3M™ Headlight Lens Restoration System How to video

[@ThePower1037]

I just used this on my family's 04 Tahoe, and I love the product! Everything is so clearly explained, in fact, the only thing clearer are the headlights! It does require quite a chunk of time, but honestly, it's less time than changing the bulbs, and it does make just as much, if not more of a difference, plus you get the added benefit of restoring that classic beautiful look for just $30! I honestly couldn't be happier!

[@3MCanada]

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with 3M™ Headlight Lens Restoration System. We're glad to hear that it got the job done!

[@crupert23225]

I just bought the kit, and found it incredibly easy to use even for a person like myself with virtually no skills. After following the instructions for each of the pads, my headlights are MUCH better, although still slightly hazy. I suspect I may not have done adequate sanding at one or more stages. But I highly recommend this kit! I'm very pleased with the results. It's kind of scary seeing your headlights all fogged up after the first couple pads and thinking they may not recover from that, but then once you get to stage 3 and buffing, you can see how good they're going to look.

[@dimwitsadvocate6264]

Well, cruper, now you have skills! Awesome job!

[@crupert23225]

Thanks! @@dimwitsadvocate6264 Wish I could agree. After the first night, I noticed both lenses are still slightly hazy. I feel I either overdid or underdid a step or two, and don't know how to remedy it. Do I do steps 2 and 3 over again? Frustrating.

[@dimwitsadvocate6264]

@@crupert23225 I did mine today and they are a very tiny bit hazy, but still looking much better. I'm not going to try to do it any better. I don't know how much you sanded, but I know I under sanded mine a bit. But they're close to perfect and that's just fine. Well, not for the wife as she said they were a little hazy, but what wife is ever satisfied?

[@keithroberts5611]

I have used this on two cars awsome results!! I went one step further by applying a certified clearcoat for polycarbonate headlights only product, I suggest that people who have used this kit do the same if they find there headlights are still hazy at the end of restoration with 3M!!!

[@fuxkausername]

Yeah, my headlights are slightly hazy in the bottom extremities where the blinkers shine, but that's okay. As long as the projector beams aren't scattered and reduce visibility I'm good!

[@redsox2187]

I did my headlights a couple weeks ago, with this 3M kit. It takes about 30-45 minutes total, and they look brand new!!

[@dragosmarr7276]

Hi After 9 months still looks fine or bad shape coming again? Thanks

[@redsox2187]

@@dragosmarr7276 They still look good. We live in Florida, so we have to deal with love bugs twice a year, but as long as you stay on top of cleaning the front of your vehicle, you'll be good..

[@Chinese080808]

Do the sanding discs last?

[@travisdeclan1701]

You probably dont give a shit but does anyone know of a method to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my account password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me

[@travisdeclan1701]

@Clark Nikolai Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and im in the hacking process atm. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@tonij4073]

Does the water needs to be 3M?🤔

[@kainfowler3686]

Yes

[@DopeBoysofatlanta]

😌

[@annellapodaca4280]

Absolutely

[@warriorloft]

Yes. Hahaha

[@christophermartin972]

3M Drill also

[@molloarden8938]

This application when following instructions works well. No gimmick, an effective product! Our 30 year old lenses look like new.

[@Hunkabankabu]

I was so pleased with the ease and short amount of time the headlights on my 2010 Subaru and 2001 Honda were restored. Fabulous product.

[@3MCanada]

Thank you for sharing the feedback with us. We are glad to hear you had a good experience with the 3M product.

[@tcb268]

Wow. Just did my headlights on a 13 year old Honda, this is an excellent product to use. Plenty of sanding discs even for very large lenses, and I've got enough polishing compound left for future touch ups. I've used other brands on other cars, but the 3M is far superior. I can't stop looking at my new headlights!

[@brucemitchell5637]

Extremely impressed! I was very skeptical at first and I thought that I was just going to be wasting my time and I should just bite the bullet and buy new headlights , but I was very impressed that it took only an hour to do both lights and they look like brand new!

[@3MCanada]

Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that our product exceeded your expectations and that your headlights look brand new in just an hour. Your satisfaction means the world to us, and we’re grateful for your trust. Enjoy your refreshed headlights and safe driving!

[@robertlewis2565]

Project Farm was right: 3M makes the best kit. Haedlights look new with literally no sweat!

[@MikeBee77]

I used this kit and the results are amazing!!!!… you can still keep the drill attachment and foam pad once all sanding disks are gone or no longer usable… you could buy them separately or be creative and buy the sheets sandpapers and cut them to fit.

[@cshaw317]

Was thinking of doing the same. Even if its for a friends car. I didnt use much polish at all either so i will seal that back up for later.

[@jackthebunnet]

good kit ,I've just done the headlights on a 2001 s type jag ,they were pretty dull to start with ,they look like new now ,and i have used 303 protectant as a sealer !

[@wethepeople3124]

I must admit I was a bit skeptical about this. However, I followed the directions and my headlight looks great.

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥 11 years later and this video still holds up in its content compared to what’s out now. I just found a kit called 3M Lens Renewal Kit. It must have been in my garage for 4 or more years. It has the 3 grades of sandpaper and the foam pad and a packet of polish that all work on the included drill attachment. Oh yea, and a small roll of green tape. I’m really excited to give this kit a try on my ‘03 Escalade lights.

[@thegray5730]

I just used mine and gotta say, it works like a charm.

[@dmcfarlane6482]

Just did one side of my 2005 Sentra. This really works as advertised, and instructions are very clear. It took me about 30 mins to do it. Looks great, and I also upgraded the bulb to a brighter one. Why didn't they just should include sealant with all the kits?

[@MissionaryForMexico]

He left out the most crucial aspect to finishing the job, sealing the lens with sealer that has a uvi, ultra violet inhibitor to block the rays of the sun!

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥 What brand is that.??

[@MissionaryForMexico]

@@Jimmy_Cavallo It is called, 303 Aerospace Protectant.

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

@@MissionaryForMexico That product is used for things like outdoor furniture that doesn’t go through a car wash and the manufacturer says to apply it every 3-4 weeks. That would never last on a car headlight.

[@zzoinks]

So excited to try this. I see so many clouded headlights around me. Seems like a safety problem for car manufacturers to use crappy plastic on headlights that goes bad in 10 years.

[@3MCanada]

We are even more excited to get your feedback after trying the 3M™ Headlight Lens Renewal System. Keep us informed! 😊

[@AmitKumar-hm3ek]

Great product. Took me under 1 hr. For both lights. It is very easy to use and the results are great.

[@robertmcglinchey3347]

I’ve tried other and 3M is the best. Save this video - very good.

[@robertmcglinchey3347]

I’d recommend leaving the tape around the headlight for a couple days until it ages and a little tougher. My old drill battery gave out and bought a new drill with two lithium batteries. It wasn’t a 3M drill.

[@grady.stu.8300]

Put 3m headlight clear coat after too. Helps it last

[@TheBucktowncrazy]

Great product Spend a few dollars and buy this product. It's well worth it. After it's done, your vehicle looks newer!!! But whatever you do, don't use or let some shade tree mechanic use or convince you to use mosquito repellent. It is temporary and actually makes the lens worse. Actually, watch out for some guys who are trying to make some fast cash. There's guys out there who will walk up to you and your car in some parking lot and spray the crap on your lens.

[@keithroberts5611]

Quite right and never be tempted to use 2k clearcoat on polycarbonate lenses? Because although the clarity last a lot longer than certified headlight Clearcoats with added UV protection,In other words if it isn't stated on the can for headlights don't use it as 2k clearcoat is a complete nightmare to remove when restoration comes around again!!!

[@noahtroxtel3643]

Mine doesn’t have the orange foam pad

[@andyo1212]

The "before" headlights kinda match the over all car look lol

[@AH-bm4ts]

Forgot the final step of spraying a headlight coating like Meguiar's Headlight Coating

[@keithroberts5611]

I agree totally!! Meguiars It does exactly what it says on the can plus it will do more than one set of headlights!!😎👍

[@BurnsRubber]

The 3M kit I just purchased includes UV protectant coating wipes. I will likely use the Maguire’s spray can instead. Also plan to apply ceramic coating on top of that. Many people use 2k clear but that seems too aggressive and I’ve seen it crazy the polycarbonate substrate.

[@jesseobrien5864]

33 bucks at Napa. 20 at Walmart. I just got railroaded. Maybe I can return it or get a price match.

[@EDDIEGARAGE]

Here in Australia, we use Gumption very simple and effective and good as new and cost next to nothing without a bull

[@grandrapids57]

Very good... may I quibble about one thing? "Visual appearance."

[@mylindareid1725]

As opposed to any other type of appearance, right? Sheer Redundancy!!

[@wingrider1004]

Yeah, I bought two of these kits, NEITHER ONE had the foam pad...thanks 3 M...

[@3MCanada]

Hi, We're sorry to hear about this. We would like to know about the issue. Could you please send us a message here: s.3m.com/f95lpleb or call us at 01-800-364-3577 (Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time (EST)) to gather more information to resolve your issue. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

[@uncledude9424]

where is the orange polishing foam that is integral to this restoration process?

[@zzoinks]

It's called 3m finesse pad. I watched a video from "headlight restoration pro" who uses that orange foam pad in his technique. Not all 3m headlight kits come with that finesse pad, the ultra 3m headlight kit I bought does not have the orange pad but it does have a clear coat wipe that the kit used in this video lacks.

[@DanVilis]

doin it now and can say much improve even without the last step 3M rubbing compound …totaly wort it👌

[@danbmx445]

Worked great thank you.

[@MosesJesusElijah]

Is the polish/rubbing compound work like wax?

[@nsreid88]

The polish is a liquid with fine abrasives in it that refines the surface, kind of like the sandpaper does but it's much more gentle than sandpaper. Wax is different, it is used to protect a surface of the car and actually they didn't use wax in this video. Wax isn't appropriate to protect headlights as it only lasts a few months, you should use a long lasting sealant or clear coat to protect headlights from becoming foggy and dull again.

[@MosesJesusElijah]

@@nsreid88 I used a Rust-Oleum clear gloss spray can. It claims to be fast drying/non-yellowing/uv resistant. One thing I did have a problem with was that when I sprayed it on it would form creases like dried cracks on a desert floor. I think it was because of the static it had.

[@nsreid88]

Not sure why it cracked. Maybe static like you said.

[@Nomoneyforgolf]

Is it me or do I see mini circle scratches. I didn’t apply that much pressure

[@danfeasel5347]

Many "how-to" videos say to use water for each step, this video doesn't. Is that correct? Just use water on the last step?

[@keithroberts5611]

This kit is for dry sanding, You only use tap water at stage 3, IE the foam pad trizact p3000 when done clean lens useing any glass cleaner spray and allow to dry, My recommended finale step would be applying Maguires clearcoat with added UV protection, One medium coat only drys fast 5min's depending on outside temperature!!

[@joedudz]

Great product.

[@jdmac8584]

Box didn’t say to buy headlight renewal bottle.

[@shadowhunter3445]

gonna be my first time doing this 🤗 wish me luck yall lol

[@harryt1451]

I didn't even get a orange foam pad...

[@tawtam1]

I didn't either

[@deletdis6173]

This video turns 10 years old in a couple of weeks.

[@jamesmedford3093]

What kinds of rpm's are you using throughout the process?

[@3MCanada]

Hi Gabriel, we recommend using a standard household 1200-1600 rpm drill

[@keen2b]

It don't matter the faster the drill the quicker the job gets done!!😅

[@kevinmcclellan6938]

@@keen2b 🤣🤣🤣

[@timhardman4764]

Where can I buy a small bottle of the rubbing compound, part # 39005 on the packet. I need to do the headlights again, still have lots of sand paper remaining from the first time years ago. Does anyone know the "grit" of the rubbing compound....if 3M doesn't sell a small bottle of it at least I can buy something from an auto parts store if I know the correct grit or abrasive scale.

[@3MCanada]

Hello, Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, the product you're looking for is currently not available on our website. But you can check out other similar products at: s.3m.com/aci8opcj You can also directly talk to our experts using: s.3m.com/7e7wdlzi and they will help you find a distributor who has the small size bottle of the compound available in stock near you. Thank you.

[@bat916onminez]

Can I clear coat over polish?

[@3MCanada]

Hi - We don’t typically recommend to clear coat over the final finish with our system. The decision to apply clearcoat to a headlight restoration is up to the user. However, one should choose a product that has been made for headlights, such as 3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat Wipes.

[@Brandonmntoya]

bruh mine didn’t include the p800 discs they robbed me

[@Leostunzz]

Lol facts bro

[@justino4084]

RIP

[@MarkBSmolen]

💯This is the best kit on market!💯 🚷DO NOT USE ONE WITH A CLEAR COAT FINISH!🚫 It fades far faster & right back where stated!!! 3M has made it idiot proof with video too, anyone can do it! 😁👍 ❇️TECH TIP!!! - save your unused compound & buffing disc in a Ziploc bag (separate bags obviously) but every 3 to 4 months go back and polish the lights again lightly to keep them at that brand-new look for as long as you on the vehicle! When you run out of compound just go back to any auto parts store and tell them what you wanna do and they will direct you to the same like compound made by 3 AM that’s available at any auto parts store nationwide, happy buffing!!! Cheers!!!

[@dimwitsadvocate6264]

Thank you, Mark, for those handy tips!

[@MarksterC]

I’d like to note here only the most expensive kit includes the polish and orange disc which is actually necessary to finish the cleaning. Mine wouldn’t clear up enough to be even usable and I ended up buying another kit before grabbing a plastic polish I previously tried and used that instead. And suddenly the headlights are like new! 3M really? Great kit otherwise.

[@ThePower1037]

For me the headlights looked great with just some careful wet sanding, but I have to agree that the orange foam and polish do bring the kit to oem levels.

[@pizzamon795]

You need to wipe the headlight once for every 5 seconds you sand.

[@BMWI-gk9wh]

I've seen some spray water, should you

[@pizzamon795]

@@BMWI-gk9wh I might, but what I did worked.

[@Paintppa1]

Didn't work so well for me.

[@nancyrandall5839]

worked perfect thank you!

[@scottsmith4145]

I bought the 3m ultra restoration kit and it did NOT..I REPEAT DID NOT COME WITH A POLISH PAD AND POLISH COMPOUND.

[@3MCanada]

Hi Scott - We are sorry for the inconvenience. We request you contact the 3M Canada team at s.3m.com/4375gc and they will help you to resolve this concern. Thank you!

[@shinjukucalling763]

I'd go ahead and redo this one boys

[@keen2b]

This demonstration failed to mention useing a water bottle spray from the start often to minimize sanding disk clogging!!!?

[@JGreenVA]

So do i clear coat after polishing?

[@3MCanada]

Hi Justin, thanks for your question. You can use the 3M™ Quick Headlight Clear Coat Wipes after the P3000 abrasive to extend the life of the restoration. These will remove the need to polish and provide more resistance to the environment compared to just polishing.

[@Brandon-no3vc]

@@3MCanada how long will it last with and without clear coat

[@squirrelatwork]

Forgot one if not the most important step to the restoration process. Sealant. Without a proper UV sealant your headlights will haze over within a matter of a few months. Do not spend money on this product without sealing the headlights.

[@Therealphantomzero]

kevin shifflett what kind of sealant? Example brand, model?

[@jackthebunnet]

303 protectant

[@Alonso-sn4rc]

true, i got both luckly

[@keen2b]

You dont need clear coat sealant any polish with UV resistant, So come car wash day Finnish by polishing your head lamps👍

[@snagrbuster7343]

With due respect, if I were to buy all the 3M Products, that are recommended by you, I'd just pay a local detail shop (for just buffing them) and buy 1 of a number of products, designed for leaving a Clear Protective "film" on the polymer used for making the cover for the headlamps!! And I'm confident, that I'd pay less, especially that I wouldn't be asking for a Complete Detail!! I love how another viewer asked you "Does the water have to be 3M"!! 🤣

[@keithroberts5611]

It all depends on how bad the condition is on headlights from long term oxidation? I have seen headlights that are so yellow and Fogged out you can't even see the light bulbs!! And yes this kit is not cheap compared to others but it's cheaper than replacing the headlights, And it works great reading the comments here!! Money well spent in my opinion!!🤔👍

[@scottyB5950]

I purchased a used one as the piece is a bit pricey, but the machine kzbin.infoUgkxG6fbm3cHBd7CNTjk5D-dwYe9c9tCB9ZN has surpassed my expectations. We sand small parts by hand often, sized around 1"x1/2," and specifically look for a piece that's designed to be vertical. The motor has plenty of torque and great speed settings. The only inconvenience I had is that the disk measures 5" where we trim 6" stick-and-sand disks down easily by mounting it then cutting with a box cutter.

[@jeremy6384]

When I opened the box, a guy popped out and did the work for me. If this wasn't your experience then someone took the guy out of the box at the store and you should return your kit for a full refund.

[@NormSimpson-iw5jr]

Don't get the kit with the paste. The 3M Clearcoat Wipes are what make the job last for many years. The rubbing compound is unnecessary. I've been doing it this way for over 10 years. Just keep it misted through all the stages. And when your done watch the magic.

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥💥A true disappointment and I wish that I could post a picture here. I made a comment here a couple of months ago saying how I was excited to use the kit and I just used it today on my 2003 Escalade. It had some white hazy discoloration on the top third of the lenses on both the left and right lenses and the bottom 2/3 were totally clear. I taped everything off and used the kit exactly as it was intended and the headlights look the same as I did when I started. Just a little background about me I have my own metal polishing system, and I know all about using different grits of polish to build up as you go, starting with the rough polish and slowly work your way up to the finer polishes I did the bodywork on my first car in high school 40 years ago and spray painted it in a garage. I am a contractor and I work with all types of finishes, including two-part epoxy , and I use a sprayer. I also use a random orbital polisher and can produce show quality shines on paint. I’m a highly advanced contractor and I’m not some weekend warrior “ do it yourselfer”. I clearly understand the principles going from the 500 then to the 800 then to the 3000 grit pads and finally using the foam pad with the polishing compound and during the first and second steps using the first two grits I could see that it wasn’t cutting through the surface and making it look uniform no matter how many times I passed over it. As I mentioned, the bottom, 2/3 of my headlight lens was clear to begin with and none of those grits made that clear area hazy, it stayed clear throughout the entire process and the only white grinding dust that was generated was on the top 1/3 that had the white haze. . Frustrated yet I stayed the course and went through every step, hoping that some miracle would happen by the time I got to the Polishing compound, which never did happen. I still have that white hazy look on the top 1/3 of my lenses and I am just so frustrated because of how capable I am otherwise. I have no idea what went wrong.

[@3MCanada]

We're sorry to hear about this. We assure you that we will do everything in our hands to help you resolve the issue. 3M has experts who can help you with this issue. Please contact them using: s.3m.com/3ptdxuij In case your query is not resolved, please reach out to us again.

[@Romulan112]

I used this today. I got good results but would not buy it again. Reason being, its with a drill. You wuld think that it make s it easier but no. You end up with white plastic dust all over yourself and the engine. IN the future, I will use the Maguires pro kit, hand sanding. It uses wet sanding, much less mess.

[@eo98338]

Yup and the results will show the difference. You want things done right you have to get dirty sometimes.

[@rolandoleon2798]

@@eo98338 Jajajajjaaaaaa

[@RJthing]

Were you in a dinner suit

[@Romulan112]

@@eo98338 NO, just cause you use a drill doesnt mean you do a better job. Drill can create too much heat in one area fucking the whole job up. By hand, it lasted 5 years out and still looked new. If I can see through the lense clearly, like a new car, how is a drill any better?

[@keen2b]

Did you use a water spray bottle often in between sanding, In other words when the lens begins to dry out spray again???

[@Plowguitarist]

Nice video!!! All I got was audio.. there is a huge difference between audio and video.. FYI 👎

[@str8profit81]

I must not be doing it right I got terrible results very cloudy. They looked better before

[@robertlewis2565]

You're right: you didn't follow the directions carefully. 3M does say that on severe cases you may need to use two kits. Use every disc they provide - especially the P800 first discs.

[@twiki1963]

4:10 - Shame on 3M Canada for not knowing the difference between *coarse* and *course* .

[@fudhater8592]

What amateur did they hire to do the audio?

[@kerritowry9007]

You named everyone in my family'! And the Leo I'm dealing with now just makes me shake.my head. He sent his 23 yr old gf 1,000$ the past 2 months when I'm his mother's nurse! He can only afford to pay me 100$ a week. OK buddy.

[@jaguiar4567]

Bad product..

[@Samuelfish2k]

James Aguiar Why?

[@robira1313]

@@Samuelfish2k Yeah, really, why? Explain yourself.

[@robira1313]

Yeah, really James, why? Explain yourself.

[@Samuelfish2k]

I used this kit and it worked great.

[@lucasornelas6113]

You are bad