Headlight Restoration (3 Viewers)

[Jonesdx]

I've been looking for an option to restore my headlights after using headlight restoration services from local details shops. The problem was after each cycle the headlights never looked amazing and would return to their previous state within months. I came across Cerakote through YouTube or maybe reddit. The reviews seemed promising and no power tools required. Total time spent completing both headlights was less than a hour.

I'm not affiliated in any way, I just know how frustrating it is, especially when I was about to dump $1,200 on some new lights.

Before and After

 

[Jonesdx]

And the badge.

 

[Boston Mangler]

There’s been dozens of folks claiming they found the fix for this, yet, they are always back to yellow within 6 months.

If anyone has some magic sauce, and can confirm it lasts more than a year, many would want to hear about it

 

[AZLX570]

Does anyone know the best way to remove an old protective film (similar to a clear bra) from headlights? I suspect that is what is on mine. Would like to remove + cleanup and then coat with some sort of protective sealant/coating that is not a plastic film.

 

[UT08LX570]

There's only two ways to really restore oxidized headlights and prevent it from coming back for years: 1) sand down and clearcoat with automotive clearcoat, not some single stage in a can. 2) sand down and polish to perfect and then have ppf applied. Simple as that.

@AZLX570 Steam is the best option to avoid it leaving all the glue/adhesive behind.

 

[04UZJ100]

There’s been dozens of folks claiming they found the fix for this, yet, they are always back to yellow within 6 months.

If anyone has some magic sauce, and can confirm it lasts more than a year, many would want to hear about it

The 3M headlight restoration kit is holding strong on my 4Runner going on 4 years. Lights still crystal clear.

 

[Boston Mangler]

The 3M headlight restoration kit is holding strong on my 4Runner going on 4 years. Lights still crystal clear.

Details of exact kit?

I did a 3M kit (followed instructions to the tee) on my Prius lights and they were yellowing again within 3 months

 

[doru]

I'm with @UT08LX570.
Even better, instead of PPF use headlight version than not only protects against the UV and sand abrasion it also protects against rocks impact (it is a LOT thicker than PPF). Mind you the PPF will yellow and age in time (many years) but you can just replace it when it gets damaged.

 

[doru]

Removing PPF... use a heat gun at the correct temp - you want to soften the glue, but not too much that it leaves a lot of residue on the lens. For large area (like the hood) some people use a towel soaked in hot water. This gives you an idea of max temperature. Use a high-quality plastic scrapper with a new blade - to clarify, this a plastic blade. You use the blade to start the work from the easily accessible end (usually from the outside of the lens/car). Then make sure you pull/stretch and lift the PPF. You do not want to do the usual peel motion! That will leave a lot of glue on the lens. Watch YouTube videos how to do it right.
Any leftover residue can be cleaned up with iso alcohol, or one of the specialized products. If you failed to follow the best practices described, get ready to have a fight with the glue.
The worst PPF to remove is the very old that started cracking. You will use the scrapper a lot as the PPF is breaking when pulling. Make sure you use a lot of lubrication with the scrapper!

 

[AZLX570]

Removing PPF... use a heat gun at the correct temp - you want to soften the glue, but not too much that it leaves a lot of residue on the lens. For large area (like the hood) some people use a towel soaked in hot water. This gives you an idea of max temperature. Use a high-quality plastic scrapper with a new blade - to clarify, this a plastic blade. You use the blade to start the work from the easily accessible end (usually from the outside of the lens/car). Then make sure you pull/stretch and lift the PPF. You do not want to do the usual peel motion! That will leave a lot of glue on the lens. Watch YouTube videos how to do it right.
Any leftover residue can be cleaned up with iso alcohol, or one of the specialized products. If you failed to follow the best practices described, get ready to have a fight with the glue.
The worst PPF to remove is the very old that started cracking. You will use the scrapper a lot as the PPF is breaking when pulling. Make sure you use a lot of lubrication with the scrapper!

So heat gun for sure and not steam? I would get nervous with a heat gun knowing how expensive my 2013 headlight replacements are.

 

[Boston Mangler]

So heat gun for sure and not steam? I would get nervous with a heat gun knowing how expensive my 2013 headlight replacements are.

Yeah, sounds sketchy to me to take a heat gun to something held together with adhesive to prevent moisture

I got my 2013 headlights brand new OEM for about $650 each via a sale. Not cheap, but not outrageous either

 

[doru]

So heat gun for sure and not steam? I would get nervous with a heat gun knowing how expensive my 2013 headlight replacements are.

Hint: heat gun has a temperature adjustment dial, use it wisely. Basically, you start low temp and increase the temp as needed for separation with minimum glue residue left on lens.
I already mention that your max temp is the water boiling - steam.
You can use steam if you like. But with steam you should keep in mind that once the steam cools it condenses, and the evaporation of condens requires energy, so it will act as a coolant. This is why the guys use a towel instead of steam, as it holds a lot more hot water than just steam - mass is important for heat exchanging.

Heat guns are used in a lot more sensitive jobs than your headlights that are baked merciless in the desert sun. As with any tool, proper use is needed.

 

[bloc]

Details of exact kit?

I did a 3M kit (followed instructions to the tee) on my Prius lights and they were yellowing again within 3 months

Same.

 

[04UZJ100]

Same.

https://a.co/d/inMeXu3

 

[bloc]

I just checked with a friend that used the cerokote kit on two cars about a year and a half ago and both of his are still crystal clear.

https://a.co/d/inMeXu3

Yeah, not the kit I used. I had the more generic one with the orange foam polisher. Will keep this in mind.

 

[Boston Mangler]

https://a.co/d/inMeXu3

Yes. This was the exact kit I used, even showed up as “preciously purchased” on amazon

Yeah. Didn’t work for me, but to be fair, I didn’t expect much for less than $20

Must work for some though, TONS of rave reviews. I dunno

 

[slipkid13]

I used this kit and it turned out great, over a year and no oxidation or clouding. Took this today.

Amazon.com: CERAKOTE® Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit – Guaranteed To Last As Long As You Own Your Vehicle – Brings Headlights Back to Like New Condition - No Power Tools Required - 10 Wipe Kit : Automotive

 

[32cls6speedmt]

https://a.co/d/inMeXu3

I also used this kit. Spent two hours on it. It has been 13 months and doesn’t look Great but good enough. Lx lights are insanely expensive. No brainer if it had lc to just purchase new ones especially during the sales.

 

[slipkid13]

I also used this kit. Spent two hours on it. It has been 13 months and doesn’t look Great but good enough. Lx lights are insanely expensive. No brainer if it had lc to just purchase new ones especially during the sales.

If you email them with a receipt they will send a touch up kit which is two sets of sanding disk and the ceramic wipes.

 

[GrouchyTech]

How about new lenses?