұрын

This stuff is like $24-25 a can on Amazon 😩 is that standard price? Best place to get this?

@DmitrysGarage 29 күн бұрын

Yea that's pretty normal. They also released a headlight specific can recently, which is supposed to be even better. It may not be a free fix, but it's a nice one with long lasting results.

@josecruz021 28 күн бұрын

@@DmitrysGarage I agree, plus one can lasts multiple headlights. I ordered one yesterday

@josecruz021 28 күн бұрын

@@DmitrysGarage if it's automotive clear, could i theoretically use it to redo the clear on my trucks hard shell topper?

@MrJoselva 5 ай бұрын

I want everyone to know that using baking soda and dish soap works better. All that yellowing is stuck on dirt and you have to remove it all. Then use a polish or wax. Always use clean microfiber.

@DmitrysGarage 5 ай бұрын

The yellowing isnt stuck on dirt. Baking soda is an abrasive so its the same as using sand paper, just less efficient.

@lynel2765 6 ай бұрын

My cars about 1 year old and headlights are fine so maybe I can spray that clear coat now before it gets all cratches up.

@DmitrysGarage 6 ай бұрын

This is not a preventative maintenance, I wouldn't recommend doing that, your lights already have UV protection. This is for restoring them when the protection runs out.

@ChristopherCologneASMR 5 ай бұрын

Put a graphene ceramic coating on them... Or you could get meguiars headlight coating and just spray it on like a clear coat.

@TheIndianscout Ай бұрын

What would cause a cracking effect after spraying the clear.Its not actually cracks but looks like cracks or spiderwebbed looking cracks all over??

@toycoma98 Ай бұрын

too wet, sprayed second coat too soon, not enough time for first coat to flash.

@TheIndianscout Ай бұрын

I waited the appropriate time before coating.Guess I should wait longer next time.

@btbd2785 3 ай бұрын

Hey Dmitry, NEVER USE an automotive clear coat. Automotive clear coat is not made for polycarbonate surface. Always use a specific clear coat. Like Meguiars Headlight clear coat.Or, Spraymax 2K Special Headlight Clear

@DmitrysGarage 3 ай бұрын

Spraymax for headlights, which is a new product (newer than this video maybe), is better. However, ive had great results this way too. I don’t like the megs, doesn’t last in my experience.

@anonymoususernam1000 Жыл бұрын

Hey Dmitry! SprayMAX now has a specific aerosol product that's better for poly-carbonate headlights than their 2k Glamour for paint. The new product (SprayMax SMT 3684068, 2K 2 in 1 Headlight Clear) has an adhesion promoter in it that more suitable for polycarb and the 2k clear cures to a lesser hardness that should allow it to take rock/sandblasts without chipping (I can feel a bit more give to it with my fingernail compared to the 2k glamour). The big reason I think people should switch is some people were putting on WAY too heavy of a first coat of the 2k glamour on the raw polycarbonate and it would cause massive crazing in the plastic due to the VOCs in paint not being suitable for polycarbonate. (A light/tack coat given proper flash time followed by a medium wet coat prevents this). The adhesion promoter in the new product prevents this and should also in theory give it a much stronger bond to the plastic than the 2k clear without any adpro. The new product also claims to contain uv inhibitor solid content that is so critical to keeping the polycarb from rapidly yellowing to UV rays in a few months. Here's a video idea for you - I was thinking it would be great if you could compare the UV blocking properties of the various aerosol 2k products for both clearcoats, paint, and headlight "protection/sealant" films. SprayMAX 2k glamour/matte/etc vs Car-Rep aka Eastman WISE2k clears/ 2k paints vs 1K clears vs headlight protection films that come with headlight kits like Meguiar's Headlight Coating etc. I think the rapid aging UV test of each would be VERY interesting. Also would be very interesting is comparing it when it used with a Clearcoat Blending agent to blend spot repairs into existing factory clearcoats - there's a debate saying that the blender transition disappears in a few years due to UV and ruins the seamless transition. Cheers!

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great tip, havent seen the new product yet but it sounds pretty great. I do agree that heavy coats can cause crazing especially if the environmental conditions are bad. The video idea sounds pretty cool. Ill have to see how to best do that. Probably need some poly sheets in the UV weathering machine. I think its doable.

@johnsalvatore97 Жыл бұрын

This is actually a discontinued product, Spraymax no longer carries it since it was so chemically similar to the 368 0061 cans. Adhesion promoter can etch the plastic a little too much and cause you to have to restart your project. I sell a lot of Spraymax products

@makagio 11 ай бұрын

@@johnsalvatore97 would meguiar’s headlight coating do the job just fine?

@anonymoususernam1000 11 ай бұрын

Hi @@johnsalvatore97 . Are you sure? Because the product is still widely available and featured on the spraymax website? It doesnt seem chemically similar at all to me. I have both. The headlight clear is much less hard than the glamour clear and the cans even have different potlifes. You can also destroy the polycarbonate headlight by putting on too heavy of a first coat of just the clear glamour on the freshly sanded surface - extreme crazing and cracking examples abound on youtube. Any adhesion promoter is supposed to be applied lightly whereas clearcoat typically is not so it possible to damage with either method but by following the instructions for the headlight one its less likely imo. Any additional info?

@tuckerprestridge559 Жыл бұрын

Great tutorial! only thing I would say is spray with a little more overlap.

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Excellent tip!

@yokanshree4621 22 күн бұрын

Where is Link in description

@ShinRobS 10 ай бұрын

Can I wet sand this clear coat that you used ??? I just sprayed and want to know please

@DmitrysGarage 10 ай бұрын

Sure. It can absolutely be wet sanded and polished. Just depends on cure time. I believe manufacturer has more info on their site.

@Albert.Schlosser 10 ай бұрын

Can you do this on the backlights as well?

@DmitrysGarage 10 ай бұрын

Sure you can do the same sort of process.

@Maxx134a 3 ай бұрын

It doesn't matter how many times you restore. This headlight is damaged because the UV rays already damaged the plastic and so it will continue to degrade and only last one year with each fixing. So you just have to change it for a new one and put UV protectant on it if you don't want this to keep happening every year because sanding and polishing is just a temporary fix

@DmitrysGarage 3 ай бұрын

This video is over a year old and his headlights look just as good as when we did this. This isn't sanding and polishing, this is sanding and clear coating.

@ShoeHefner757 Жыл бұрын

Do you recommend any other clear costs that aren’t a one-time use? This is great, but I have do about 9 headlights a week and cant buy a can for very car. After a few hours, the can goes bad.

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

The benefit of this clear coat is that it has an activator/hardener in it. So this is why it works well and also goes bad, it's effectively real automotive clear coat. The only other recommendation I could make is to mix your own and spray professionally. This way you're making batches big enough for the job. May not be practical if you're doing mobile detailing though since you'll need a decent size air compressor tank. You can try other clear coats that don't use an activator/hardener, but I find they're very soft and susceptible to scratches while washing.

@RockyRepairs 11 ай бұрын

use 2k clear coat, you can buy them at almost any automotive paint store or even parts stores, you’ll need a spray gun with a tip size for clear and an air compressor, since you’re not spraying cars you can use a decent sized compressor so you can spray at least one light continuously

@ChristopherCologneASMR 3 ай бұрын

Try kbs diamond coat. I haven't tried it yet but you can roll it on or brush it etc... it has a self leveler in it. I'll be trying it this weekend with an adhesion promoter because I'm going to buff them out after sanding because I want a true restoration.

@ChristopherCologneASMR Ай бұрын

I didn't like it for headlights it did not level at all. Now the kbs would work great for other projects... but I am going to try one more way with the kbs on headlights.... and that is thinning it out with xylene because this clear is so thick.

@victorabreu8632 Жыл бұрын

You think I can do 2 cars with the clear coat?

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

If you did them at the same time. These cans have to be used within 24 hours of first use.

@minteherms6784 4 ай бұрын

Why not aceton vape it???

@TrumpTrain911 9 ай бұрын

How long does it take for the clear to cure? Also what polish do you recommend to buff the clear coat after

@retsehcnamdetinu1672 5 ай бұрын

I think clear coat is last process as it’s the sealant and brings the new- like look, so don’t think you need buffing after.

@roywarren4350 9 ай бұрын

I don’t think you covered enough of the car.

@rons3331 Жыл бұрын

Used the same 2k and it looks hazy. Any suggestions.

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

Was it very humid? Clear coat doesn't like humidity. May try polishing the clear coat to see if it will clear up, but might have to sand and re-spray somewhere dry if it was humid out.

@zookinthe6ix461 Жыл бұрын

You need to do more wet sanding and ensure the covers are completely dry before applying any clear.

@Bemandyd Жыл бұрын

When do you take the masking off?

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

When its dry (doesn’t have to be cured) or wait til its cured.

@mdsuheal Ай бұрын

After sanding do buffing for 15 min..and see the results

@habibi9699 Ай бұрын

it looked great at first it I sprayed a bit of more clear coat and it went back to foggy, do I have to reset the whole process again?

@DmitrysGarage Ай бұрын

It may have set poorly. Is it very humid where you are?

@habibi9699 Ай бұрын

@@DmitrysGaragenot at all it’s very hot, I’m guessing it’s because I just sprayed too much since at first it looked brand new and then when I said another spray, it went back to foggy

@eeyyaakk6801 3 ай бұрын

800 not available so i had to do 600 1000 and 2000. Not much improvement unfortunately. Could the yellowing be on the inside? Or am i wet sanding incorrectly? I sand for 1 to 2 minutes only per paper. Too quick? Paper not wet enough? Also i only used meguiar's headlight coating, not the one you used.

@DmitrysGarage 3 ай бұрын

Like after sanding you still have the UV damage on the lenses? Is it getting all milky when you use the paper? It should be doing that. Make sure u soak the paper well and work the 600 grit until there is no more damaged surface before moving on to the other grits. Ive never seen damage in the inside. I suspect you’re not taking enough material off when sanding.

@eeyyaakk6801 3 ай бұрын

@@DmitrysGarage will try again. will let you know.

@jcsmith4062 Жыл бұрын

Does anyone know if this will work on red plastic bumpers?

@wolfmode0061 11 ай бұрын

Yes.

@GaryCapital 3 ай бұрын

Is 600, 1000, 2000 fine?

@brianbethune862 Ай бұрын

Emery cloth not sandpaper. Sandpaper will dissolve with water

@vygantasrimkus2632 8 ай бұрын

Should you polish it after clear coat?

@kxld03 5 ай бұрын

Whats the shelf life on that can?

@DmitrysGarage 5 ай бұрын

I believe the whole can has to be used the same day you open it. It has a hardener in it that you activate when you use it. They have a new headlight specific product that I want to check out.

@john762x51 11 ай бұрын

or a torch in about amenity or time

@coryboyd7958 Ай бұрын

You should use soapy water

@m.mmiirr8799 Жыл бұрын

will this work for peeling headlights mine are peeling baddd

@victoraguilar3561 Жыл бұрын

Basically yes cus the sand paper starting with the 800 will remove all that peeling clear coat

@johnsalvatore97 Жыл бұрын

you could even dry sand with 500 until you get everything off, refine to 800g then 1000 and then spray your clear.

@antisocialvr6 4 ай бұрын

👍

@leonm6969 2 ай бұрын

What clear coat should I use?

@keithroberts5611 Ай бұрын

Any certified clearcoat with added UV protection,For headlights only, Keep well away from 2k clearcoat

@goawaygrey 10 ай бұрын

You didnt do the criss pattern First horizontal then vertical

@ThisisTulsa918 Күн бұрын

I would have just remove , uninstall the head lamp fixture, instead of masking off the headlamp..save some time and cleanup😮

@Hddhbhtfaw77 9 ай бұрын

Did this and thank you!!!! I even brought back a fog light I fucked up with 80 grit 🤣🤣🤣🤣

@reverscrypto7638 2 ай бұрын

How to do it the wrong way 😂

@vannevels6758 10 ай бұрын

So why wet vs dry sand?

@DmitrysGarage 9 ай бұрын

Wet sanding helps leave behind a finer smooth surface, especially with fine grits. In general unless you have a ton of material to remove (heavy defects) wet is better for this kind of work and I would finish wet regardless.

@bigmuller1 5 ай бұрын

Autosol..beats the lot without flagging about

@PapaKryptoss 7 ай бұрын

The inside of the lenses are what screws up not the outside

@DmitrysGarage 7 ай бұрын

While that can happen, it is unusual. Almost always it is the outside that is damaged, although it is popular belief that it is the inside. I do hear it frequently, but have personally never seen it. Every car I've done this on was damaged on the outside.

@edmc1000 7 ай бұрын

Nope, have done this repair . All the crazing was on outside of lens.

@the.truth.checked 7 ай бұрын

All you need is 1700 sand paper

@mohammedzulk8485 Ай бұрын

Which jackass switched glass for plastic and created worldwide chaos?

@MichaelSmittySmithScottsdaleAz 2 ай бұрын

There will be a glare affect

@SVThailand 7 ай бұрын

You only need to go to 800 grit then hit it w the xlear

@mr.sinister1279 2 ай бұрын

This is just a temp fix best thing to do is replace the housing itself!

@DmitrysGarage 2 ай бұрын

It’s a much less temporary fix than other options, it can last for many years. To be fair even new lenses will again fail over time.

@mr.sinister1279 2 ай бұрын

@@DmitrysGarage everything fails over time but new ones lasts longer

@ralphjones6165 Ай бұрын

Have done similar process twice on my 2008 truck. Still working on original quantity of sand paper. Only need to buy clear coat each time. Has saved lots of money vs. buying new headlight housings each time.

@mr.sinister1279 Ай бұрын

@@ralphjones6165 I did it too twice like every 3-4 months got tired of it bought new lights that should last me a few years.. 🤙

@williamknutson2546 10 ай бұрын

The finish will turn yellow and you have to repeat process.....

@kingly7946 6 ай бұрын

How does it last before turning yellow?

@mohad6622 Ай бұрын

2k not for headlights

@Myparentsplace 6 ай бұрын

Where's the orange and baking soda?? 😅😅

@rogergoodwin5533 7 ай бұрын

Keeping auto indoors away from sun light.

@derekeano Жыл бұрын

I went to my Home Depot and they have sand paper available in 800, 1000, or 2000 but the smallest package for each is $10 😂 wtf $30 for just some sand paper? Also I don’t need 10 sheets of each

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

There are variety packs online. I think the video links to one.

@jt9264 Жыл бұрын

Variety pack online I got 400-2500 each on sponge blocks for $16

@Hondaworld323 11 ай бұрын

The walmart has them

@ericajohnson7535 Жыл бұрын

when that clear coat wears off, what happens?

@TKKSuper Жыл бұрын

repeat the process~

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

Correct. Nothing is permanent

@ericajohnson7535 Жыл бұрын

@@DmitrysGarage the headlight has been permanently made cloudy/matted.

@scottp2462 Жыл бұрын

@@ericajohnson7535The headlight was already cloudy/hazy. This is a restoration. The clear lenses cloud over due to UV exposure and environmental damage over time. Most restoration products that remove yellowing and haze are temporary and the UV damaged plastic will yellow and cloud over again. Clear coat adds a layer of protection to slow the breakdown process. Look at plastic bumper covers and plastic fender flares, air dams, spoilers that are made of plastic and painted the same color of the vehicle. Those items are also clear coated not only for shine/luster but to protect them from the same damage that plastic headlights are prone to.

@ericajohnson7535 Жыл бұрын

@@scottp2462 and if they were not cloudy/hazy, and were brand-new? Then you permanently scratched them.

@cindygomez5414 Ай бұрын

NO NEVER USE THAT CLEAR COAT! USE the Meguiars Headlight Coating spray it has UV protection to last you way longer than that clear coat your using. It will turn yellow as it has no protection from UV rays.

@DmitrysGarage Ай бұрын

Clear coat is much better and lasts much longer, because it protects from UV. The Meguiars product literally says its up to 12 months of protection. Thats not much, clear coat will last for years.

@yellowjacket1232 3 ай бұрын

Transmission fluid will work just as good.

@verrynice4620 Жыл бұрын

The problem I’m experiencing after the restoration that the headlights become very easy to scratch, am I doing something wrong?

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

Are you scratching them while sanding or after you paint them? The lacquer (clear coat) does need to cure if its scratching after you finish. Are you using an automotive lacquer?

@verrynice4620 Жыл бұрын

@@DmitrysGarage after sanding I apply the clear coat then I wait 24 hours , the clear coat I’m using is different brand but I think the one you are using more professional

@dmitrydovidenko5630 Жыл бұрын

@@verrynice4620 so the clear coat scratches later like when you wash the car? If so it’s probably too soft for the application. If its “cracking” as it cures and leaves scratch looking lines without you doing anything then its probably the application. Could be too cold for example

@verrynice4620 Жыл бұрын

@@dmitrydovidenko5630 exactly it’s scratches later when you wash the car , I think it’s the clear coat that I’m using it’s not a good brand , I will try again with different brand

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

Yea so make sure the product you use has a hardener. The product i used has a hardener you activate by pushing a button on the bottom of the can. You have to use it within 24 hours when you activate it.

@user-pr8dq1ww4n 5 ай бұрын

Wd-40 you're welcome

@DmitrysGarage 5 ай бұрын

There are a million hacks, you should try a fix.

@sergiolara6669 Жыл бұрын

Why are mine getting cloudy and not clear??

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

Theyll get cloudy while you sand, the clear coat will turn them clear. Make sure you spray a nice wet coat (but not runny wet).

@paulr5027 Жыл бұрын

Don't use clear coat after, just polish with a compound and machine then if you want, apply a quick ceramic coat to them

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

While you can polish lenses, they will never look as clear and they will turn foggy again very fast without a UV protective clear coat. Ceramic coatings don’t provide any meaningful uv protection.

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

Clear coat wont keep them clear forever, just like how the factory finish doesn’t. It will last a whole lot longer with it. Clear coat is what provides uv protection for your paint too. If you want long lasting results a good *automotive* clear coat with a hardener additive (like the spray max 2k i used here) is the way to go. If you have the car long enough for the automotive clear to fail, you would just do the same process again. Just sand it off and re-spray.

@RockyRepairs 11 ай бұрын

@@actionmadeThe manufacturer uses clear coat, which you can buy and spray yourself, it’s not impossible to achieve rather people try to cheap out. A spray can like the one shown is good and will work for awhile, but using a spray gun with a more precise mixture for the environment would work better and longer. It’s all about Cost, this is a $25 - $40 solution vs a $200 - 400 solution if you had to buy your own spray gun, clear, activator, materials, air compressor, air hose, air/water filter, etc.

@joeg.1119 Жыл бұрын

Before you began clean and wash you're headlights and than you begin the process

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

Yes you should clean and wash. Im new to short format clips. Learning how to fit all the info in :)

@vi23100 7 ай бұрын

2000 is wayyyy too light of a grit for 2k clear coat, that will peel the minute it gets a rock chip Need to finish in 800 grit and do 4 coats and you won't have a Peeling problem

@DannyGod9 10 ай бұрын

100 comments

@Maxx134a 3 ай бұрын

The right way to restore, is to buy headlight lens cover from China for less than 40 bucks

@EmmanuelAkyen-dw2cq 3 ай бұрын

Where can I get headlight restore kit from Accra

@EmmanuelAkyen-dw2cq 3 ай бұрын

Where can I get headlight restore get some

@cubicinches18 2 ай бұрын

Don't bother just use cutting compound

@Dr.RealTalk 28 күн бұрын

There is no such thing as a PERMANENT restoration. I'm in the business. Please STOP telling customers that because it's disingenuous and causes customers to expect more from business owners who restore headlights like myself.

@DmitrysGarage 28 күн бұрын

Sure, this is essentially as permanent as a restoration gets, meaning it’s not a process that you have to repeat annually or similar. Same as swapping the lenses, they will eventually fail too. This car still looks great. Im looking at it right now.

@Dr.RealTalk 27 күн бұрын

@DmitrysGarage How long does it usually last?

@JJ-fm3qk 4 ай бұрын

If you can.. save yourself the masking remove the lights

@evanmnbishop 4 ай бұрын

This is not easier than I thought it was going to be, rip

@cheferman65 5 ай бұрын

let's see them in 5 months..

@DmitrysGarage 5 ай бұрын

Still looking great, was just visiting him a few days ago.

@catherinecarrillo5054 7 ай бұрын

Ceramic coating is better than clear

@DmitrysGarage 7 ай бұрын

That is 1,000% false.

@ucrazy2rc460 Жыл бұрын

The right way is to replace the lights

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

Restore != replace.

@ucrazy2rc460 Жыл бұрын

@@DmitrysGarage it's a short-term fix

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

@@ucrazy2rc460 If you don't lacquer the lights sure, if you do it will last for years. Is it as good as a replacement? No, but on some cars replacements are unaffordable, like my 19 year old brother isn't going to be buying new HID acura headlights. They're upwards of $1,000 for new OEM.

@ucrazy2rc460 Жыл бұрын

@@DmitrysGarage true replacement lights are expensive

@twistedstyles Жыл бұрын

The right way is just to replace the whole car

@omnislash6619 5 ай бұрын

Sorry but 1000/1500/2000/2500. Trust me on this just try it

@Whachadoon 10 ай бұрын

Why not just polish it after the 2000 grit. Proper job then

@DmitrysGarage 10 ай бұрын

Clear coat needs to go on a sanded surface. If you dont clear coat it then it will rapidly yellow again outdoors.

@Whachadoon 10 ай бұрын

@@DmitrysGarage after watching a lot of videos it seems the proper way is to sand the light starting at around 800grit working towards 3000grit. Then using a polishing paste with a sponge on a drill or polisher to buff out all the scratches probably. Then add something on after that. Otherwise you just stick a plaster on it and the problem comes back.

@DmitrysGarage 10 ай бұрын

@@WhachadoonSo the clear coat is what provides a smooth and protective finish. You can buff the clear coat after for an even finer finish. The sanding already removes the scratches and the clear coat fills the matte sanded surface and makes it clear. What will you put on a buffed surface instead of clear coat to protect it?

@h0udinl 10 ай бұрын

@@Whachadoonnah they are doing it the wrong way In reality you should stop with 1200 and then clear you can polish the clear after but unless they are using clear it will just fade again

@calvinandakjozef 9 ай бұрын

Trust me. 3 hours job every 3 months required to maintain clear headlamp. There is better way to do this

@DmitrysGarage 9 ай бұрын

This process lasts way longer than 3 months. Should last for years. What is your better way?

@calvinandakjozef 9 ай бұрын

Change the cover if viable and start using film. Coat will turn yellowish fast under the sun and soon you will need to take it out, hence film will not work for sanded headlamp. Film last way much longer and easier to replace and it protect headlamp from oxidation.

@calvinandakjozef 9 ай бұрын

@@DmitrysGarageI am living near equator and getting hot burning sunlights almost everyday, that's probably explaining why it only work 3 months

@daytonr5290 10 ай бұрын

Going to be honest the spray cans cheat even though the 2K and only going to last for 2 years you're going to have to pay for the real PPG clear that will last forever

@DmitrysGarage 10 ай бұрын

Keep in mind this is for easy diy use. As far as 2 years as you know it depends on environment and application quality. For a daily driven car parked outside in the sun in the south the results will be different than a project car living indoors half the year up north. Hell even brand new cars can start to look like shit in a few years in harsh climates when not cared for.

@maximus518774 4 ай бұрын

Terrible. You polish them with a compound and buffer. This is horrible.

@DmitrysGarage 4 ай бұрын

Incorrect. Polishing is a short term fix and won't give you the same clarity.

@cubicinches18 2 ай бұрын

@@DmitrysGarage Wrong cutting compound with a lambskin mop even on a drill will bring the finish up to perfect clarity It's your choice to reclear or not

@hotratz69 Жыл бұрын

Tooth paste does a fair job.

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

Toothpaste does work, and is a quick fix in a pinch.

@1983Santiago Жыл бұрын

Sandpaper woth toothpaste?

@RockyRepairs 11 ай бұрын

@@1983SantiagoNo, just tooth paste, basically tooth paste is a compound… but that is not a permanent solution, your lights will yellow again after a few weeks in the sun… you need clear coat that has UV inhibitors that will prevent damage for years in direct sun

@shannoncraig5026 Жыл бұрын

It would have been easier to remove headlights 😂

@DmitrysGarage Жыл бұрын

Im not an expert with these Acuras as its not my car, but when I looked it seemed like a bit of a pain to take them off. Took us about 5 minutes to mask it instead.