Your Preferred Way to Clean Headlights

[Trigger Jack]

I know there are several hundred, if not thousands, of posts in regards to how to clean headlights.

The main reason I don't have many posts, even though I've been on here for 7~ years, is because there is such a wealth of info. I generally don't have to ask anything - I can just search for it.

That said, it does get pretty confusing when there's so many different answers. Some people say to use Plastx, others immediately dismiss it as going hazy shortly after.

Some say to use toothpaste.

Some Brasso.

Some Mother's Mag polish.

Even brake fluid....

Etc, and so forth.

There's plenty of how-to's on each, so what I'm looking for is what the most preferred way is.

If you guys think this is just beating a dead horse, I'm sorry. I just thought it'd be useful to people new at this, to have a tallied result for what methods to use.

Edit: Go figure, I created the poll, and forgot to put Brasso on there....and I can't find a way to change it.

 

[4g63tc]

3M Headlight Restorer. Pretty much about the easiest, best performing product out there.

Take your time, use plenty of water.

Or

2g Stock aftermarket headlights on Amazon for 85.00 Free shipping.
Amazon.com: Mitsubishi Eclipse/Spider Headlights OE Style Replacement Headlamps Driver/Pa...: Automotive

 

[98blackeclipse]

^ Just what i was about to say. i wet sand with like a 1200-1500 sand paper. Then use 3M compound. works great and doesnt get hazy afterwords.

 

[snowborder714]

No matter which way you do it, if you don't put a protective clear film over the headlight (e.g. VentureShield), the yellowing and pitting will come back in a few months.

 

[MetalMulisha]

I've always just hit them with a buffer, use like 1500 then 3000 3m perfect-it, they look new. But you must clear coat them to keep them looking new.

 

[jmc1590]

I've always used 1500-2000 grit wet sand, followed by some form of "scratch remover." (Last time I think I used a Kit Wax product.)

 

[Tyeler18]

Always use the 3m restore kit. Actually just used it last weekend on the girlfriends GST and worked out great.

 

[TSi Kid]

Wet sand with a bunch of watch and clear coat

 

[phunny]

No matter which way you do it, if you don't put a protective clear film over the headlight (e.g. VentureShield), the yellowing and pitting will come back in a few months.

Does waxing work or is the film really the only way to go?

 

[FLASH1970]

I used the Flitz kit and it worked well.

 

[Blurred Talon]

No matter which way you do it, if you don't put a protective clear film over the headlight (e.g. VentureShield), the yellowing and pitting will come back in a few months.

This.
Buffing with a machine (Porter Cable) is the only way to get them to look brand new again.

Me, I just bought new headlights.

 

[snowborder714]

Does waxing work or is the film really the only way to go?

I've heard of people waxing as well as spraying with a clear coat. I think the clear coat lasted 6-8 months before the finish started to deteriorate. And I don't think waxing lasted longer than a couple months, tops. This is all from memory, so don't hold me to the time frames. I do know azdave has used the film I recommended above (he told me about it a while ago) and has had no deterioration after 2+ years I believe.


Anthony's got it right. They ideally should be buffed out with a machine and a few different stages of polish to get a perfect finish. I plan on using a Flex polisher and 2-3 different stages of polish, just haven't had time recently. azdave used a 3 stage polish before applying the film on headlights he has done.

 

[asrdave]

I wet sand with 1500, then to 2000. Buff it with rubbing compound, then spray can urethane clear on it. Thats the easiest and best method I have used and it only takes like an hour if I am taking my time.
-=D

 

[DanielR921G]

3G restore kit is the greatest thing on earth! And it's 20 dollars!!

 

[4Lurker4]

3G restore kit is the greatest thing on earth! And it's 20 dollars!!

That's the way I do it

 

[4g63tc]

With the 3M restore Kit, I just do a Quick repolish every 4-5 months or so, and they look just as good as the first time.

I just reuse the foam pad, and the rubbing compound. and my car is outside in the desert heat everyday.

 

[Bud92gsx]

Toothpaste does work, it has to be the paste tho..And ALOT of elbow grease..

Brasso and an old sock is what I use now..Maybe a minute or less buffing with the sock..And it looks basically brand new..But yes In all honesty It will not be as clear in a couple months like Brian said..But for two minutes of work, and 1.89 at the hardware store..How could you go wrong..

 

[Silver99OZ]

With the 3M restore Kit, I just do a Quick repolish every 4-5 months or so, and they look just as good as the first time.

I just reuse the foam pad, and the rubbing compound. and my car is outside in the desert heat everyday.

I do the same thing. I bought the 3M kit about three years back. I kept the foam buffing pad and give my headlights a quick buff every month or so with some plastic polish.

 

[Trigger Jack]

I appreciate all the feedback, fellas. I wish there was a way I could update the poll to include 3M, since that seems to be a pretty universal answer.

I've seen Ventureshield and the like used on car fronts, no idea why it didn't occur to me that it would protect headlights the same.

So, it'd be pretty safe to say:

1. Wet sand. (pretty much required, it looks like)
2. 3m Restore kit, or your choice if you have a preference.
3. UV protection.

And if you're lucky enough to have a buffer, etc....to elaborate on those details where you see fit.

Or if all else fails, buy replacement headlights, .

One question: I realize that 1500-2000 grit sandpaper will only remove a very minute amount of the actual headlight material.....is there any concern after doing this process, say....15-20 times, that you'll start really getting into the plastic and cause harm?

I guess it might be moot, because if you're doing this every 6 months or so, that'd be 7-10 years....

 

[snowborder714]

What text would you like added to the poll? I can edit it for you.

 

[Trigger Jack]

What text would you like added to the poll? I can edit it for you.

Brasso, 3M Restore Kit, and replace Clay Bar with "Other" to just cover the random options...

Thanks!

 

[snowborder714]

Fixed.

 

[4g63tc]

I appreciate all the feedback, fellas. I wish there was a way I could update the poll to include 3M, since that seems to be a pretty universal answer.

I've seen Ventureshield and the like used on car fronts, no idea why it didn't occur to me that it would protect headlights the same.

So, it'd be pretty safe to say:

1. Wet sand. (pretty much required, it looks like)
2. 3m Restore kit, or your choice if you have a preference.
3. UV protection.

And if you're lucky enough to have a buffer, etc....to elaborate on those details where you see fit.

Or if all else fails, buy replacement headlights, .

One question: I realize that 1500-2000 grit sandpaper will only remove a very minute amount of the actual headlight material.....is there any concern after doing this process, say....15-20 times, that you'll start really getting into the plastic and cause harm?

I guess it might be moot, because if you're doing this every 6 months or so, that'd be 7-10 years....

What Generally Fails on the headlight really isn't the plastic, it's the Clear Protectant they spray over it. The U.V. rays really tear them up.

The 3M kits actually from start to finish removes the original clear, and buffs the Plastic. It's a Complete Process, it's actually wetsanding the whole time.

it's Grits start out at 500, 800, then a 3000 grit trizact finishing pad. followed up by a foam compounding pad, and rubbing compound.

Once you remove the original Clear coat, the amount of plastic removed is minimal, kinda like buffing a paintjob.

I have actually used the 3M Idea on Restoring a CF hood, Clear coat failure. i Just went to the Local Autobody supply, and picked up the same grits, and a 6" 3M hookit pad.
Worked Amazing, although i did also supplement 2000 grit after the 800.

I think i'll just do a write up, since i have a really bad pair of OEM 2Ga's that have been sitting in the sun for a few years.

 

[Bud92gsx]

1, I'm the only one who chose Brasso..And chooses Brasso..

 

[Below Ambient]

wet sand with 2000 grit maybe about ten minutes a piece if they are really bad... then i use some cheap wax, maybe three applications...