About sanding/polishing out the "orange peel": it's not so the surface of the headlights looks smooth. Orange peel will make the light beam dissipate, look not as bright on the road. The clearer and smoother the surface of the headlights, the brighter and more focused will be the light on the road. The main reason for this fix isn't how the headlights look on your car, it's how much light they put on the road. That they look nice afterward is a bonus.
Great job man. Your spray technique is perfect. START your spray OFF the headlight, then pass ACROSS the headlight, and don't STOP your spray until you are again OFF the headlight..... Very good video. I just found your channel. You are very good. I like your videos! Keep it up!
ha ha! I have been doing that for years. My friends look at me crazy when I tell them about it, even seeing the finished product. Thanks for posting this. I am going to share it with all of my friends that didn't believe me.
You have the best info on restorations. I'll be trying the above, plus the flaky clear coat restoration from the other video starting today. Thanks a lot for sharing!
I just buffed out the lights and used Rustoleum 2x ultra cover and without even trying it does that orange peel effect. I find your video so far is the ONLY one that addresses it. Thanks!!!
Three months later and the lenses on my E320 still look great. After spraying on the clearcoat the weather changed and I didn't have the time to buff the clear coat to smooth. Today, it isn't that noticeable, and at a savings of $700 for MB replacements I don't notice it at all.
Looks like a lot of work ! I have always "cleaned" the headlamps with Polishing compound , followed by waxing, and found it last 2 to 3 years... Following thisroutine (of 20 minutes ) keeps them bright and shining until the cars end .
+RatchetsAnd Wrenches hello, i tried this method with 1500 and 2000, then i applied a clear coat brand Touch 'n tone, i dont know ehat happened but my headlight turn like a white or not clear color :/... Can you talk to me or send me a email to tall about plis i need some help
+Alberto Carvajal there are a few types of clearcoat, some are sold to spray on glass next to front door of your house so people cant see in but it still lets the light in. make sure your can says clear and not glazed
This is a great video. I thought the only way to fix this problem was to replace the headlights. Replacement units aren't too expensive for most cars, but this method is dirt cheap by comparison.
Best way to fix mist/faded headlights for less than what it would cost for a new set is to restore them. Remove the headlight assembly. Wet sand the entire front of assembly with 1000 grit sand paper. Then step up to 2000 grit sand paper. Then, with alcohol, wipe down the entire lens to get all the dirt off and re-wipe to make sure lens is clean. Then spray automotive grade clear onto the entire lens. let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes then re-spray two or three times with 10 to15 minutes between coats. Wait for an hour or two to let the clear dry so you can reinstall the lights. Wait a day or two then buff and wax the headlights.
Hi R & W. Great advice and method. There are a few old heaps here begging for that headlight freshening. I always start with the most worthless wheezy old rolling tin shack while getting the drill down. The UV proof cover seems to be the trick, as the *#&@X fogging aways returns otherwise. I like to remove any afflicted parts from said heaps, and do a temp cardboard box mini spray booth out back. Thanks for clear, careful explanations.
Hi ! I have a question,: i've done this procedure on my headlight and they came out really good, but two weeks from that it seems like my low beam coock the paint in front of them. Is it because i did too many layers of paint? Thanks in advance
finally someone that did it correctly...been telling people for ages that the toothpaste method is garbage and will wash off y our lights by the time you wash your car ONCE....finally someone who did it correctly.
Love you're videos was wandering if you could show a 1986 TRANS AM convenience center where the buzzers and turn and flash canisters connect I had a fire don't know if it's all there ?
Some paint shops say you need a adhesion promoter before spraying the clear but I questioned them using a 2K clear for headlights. 2K clear is the way to go for long lasting chemical/uv proof results which is not what that dupli color is.
You should use a cross pattern between the grits, no biggie, and or just remove the housing' do your work, let the clear air dry for 4hrs then bake in the oven around 140 degrees for an hour, then remove air dry for two more hrs and done, clear will be fully cured. Nice vid just my 2cents, and it works..
Thanks. I tried Chris Fix's method before and it still came out hazy. Not sure if it was because of the wax, or because I didn't sand it enough at the lower grits. Eventually I'll try doing it again and see if I get a better result.
anti0918 Make sure the haze is not from the inside of the Headlight, if its from the exterior like you said make sure you sand it down thoroughly especially with the 400-800 grit sand papers. GL
very impressive. the way your explanation feels genune may be of your voice. but i am from india. can you suggest me the material which is avaliable here if you know. thank you.
How do you protect it after this? Do you apply some sealant? You are the first person I saw who sprayed it with clear coat. Usually they use rubbing compound and then polishing compound. After that some sealant like jet seal or whatever.
After sanding you need to finish off with some abrazive paste (i use 3 m), and THEN apply clear coat. And i finish sanding with 2000, 1500 is kinda rough.
Great video, as usual. Do you think there would be a benefit of using a 2K clearcoat over the Duplicolor? Is it worth the extra expense? Longevity? Thanks a lot. Terry
What if you see some area you need to sand down after you have applied your clear coat? Could you remove the clear coat in the same manner in which it takes to remove the oxidation? What i'm saying is could I just start over and redo the process?
Ratchets and Wrenches I would liove to hear your opinion on Sweet Project Cars channel's headlight restoration video using Mother's Mag & Aluminum Poilish and a buffer?
I followed the exact procedure but did my cherokee lights out of the vehicle. 2 days afterwards I installed them and did a light 400, 800, 1500 again to remove orange peel and prep for polish. It smoothed it out real nice, then I used a polishing compound on a fine damp microfiber cloth. With some elbow grease they came back nicely. Give them a few more days again to cure and polish using polishing compound on a wool buff at low to medium speed.
How about using 2k clear coat instead of 1k clear? Would 2k clear be more durable? And would applying plastic primer first make the whole job more durable? Just wondering what the best practice would be to get something that would last 5+ years, or at least as good as new headlights from the factory.
In a video about painting a bumper to recommend not using 'Grease and Wax Remover' on the plastic bumper. Why do you recommend using it on the plastic headlight?
Wow, your explanation is concise...rare here on UA-cam. VERY helpful. Now if we can figure out how to sign up...
You're one awesome teacher. God bless you.
Fantastic video! Seamlessly edited, leaving just the right amount of content & explanation.
About sanding/polishing out the "orange peel": it's not so the surface of the headlights looks smooth. Orange peel will make the light beam dissipate, look not as bright on the road. The clearer and smoother the surface of the headlights, the brighter and more focused will be the light on the road.
The main reason for this fix isn't how the headlights look on your car, it's how much light they put on the road. That they look nice afterward is a bonus.
Great job man.
Your spray technique is perfect. START your spray OFF the headlight, then pass ACROSS the headlight, and don't STOP your spray until you are again OFF the headlight.....
Very good video.
I just found your channel. You are very good. I like your videos! Keep it up!
Bro, your videos are awesome. ... guide on windshield scratch cause of wipers.. Minnor one
Thanks Mike I had no idea it was a simple process thanks to you. I follow your directions and they look nearly good as new. keep it up
ha ha! I have been doing that for years. My friends look at me crazy when I tell them about it, even seeing the finished product.
Thanks for posting this. I am going to share it with all of my friends that didn't believe me.
You have the best info on restorations. I'll be trying the above, plus the flaky clear coat restoration from the other video starting today. Thanks a lot for sharing!
I just buffed out the lights and used Rustoleum 2x ultra cover and without even trying it does that orange peel effect. I find your video so far is the ONLY one that addresses it. Thanks!!!
Great video and thanks for taking the time to do it.
Mike
Three months later and the lenses on my E320 still look great. After spraying on the clearcoat the weather changed and I didn't have the time to buff the clear coat to smooth. Today, it isn't that noticeable, and at a savings of $700 for MB replacements I don't notice it at all.
Excellent Video, This is really the way to do it, all the other ways are really temp. Thanks Good Job
joel mccoin exactly, glad you liked the video. cheers
Looks like a lot of work ! I have always "cleaned" the headlamps with Polishing compound , followed by waxing, and found it last 2 to 3 years... Following thisroutine (of 20 minutes ) keeps them bright and shining until the cars end .
Great video. You do a great job of including all the smaller details. Thanks!!
Excellent video!!! I have a 1999 Mercury Cougar and it's headlights are yellowed. Will certainly be trying this!
Thanks for the way you explain the steps. Great job!
WOW..YOU DID IT AGAIN..AND AS ALWAYS..YOU ROCK!
very well explained bro. I'll be trying this on my g35
You share a lot of helpful videos, Thanks for taking the time to make them and sharing what you know!!!
Awesome! I got a project this weekend. :) Thanks for all your advice brother. Keep up the good work.
Daniel Jones will do, gl with the project. Let us know how it goes.
All your vids are so helpful. Huge thanks
This will be my next project for my S2000. Great Video.
Great video very detailed. I did this and loved the results ,also added polish after a week even more amazing result. thanks again. 🖒
np, glad you liked it. cheers
I would recommend sanding it down with a 2000 grid sandpaper (lightly) with water and then use mequiers diamond cut to shine it , works like a charm
Looks really good and makes them brighter @ nite. I did this type of stuff to mine and it works.
Thanks man. Great advice. Obviously you are very experienced at doing this. Other videos do not show all the details that you did. Thanks again.
+Mark Bolno np, thanks for watching and commenting. cheers
I must admit that looks really nice 👍
Very good video with step by step explanations, thank you.
Very detailed illustrations. Well done
+thomas tan Thanks, glad you liked it.
Great job. have tried other means of getting headlight clear and didn't go so well. Now after seeing your video I am gonna try it your way.
+ThePomeranianlover Sweet, let us know how it turns out.
+RatchetsAnd Wrenches hello, i tried this method with 1500 and 2000, then i applied a clear coat brand Touch 'n tone, i dont know ehat happened but my headlight turn like a white or not clear color :/... Can you talk to me or send me a email to tall about plis i need some help
+Alberto Carvajal there are a few types of clearcoat, some are sold to spray on glass next to front door of your house so people cant see in but it still lets the light in. make sure your can says clear and not glazed
EXCELLENT JOB MY FRIEND!!!!!
Fantastic results. Great video!
This is some awesome information. I love doing stuff like this.
This is a great video. I thought the only way to fix this problem was to replace the headlights. Replacement units aren't too expensive for most cars, but this method is dirt cheap by comparison.
Best way to fix mist/faded headlights for less than what it would cost for a new set is to restore them. Remove the headlight assembly. Wet sand the entire front of assembly with 1000 grit sand paper. Then step up to 2000 grit sand paper. Then, with alcohol, wipe down the entire lens to get all the dirt off and re-wipe to make sure lens is clean. Then spray automotive grade clear onto the entire lens. let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes then re-spray two or three times with 10 to15 minutes between coats. Wait for an hour or two to let the clear dry so you can reinstall the lights. Wait a day or two then buff and wax the headlights.
Wow that looks great!! Thanks for the knowledge
thank you. your videos are all very educative. more videos on honda accord and toyota rav 4 please. thx
Great video, thanks for your help, I'm gonna do this on my dodge pu.
This video is awesome! Thank you! One question: Was one of those Dupli-Color cans enough to spray both headlights thoroughly?
amazing! Really great detailed instructions
Excellent video demo!
Nice. No bullshit. Just great easy to follow info.
Your very intelligent..good job brother
Hi R & W. Great advice and method. There are a few old heaps here begging for that headlight freshening. I always start with the most worthless wheezy old rolling tin shack while getting the drill down. The UV proof cover seems to be the trick, as the *#&@X fogging aways returns otherwise. I like to remove any afflicted parts from said heaps, and do a temp cardboard box mini spray booth out back. Thanks for clear, careful explanations.
love the videos man keep it up!
actually teaching ppl how to earn money from it. Well done!
Hi ! I have a question,: i've done this procedure on my headlight and they came out really good, but two weeks from that it seems like my low beam coock the paint in front of them. Is it because i did too many layers of paint?
Thanks in advance
nice video, thanks for sharing this awesome one . nice work
great job i have a 99 aurora thats in bad shape gonna try it your way. thanks
finally someone that did it correctly...been telling people for ages that the toothpaste method is garbage and will wash off y our lights by the time you wash your car ONCE....finally someone who did it correctly.
Really well explained thanks
Thanks for the video great job..
Dude !!! you rock !! cool vid.
Love you're videos was wandering if you could show a 1986 TRANS AM convenience center where the buzzers and turn and flash canisters connect I had a fire don't know if it's all there ?
GREAT VIDEO!!!! WOW!!!
VICTOR
sounds good..i will give it a shot.
paket j
Dam..that looks great..Outstanding.
Did he mention how long to wait before you can drive and use your headlights? Just curious, with the heat from the headlights plus the elements.
24 hours is safe.
Some paint shops say you need a adhesion promoter before spraying the clear but I questioned them using a 2K clear for headlights. 2K clear is the way to go for long lasting chemical/uv proof results which is not what that dupli color is.
01lexus
Yeah, I wondered why R&W didn't use 2K clear on the headlights. He likes 2K on body panels, why not on headlights?
You should use a cross pattern between the grits, no biggie, and or just remove the housing' do your work, let the clear air dry for 4hrs then bake in the oven around 140 degrees for an hour, then remove air dry for two more hrs and done, clear will be fully cured. Nice vid just my 2cents, and it works..
Where do we buy elbow grease?
Central America? That's where most of ours comes from in the US…
townsent1 the Home Depot parking lot
amazon is also an option
lmao buy it at the sweat and tears department lol
No stores in my area carry it. Probably a health hazard or something... lol
ty for this vid prob going to do this to my headlights tommro 2 thumbs up
this method it really works
Great video
perfect method, worked for me
great job friend
amjad amj tyty
Thanks. I tried Chris Fix's method before and it still came out hazy. Not sure if it was because of the wax, or because I didn't sand it enough at the lower grits. Eventually I'll try doing it again and see if I get a better result.
anti0918 Make sure the haze is not from the inside of the Headlight, if its from the exterior like you said make sure you sand it down thoroughly especially with the 400-800 grit sand papers. GL
very impressive. the way your explanation feels genune may be of your voice. but i am from india. can you suggest me the material which is avaliable here if you know. thank you.
Hey Mike, is it OK that I have been using mop&glo on my tires and bumpers since 1987?
can we use the same clear coat spray on the head light as that we use to repair the top coat on the paint?
nice job where did you get the 800 and 1500 grit sandpaper
Great one.
How do you protect it after this? Do you apply some sealant?
You are the first person I saw who sprayed it with clear coat. Usually they use rubbing compound and then polishing compound. After that some sealant like jet seal or whatever.
Wonder after the 1500 if You used Plastix from Mequiar if it would have removed the cloudiness?
After sanding you need to finish off with some abrazive paste (i use 3 m), and THEN apply clear coat. And i finish sanding with 2000, 1500 is kinda rough.
Thanks for that!
Outstanding Video, Excellent, Just One Tip Open The ( Bonnet UK Or Hood USA )
Great video, as usual. Do you think there would be a benefit of using a 2K clearcoat over the Duplicolor?
Is it worth the extra expense? Longevity?
Thanks a lot.
Terry
bravo sir
AWESOME!!! THANKS
Will any polishing compound do? For the orange peal??
good job
What if you see some area you need to sand down after you have applied your clear coat? Could you remove the clear coat in the same manner in which it takes to remove the oxidation? What i'm saying is could I just start over and redo the process?
Does the rubbing compound really work compared to wet sanding? I would really like to use compound if it works
Can I do this during winter? It's like 10 degree out right now.
Ratchets and Wrenches I would liove to hear your opinion on Sweet Project Cars channel's headlight restoration video using Mother's Mag & Aluminum Poilish and a buffer?
brand new headlights for that car are $50, I bought mine couple of years ago. Still look new.
Can you wet sand the clear around 3000 grit to completely remove orange peel
I followed the exact procedure but did my cherokee lights out of the vehicle. 2 days afterwards I installed them and did a light 400, 800, 1500 again to remove orange peel and prep for polish. It smoothed it out real nice, then I used a polishing compound on a fine damp microfiber cloth. With some elbow grease they came back nicely. Give them a few more days again to cure and polish using polishing compound on a wool buff at low to medium speed.
I just did mine one them it looks like new next I'm waiting for an hour to remove the tape and after I'll go home I'll do the other side thanks bro
Awesome vid thanks for sharing. I need to do this to my toyota
Adam's Brewery and Shop np, glad you liked it. Let us know how the headlights on your toyota turn out. cheers
Excellent.
naujcdl tyty
Great video, but I checked the description box for the polishing compound and didn't find it. What polishing compound did you have in your hand?
I'm guessing it's this? www.amazon.com/Meguiars-M8532-Mirror-Diamond-Compound/dp/B0002SQVGC/ref=pd_sbs_263_22?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0002SQVGC&pd_rd_r=EYFGN2V2TNR86Q8FGVS5&pd_rd_w=x7oeO&pd_rd_wg=zoU4V&psc=1&refRID=EYFGN2V2TNR86Q8FGVS5
Great video. I never heard of this methof
***** Thanks, this is a proper restoration method.
What polishing compound did you use in the video? Ive orange peel and would like to clear mine up a bit
this might not be your area of expertise but do you know if UV Curing lamps will be able to cure the clear coat quicker?
Can you wet sand the clear coat with fine grit paper to remedy the orange peel??
awesome Thanks man
How about using 2k clear coat instead of 1k clear? Would 2k clear be more
durable? And would applying plastic primer first make the whole job
more durable? Just wondering what the best practice would be to get
something that would last 5+ years, or at least as good as new
headlights from the factory.
In a video about painting a bumper to recommend not using 'Grease and Wax Remover' on the plastic bumper. Why do you recommend using it on the plastic headlight?