Hazed and sun-faded headlights are not only unsafe, but they look atrocious. They can make any car that is in good condition, look neglected and abused.
The reason why headlights with polycarbonate (a.k.a. plastic) lenses begin to look cloudy and faded is because the UV resistant coating on the lens has seen some wear and tear due to the constant abuse from road grime, bugs, rocks, dirt, snow, salt, etc. When the UV resistant coating begins to pit, it will expose the bare polycarbonate lens. When that is done, the constant UV rays from the sun will oxidize the composition of the plastic and create the faded, cloudy lens. To repair this problem, sanding the entire headlight is a must so that the failing UV coating that was applied when the headlight was made, is completely removed. You will then need to remove the scratches and the haze from the lens by polishing and restoring it to new condition.
At that point, the headlight will look crystal clear and will be able to allow light through the lens instead of being distorted from the haze. If it is left like that, it will begin to haze again in a matter of no time, especially if you live in an environment where your car will see alot of sun. The best way to prevent the oxidation is from a Paint Protection Film. Since it is a UV resistant film, the sun’s UV rays won’t be able to deteriorate the lens. Not only does the PPF absorb small impacts like rock chips and debris (so the UV coating will not be compromised), but it will be able to be replaced quite easily. I also find that removing the headlights / masking the entire car, is a pain in the butt so that we can paint a layer of clear coat over the lens, which will eventually fade due to the same pitting problem we have with the headlight being at the front of the car.
The exact 3M film I showed in this video can be purchased here ( It is also available in many different sizes. You can purchase the roll to do a custom piece like your headlight, and you can also purchase pre-cut kits for your car by following this link here (
If you’re interested to see what other products I used in this video, all of the links can be found below (in order of appearance):
3M Automotive Masking Tape ▶︎
Foam Sanding Block ▶︎
1500 Grit Trizact Sand Paper ▶︎
3M Headlight Restoration Kit ▶︎
Cordless Drill ▶︎
Corded Drill ▶︎
3000 Grit Sanding Discs ▶︎
Meguiars M105 Cutting Compound ▶︎
3 inch Cutting Pad (3-Pack) ▶︎
Meguiars M205 Polishing Compound ▶︎
3 inch Polishing Pad (3-Pack) ▶︎
Premium Microfiber Towels ▶︎
Isopropyl Alcohol ▶︎
Original Scent Dish Soap ▶︎
3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film ▶︎
Olfa 9mm Utility Blade ▶︎
Camera Used for this Video ▶︎
Camera Used for Alternate Shots ▶︎
If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email at [email protected]. Thanks for watching!! 🙂
⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯
SEND ME STUFF 👇
MILAN MASTRACCI
PO BOX 30075 TOWN SQ. PO
FONTHILL, ONTARIO
L0S 1E3
⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯
Please give it a like 👍 and follow 👣
YouTube Channel ▶︎
Instagram ▶︎
Facebook Page ▶︎
⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯
Music provided by Argofox:
Ghost’n’Ghost – Lighthouse
I have to agree with another commenter, Great Video. The 3M lens restoration kit you linked is currently unavailable 39045. Amazon referenced the 39008 version as a replacement. Is this version a good replacement for use with a drill or do you suggest a different part as a valid replacement?
Nice great amazing informative
how do you fix sagging headliners
Nice n easy… Very easy
Dude take the double clutch video down! you were mislead. Its ok, it happens to the best of us.
try hand buffing it with tooth paste for 5 minutes on each lamp and boom!! then a few layers of car polish , boom!! compounds? nope
Why not leave the masking tape on the car until you're finished?
This. Is. A. Recall. Don't. Be. A. Fool
I really like the video…the best one yet that I have seen and I have seen alot looking for the best way to restore my headlights. A BIG THANK YOU!… <3
All you need is chrome and wheel polish. 5 minutes is all it takes.
thanks
Gotta say I followed your system step by step and the headlight covers of my Audi A4 V6 3.0L Cabriolet look brand new. Everyone, who has seen the restored headlights, is blown away on how good they came out. Thank you and good job!!!
You lost me at. Enter than new
Damn good job Milan !!! Thanks for the video… Denny
GREAT!!!!!! VIDEO!!!!!!🐐
can you tell me what things you use it for all from scratch to end is nice to know way you done the job luck luck
Or you could just use T-Cut save you money 💰
s
I will definitely try this method. Looks simple enough!
Brilliant explanation and perfect work. This is how a Youtube video should be. Thank you for your production.
Thanks for answering a question I have wondered about for a long time. The solution is duable. Please send me the information about the products you have used.
Your made it very easy and clear to understand
Great job bro
Thku
This is a great video. Very easy to follow and seems all the steps are clear and in order. Thank you!
Excellent video.. very comprehensive.. very well made, thank you 🙂
I worked for a semi repair shop and this is how we did it except with the sanding we would move up to a finer grit after we were done with the previous grit about 3 times until we finally hit 3000 grit…lil more time but if u can only afford a cheap polishing agent or compound its a good idea to do so 🙂 nice work bro
Paint Protection Film sounds like a great idea. In fact it must be good because Napa didn't even know about it. Imagine all the money saved by using it. Thanks!
I had my headlights changed today on my VW Passat 2002. She looks pretty again.
What's the advantage of paint protection film over spraying them with clear coat?