5 Tips - Getting the Most From Headlight Restoration Kits

Headlight restoration kits can make a huge difference in the look of your car, but getting the most out of each kit isn't always easy. This time on EatSleepDrive, I share some helpful tips for getting the best result from a headlight restoration kit.
3M Restoration Kit: amzn.to/2tIhbhp
Sandpaper: amzn.to/2vn49GJ
Quality Painters Tape: amzn.to/2wdx7b2
Sealant: amzn.to/2iDikBM

[@jackaxe926]

I have one tip to add. Put drop clothes over the engine compartment and fenders, include any area you don't want spatter.Saves on cleanup time

[@tem3111]

I have a better tip just keep the hood down and put some tape on it. You can wipe the splatter off the hood with some detailing spray in seconds.

[@matthewwilson4103]

2.5 years later, and this is still a GREAT video. Thanks for sharing, man. Have a great week!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thanks! You as well!

[@Andreorsel]

I restored mine by hand with just: Mothers Alu polish, a microfiber polishing pad and 303 UV protectant. Took me about half an hour and they look like new.

[@therealdadshow944]

I just used this kit today. I’m really happy with the results. Thanks for the sealant tip! I’ll get some tomorrow.

[@DeltaAutoDetailing]

Great vid/tips! One tip I may add would be to layer the masking tape if needed; first layer being a higher grade to interface with the vehicles paint and clear coat with the additional layer being a barrier layer and could be a lower grade if someone wanted to be efficient with their materials.

[@jeffstewart9503]

Great video! Thank you for fully explaining every step along with useful tips. The m45 is a rare model with the V8. My mom has one, and I almost never see them on the road. Fantastic car.

[@michellecothrun1048]

Great tips!! Best one is not starting automatically with 500 grit sandpaper.

[@stewartsmith3739]

I used the Maguire's HD kit which uses hand sanding versus drill/mechanical sanding . Much easier to avoid damaging finish thru the tape as the tester experienced. And its final sanding step is like 3000 grit, so no need for extra sand paper...It worked well for me.

[@abdullaex4119]

Best vid on this task I've seen yet. Thanks Amigo

[@antykomunist1918]

Great tips , thanks a million. Very useful advices and all professionally done 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Mr.Bearns]

I own a detail company something that would help and make sure you don't burn through the plastic would be too wet them down every single time you sand down the headlights It would help if you used the paper that they gave you it's in the box for a reason there's no reason to add extra strengths or use lesser strengths that do not come with the product. It's a great video but there are definitely things that I would not do that you mentioned. At the very end when you polished it it comes with a different polish the stuff for McGuire's that was just extra money you did not have to spend. Even though Meguiars don't have a fantastic line of products especially the headlight sealant that they offer all you did was use two coats and you're good to go for our year maybe longer.

[@flycorvus]

Great explanation, good tricks. Thanks! Same job on my car.

[@amirgencyexitonly5818]

Outstanding video. Excellent work!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thanks!

[@jesp999]

Here is a tip for people who want long term protection after you finish the sanding and buffing. It does take skill to get it perfect, but for most cars it will come out good enough and your headlights will never yellow or haze again. spray on two or three coats of Gloss Crystal Clear Spray Paint as the protectant. Rustoleum has uv protection in its paint, so this stops future yellowing. If you spray evenly it will look pretty perfect, or if you want true perfection and long term protection spray 3 or 4 coats of gloss crystal clear, and then wet sand that glossed headlight to make it perfect. That last wet sand removed what they call orange peel, which i do not find that ugly, but some people would notice. and if you did not wait long enough for each coat to dry or sprayed to heavy and have drips you can sand those out. Anyway a few layers of clear gloss is a much better long term protectant. It will be so easy to clean , resist scratches and protect from the sun and still let all the headlight light through, it looks shiny and beautiful on my geo metro!!!!!!. Also if you have classic cars and buy the new replacement led headlights or any new headlights that are not glass, or even buy a new car, you can just start the protection from day 1 by spraying on clear coat. it will protect any plastic from yellowing. If you buy a car with black plastic anywhere, like a lot of the early 90's cars had on their bumpers, it also will protect that plastic long term from fading in the sun.

[@knowledge8039]

Some time,s it will ruin headlight.

[@micharquette9321]

Best demonstration on what to do and what not to do. Thank you

[@nathanaelsperger901]

Excellent video, tips and method! Thanks!

[@truejey7475]

Just did that whole process bro thanks for this video.2 questions.How often do you apply that sealant ? Does that sealant have uv protection.Thanks again bud.

[@hassanbazzi3545]

Appreciate you sharing those important information. Thank you

[@mhowertton3683]

finally some honesty. thanks brother!

[@iskoos]

A very nice video. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@1HerculePoirot]

Thanks for the vid with the M45! I need to do mine as well.

[@checkeredpast2720]

Good tips! I need to restore my headlights now.

[@drewbabb1932]

Strong, clear, easy-to-understand narrative. Well cone, sir.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you!

[@scrider8464]

Good, workable info. Thanks.

[@robertilberg]

If you falow the directions 3m gives you to a T you get perfect results. The first two steps are dry and you sand a little then use a cloth to wipe the disc free of clogs then keep at it doing the same for step 2. 3rd step use water just enough to keep it wet but not soked and forth with just the supplied compound. There is no need to do all the extra stuff this guy did. Oh and the kit comes with quality tape fyi

[@cetriclyons3868]

really detailed video. thanks

[@heavymechanic2]

After cleaning up several headlights from info from videos, this is what works for me. Just wet sand with 2000 sandpaper using light pressure to remove defects. Use a foam pad on a drill with 2000 leveling compound (for paint), repeat polish until the lens becomes clear. Use headlight cleaner/sealant as a finish polish.protectant; wait 30 min and apply wax.

[@ChavezDIY]

How long does this method last before you have to do it all over again?

[@heavymechanic2]

@@ChavezDIY It depends upon the sealant or wax used on top, could be a few months to a year or longer. Just polishing the lights and not doing anything for protection, expect discolored lights in 3-4 months.

[@MS-we4wi]

@@heavymechanic2 do you wet sand by hand, no drill? Thanks.

[@meljones7066]

Good video, very helpful, just got to go out and do it, thanks for your work.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Glad to help!

[@TK-cl1jm]

Directions call for dry sanding with the 500 and 800, then wet with the 3000.

[@xart23x]

Good tips. Thank you.

[@anthony342]

great tips mate thanks

[@hugozavalagomez]

Subbed... Just bought this car yesterday. Please keep making these helpful vids.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thanks for subscribing and enjoy the car!

[@ejmagras]

thanks for the video. great job

[@kxngearner698]

I have a black M35S i also had my black AFS lenses done & they look AWESOME im going to be doing my 2008 M35 & 2006 G35 next

[@koringn]

If your a beginner do not use a drill. Use a hand held sanding block this allows you to have better control of the pressure application and you avoid swirls.

[@jonfisher349]

I got a 100-piece velcro-backed variety pack of 3" discs on Amazon for about $10, ranging from 60 grit to 2000. Use with a drill, saves a lot of work if your headlamps are really bad, like mine were on my old 996.

[@harimauplayer]

good deal

[@richardjohn5219]

Thanks for the video

[@pedroaldorodriguez1161]

Thanks bro, good vid

[@chubz1016]

Worked perfect

[@MrStealthpl]

Hey what compound did you use? Was it Meguiar's G12310 PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish

[@ceoesquad]

have the same car, glad u did this video I'm going get this kit, also I will be posting a video on blacking out the tail lights

[@EatSleepDrive]

Nice! I'd definitely like to see how the tail lights come out.

[@tennesuze]

Thanks!!

[@nothingnew....9341]

Thanks for the advice. Sand wet with 800 and 2000 grit. Then polish twice and spray the sealant twice. Did it all by hand and there was no need to tape. Not quite perfect but 95% there. BTW - Scoob is a great job filming. LOL

[@EatSleepDrive]

Hah, cheers.

[@dannyvictory7789]

Good explation there understood well thanks

Never seen these drill ones in action before! Though I see why they exist now! As for the swirls you mention, this is likely why those kits don't sell too well in my area. I'd recommend using a DA next time, DAs have an eccentric rotation which ultimately makes an orbit or triangular run. Gone are the days of swirls! :D As for alternative protection options; would a quality clear coat be just as sufficient? Still, very informative vid! Cheers!

[@nickt6980]

I looked up restoration kit and boom guy with the same car as me this is great I never see m45s

[@billmaggie8736]

Great tips bro, the 2000 grit block really made the difference, my lights look new again

[@EatSleepDrive]

Awesome, glad to help!

[@spencerc4338]

Great video and valid tips. Thanks for the instruction! Just wanted to verify; you used Meguiars PlastX plastic polish, correct?

[@juandelacruz9337]

Spencer C Yes Sir, that's exactly what he used, Meguiers Pastic X..

[@spencerc4338]

Juan DeLaCruz Alright, thanks.

[@gardenstateflatlandb]

Why did you not clean the headlight lens after sanding before polishing, and then again after polishing before applying the sealant? It is so important to clean with glass cleaner or alcohol between steps so you're not pushing contaminants around.

[@donniedusse837]

Good video brudda

[@AlwaysHopeful87]

Thank you.

[@hassemsadiq]

Hi awesome vid how long does the sandpaer lasts how many headlights is it capable to do

[@drumtum81]

I saw another video, dude said you should be able to do 2, maybe even 3 vehicles with this kit

[@jacksmith-ok8tx]

nice video dude - btw do you clear coat it afterwards? thanks

[@EatSleepDrive]

That's not a bad idea if you don't want to have to periodically reapply sealant.

[@ravipeiris4388]

Great video. Could I use hand pressure instead of a buffer that you used in the video? Thank you

[@EatSleepDrive]

Sure can. It will just take a bit longer by hand but you can definitely do it.

[@ravipeiris4388]

Thank you brother

[@someguyontheinternet-]

Crazy how much gunk started running down immediately after starting

[@dougharlow6037]

I have a question, if you use polish, how does the sealer stick?

[@bigraidermando]

1000th like!!... Great video, thanks

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thanks!

[@graciouz5063]

I've sanded my 2 headlights, beginning with 600 then 1000, 2000 and 3000. Then I've degreased it and applied the primer. But now 1 of the headlights still looks a bit dull, even after a full night. Will this be gone when applying the clear coat? Or what should I do?

[@woifgangf6132]

Bro you should post more we have the EXACT same car and I want to see where you will take your project for it.

[@EatSleepDrive]

I don't have much planned other than intake and exhaust. There isn't a ton of aftermarket for these as you probably know. Are you making any big changes to yours?

[@woifgangf6132]

I've done the muffler delete as well but I'm going to get a catback with and X pipe In the near future and I understand aftermarket parts are rather hard to come by disappointing for such a nice V8.

[@georgegoddard3296]

I typed in removing factory sealant from headlights.Car makers put there sealant on and in time that sealant starts to crack and peal.Finding a perfect way for all situations is rare.Any info for this situation.

[@Goob07]

Did it stay like that

[@jeodee]

Wow, that lens came out very nice. Good job but yes, the blue tape is painters tape so it’s not made for this type of project. Better to use a good, durable masking tape. I just ordered 3M lens restoration and 303 protectant in order to do my headlights so this video came in handy. Thank you.

[@eduardr4536]

Great vid! One question. It is aceptable to spray gloss clear on the headlights ???

[@EatSleepDrive]

Yes, that's another way to protect the lens itself. You may need to do more buffing once you've sprayed clear to get the clearest finish.

[@eduardr4536]

EatSleepDrive Thanks!

[@studnts4elac]

How long does the uv sealant last? Why not just apply clear coat?

[@MissionaryForMexico]

3m makes the best kit. Wally world have them online. The sealant needs to be reapplied about once a month!

[@H8wrathwowH8amdwow]

Hi mate, I followed another tutorial, used wetsand 800, 1200 and then 2000. Then polished. Did the steps about 3 times but still looks foggy. Any tips? Help me please. I can send pics if you’d like to see.

[@Denie04]

How many sand papers come with kit? Can the same kit work on more than one car?

[@centuian]

can you spray it with clear for a yet wetter sealant

[@EatSleepDrive]

Good tip. Since I seal/wax the car so frequently I figured I'd be good with just a sealant. But for someone who wants less maintenance or doesn't detail often clear coat is the way to go for sure.

[@garyroy3503]

Thanks for your comment ESD, our Rock Hard Clear is specially made for Headlight lenses. Only about $1 per vehicle and it lasts for years, even in harsh southern climates. www.SaveMyLenses.com

[@pinecedar180]

Comment from manufacturer on Amazon said the sealant should be used after applying another uv clear coat so I think this sealant is not the best product to use.

[@dynaway]

its not the tape that is crappy or low end. u need to lay the masking tape flat and minimise those folded/crumpled area which will tear up when your pad hits it.

[@M00DS87]

I recommend buying a spray lacquer type uv protection. Will last a lot longer

[@Jeppedy]

Any specific product you suggest?

[@haroo86]

Use clear tint wrap and cover after restoring.

[@rudij7060]

thank you - great video. So i do not have to reinvent the wheel.

[@loopymc9077]

Dude, your 'finishing' pad as you refer to it, before the polishing sponge, is 3000 grit FYI...

[@guillermoortiz1492]

Why did you get rid of the m45 bro ? any issues you had while you had it ?

[@nickt6980]

No way?! I would never get rid of mine

[@deanhalleck5738]

- To take this one step further I am going to apply that plastic paint protection film over the Cerakote - Guranteed Lifetime CERAMIC Coating to completly protect the headlights from scratches and rock chips from road debris and it adds another layer of UV protection too.

[@TheDaringPastry1313]

you can do all of it dry besides the the one before the polish if people wanted to know.

[@EatSleepDrive]

The biggest problem with dry sanding in this case is that the sanding disc will get gummed up and become useless very quickly. I would not recommend it.

[@anrew4425]

headlight removal is the best way, you can even clear it after

[@Matasky2010]

The problem with starting with higher grit is that you won't realise it needs more work until you get to the END...then you gotta start over :/

[@CLOROXBLEACH-qq2tc]

Shaggy where's scooby doo?

[@hectorgalvan8674]

CLOROX BLEACH oh nice one not

[@infantrycountry4593]

CLOROX BLEACH what, are you fucking five years old or something?

[@IxTechNiK]

What, can you not take a fucking joke? lmao stubborn headass

[@Timthornton1]

THat's funny

[@paulaustin9714]

Do you do it professionally?

[@EatSleepDrive]

Nope, just a hobbiest.

[@erikdoering2920]

you get swirls from getting the medium to hot

[@mellowjammer]

The kit does not tell you to Wet sand until the 3rd step (thin pad). Was this another tip? You didn't mention it so I don't know if this was something you discovered or you just didn't follow directions correctly. Also you are using water on extra steps which could be why your tape is falling off.

[@marcus102361]

I just followed the directions on the 3M kit and then sprayed on the Meguiars sealant

[@rickc1124]

Use water from the start. You'll damage your headlight beyond repair if you don't. I find it very strange that 3M wouldn't specify this.

[@guillerdeguile9322]

What's the drill speed? Almost all of these vids don't indicate it.

[@krispeace1375]

Surely the kit should come complete with 2k grit wet sandpaper... if it's you know, required..

[@JoeUtschig]

It actually comes with a 3k grit "3M Trizek" magic wet sanding pad! Great product, and the video here helped get me motivated to finally USE it! EXCELLENT results on my '04 Escalade!!! Joe in Sunny California (lot's of UV... planning to wax and UV shield those puppies every three months now!) (PS With a cordless drill, I was VERY happy with the result, and only 100 minutes of work!)

[@anthonybizer5954]

How many times can you use this kit? I have three cars I want to clean up

[@EatSleepDrive]

I've used this kit for 2 cars so far and I still have enough disks and buffing pads for more. The only thing you may come up short on is polish since they only include a small packet of it. If that happens though you can buy a bottle of polish by itself at most auto parts stores.

[@Sicksan14]

When I sand, before I buff, I use the follow sand paper working up from the lowest.. 600 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 4000 5000 Then polish, and finish with clear cloat.. Take a few hours, but the results are completely different than these kits.

[@EazyDuz18]

too long

[@jakeyboy2929]

How many headlights can you get out of one kit?

[@EatSleepDrive]

You run out of the rubbing compound pretty quick, but you can buy a larger quantity at the auto store for pretty cheap. The sand paper and the other polishers last for several headlight sets.

[@zachallen8796]

I really like your videos but why did it take you so long to upload new videos?

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thanks Zach for subscribing and enjoying the videos! I do apologize, I've been distracted as of late and have not been able to get a new video out. I am however working on one with my Lotus that will be out within the next few days. You should start seeing more videos from me and my goal will be at least one a week. Thanks for sticking around and being patient!

[@Riley1524]

Instead of putting that sealant on it, you should have clear coated it. The oxidation will return in 6 to 12 months.

[@glensmith1987]

I've noticed a ton of videos that the process is always done on the car. Why not just take the headlight off? No tape required

[@EatSleepDrive]

Not a bad idea, sort of depends on how difficult it is to remove the lights. Varies on each car.

[@ryanchristian3294]

Did he just use maqguire plastix compound cream on a 3m kit wow

[@GoDoddsStudios]

Ryan Christian Thought I was the only one to notice 😂

[@chancewindham1718]

It's literally all the same shit.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

It's expensive, but worth it - use the 3M green tape that auto body mechanics use.

[@eddiefoy3701]

Tip #6, a right angle drill is WAY more controllable.

[@y.blanxo]

More like don't use a drill at all. Sand it by hand. Using a drill might make the process a little bit faster but you have less control with your sanding. The more control you have the better.

[@chancewindham1718]

@@y.blanxo It's a headlight not a body panel.

[@y.blanxo]

@@chancewindham1718 a headlight restoration kit is literally a set of sand paper with specific grit so you can remove the faded yellow layer on the surface of the headlight...

[@chancewindham1718]

@@y.blanxo Are you confused? I was simply stating it's not as important on a headlight as you don't typically have to worry about hitting body lines or over sanding one spot. Hell, you don't have to worry about it being flat. You arent blocking it like a body panel, therefore a drill is just fine to use.

[@paintwizard1157]

Check put this video tell me what u think

[@poonjammer7616]

Sand by hand. Polish with tool.

[@jonathanmalarkey4552]

which part of Fl do you live in?

[@EatSleepDrive]

I'm actually in Ohio. Our current weather feels like Florida though ;)

[@jonathanmalarkey4552]

+EatSleepDrive oh lol

[@pollarispatrick]

works beter with Mother s metal polish, see sweet protject cars

[@EazyDuz18]

metal polish is for metal these headlights are plastic u dum?

[@matthew_le]

9:32

[@NHEFF09]

maybe take the headlight out before starting