Headlight Restoration Under $10

[BoostedPontiac]

First of all youll need a few things:

1.) Various sandpaper grits. (400,600,800,1500)

2.) High gloss clear coat. It needs to be uv rated so it wont yellow over time.

3.) Some paper towels

4.) A Tupperware container of water for wet sanding


I started off slow using a coarse grit sandpaper to remove any yellowing.

After the yellowing was pretty much gone i worked my way down to wet sanding with fine grit sandpaper. After getting the light nice and smooth, i prepped the light for the clear coat by wiping away the plastic headlight dust.

I ended up letting the clear coat dry, then sanding lightly again to apply a second layer of clear coat. Keep in mind this was just a quick and dirty version. Im sure the results will be better with more sanding/ clear coat. The final results:

 

[Bio248]

you need to reclear them with something that has a little UV protectant or they'll end up looking the same again very soon.

 

[Bronco Boy]

you need to reclear them with something that has a little UV protectant or they'll end up looking the same again very soon.

Like he already did? LOL

2.) High gloss clear coat. It needs to be uv rated so it wont yellow over time.

 

[Bio248]

i don't read anymore.

 

[QuinlanGTP]

Nice write up with pics!

 

[Tombo]

I did my fiancee's car headlights with a corded drill, buffing wheel, and plastic polishing compound a while back. No need to paint them after you're done either. Just gotta keep em clean.

^before

^after

 

[abc]

I happened to see a can of Rust Oleum Triple Thick Glaze clearance priced. It's meant for pottery, but it's high gloss, indoor outdoor (UV), and non-yellowing. I did the refinishing over a year ago and it still looks like new. Granted I park in a garage. Since it was extra thick you can really sand the heck out of it to get the gloss you want.

 

[BoostedPontiac]

Good to know. Ill give that a try next time.