Saftey Glasses
Gloves
Headlight Restoration Kit
Painter's Tape
Microfiber towels
Restoring foggy or yellowed headlights is an easy way to improve visibility, safety, and the appearance of your vehicle. Using a headlight restoration kit, you can remove oxidation and cloudiness from your lenses for clear, bright headlights. These instructions focus on a manual headlight restoration kit, but if you have a drill attachment kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your chosen headlight restoration kit and ensure you have the supplies you need before starting.
Step 1: Wash and Dry the Headlight Lens
Clean the headlight and surrounding area to remove dirt and grime. This ensures proper adhesion for masking tape on the headlight lens and a clean surface for restoration.
Step 2: Use Tape to Mask Around the Headlight Assembly
Use low-tack painter’s tape to protect your vehicle’s paint and chrome while sanding. Proper taping prevents damage from sanding and chemicals. Easy-release or low-tack tape will also minimize any residue left behind on your vehicle’s paint or trim.
Step 3: Apply Lens Clarifying Compound
Use a microfiber towel to apply the lens clarifying compound evenly over the headlight lens. Apply pressure and buff with a clean microfiber towel. This may restore clarity immediately, but continue to the sanding step if necessary.
Step 4: Prepare Sanding Pads
Most kits include two types of color-coded or numbered sanding pads and spray lubricant. Follow your kit’s instructions for the correct order and usage.
Step 5: Sand the Headlight Lens
Sanding the headlight lens will be done in stages which are outlined below. Always ensure your sanding pads are lubricated throughout headlight restoration, and follow these steps:
- First pad, horizontal: Spray lubricant on pad and lens; sand horizontally to remove oxidation.
- First pad, vertical: Flip the first pad and sand vertically.
- Second pad, horizontal: Repeat sanding with the second pad horizontally.
- Second pad, vertical: Flip the second pad and sand vertically.
Step 6: Reapply Lens Clarifying Compound
Dry the lens with a clean microfiber towel and apply another layer of lens clarifying compound. Repeat these steps for the headlight lens on the opposite side if you haven’t already.
Step 7: Apply Lens Base Coat
Use the lens base coat wipe to coat both lenses completely. Wear a latex or nitrile glove to prevent skin irritation, and apply the base coat quickly. Follow your specific kit instructions for the best results.
Step 8: Apply Lens Sealing Wipe
Finish with the lens sealing wipe to protect your headlights from future yellowing. The coating cures in about 24 hours, but you can drive your vehicle while it sets.
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Do It Right: Regular headlight cleaning and restoration prevents cloudiness, improves night driving safety, and restores your car’s appearance. If your headlights are extremely damaged and can’t be restored with a kit, shop the selection of replacement headlight lenses or assemblies available at O’Reilly Auto Parts. |
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The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.