Full Headlight Restoration!! Start to Finish, One Side by Hand, One Side By Machine!!!

[@apexdetail85]

What do you charge for headlight restoration?

[@Carlos.Rivera]

Apex Detail i got a quote of $200 for my FRS

[@maxfriedenberger8043]

Brian I never done headlight restoration. You make it seem so easy.............

[@M6transam]

I charge 50-60 a set usually. I wet sand by hand and then machine polish. But I always do a 2 step correction on the lights. Then I protect with a headlight specific ceramic coating.

[@momentumtintdetail]

M6transam how long is the ceramic coating lasting on your customers cars?

[@imrichbitch.1937]

Apex Detail *_At least one hundred dollars, more if they are older/yellowed. We have to start charging more for our effort. Some of us have mortgages and children to feed._*

[@Jeff_Seely]

I have always found wet sanding to be therapeutic (doesn't everybody?)! You can see the fruits of the labor unfold right before you; a reward to me if I take my time and concentrate. The more a piece could benefit from it, the more I love it! Not just paint and body but other things as well

[@imrichbitch.1937]

*_Brian, you make it look easy. A true pro in every sense of the word!_*

[@apexdetail85]

Your kind words are appreciated!!

[@theeabster1983]

The air tools looks so much easier to control then a drill! My cheap 21 gallon Harbor Freight compressor probably wouldn't handle the Cfm though. as always thanks for the video

[@apexdetail85]

It only needs 90 pounds for continuous use.

[@attocoulomb]

@@apexdetail85 90#, but what CFM?

[@thatcrazywolf]

@@attocoulomb 4 cfm but if you put a regulator on it you can use at a slower speed

[@markeasterling559]

Great Job like always . Thanks for a great video.

[@apexdetail85]

Thank you Mark.

[@kwamelewis6488]

He got them things so clean you can barely even see the lenses

[@richardseem7948]

wow another awesome video.great job and great info

[@apexdetail85]

Thanks Richard!

[@romanescalera7752]

Clearcoat can chip so easily at 5,000 grit, especially on plastics. I'd recommend to sand with 1200 and clear it. I work at a body shop and it's industry standard to sand with 1200 on blend panels for the clear to stick properly. Most clears fill 600grit sandscratches. Wouldn't advise anyone to clearcoat after polishing, especially if you use a cheap clear

[@apexdetail85]

Victor Escalera this clear instantly bonds to plastic, PVC, vinyl, gel coat, resin., and so on. No flaking, chipping, peeling. I use a scuff pad before clear in other situations. Not my first time at the rodeo.😃

[@JC-mx1mk]

Thank you for that free professional advice! I am starting a headlight restoration business and would appreciate your input when I run into problems!

[@JC-mx1mk]

@@apexdetail85 But what he said makes more sense, The industry was here long before you and I. They have more longevity results than you have. He was only trying to give you some free advice. Not prove his balls are bigger!

[@sam2753]

Agreed, I worked at a dealership body shop for years and then a private body shop. 800-1200 before clear coating. It makes a better bond REGARDLESS of the chemical bond this product says it uses. Basically it's more "tooth" and surface area for the clear to grab on to... IF you are going to use a coating such as Opti-Lens then yes, go with a final sanding of a higher grit as Opti-Lens does NOT fill like a true clear does.

[@espgijon]

Great Video!

[@apexdetail85]

Jon Schlueter thanks Jon!

[@mikeyp2447]

They look brand new!!!!

[@apexdetail85]

Mikey P absolutely!!

[@romanescalera7752]

Also recommended to use a gravity feed mini gun, pressure pots tend create a lot of overspray. Hence why they're banned in some states and countries due to the lack of material transfer efficiency (too much overspray). Also you should mask further onto the vehicle and tape down the edges so it doesn't flap like it did in the video. Just my 2 cents. Keep up the great vids man 👍🏼

[@apexdetail85]

Thank goodness we have no such regulations here. I love the finish this gives me.

[@GardenCatsTV]

Thanks for your videos your ExPeRiNcE is worth so much more then some change...

[@jamesbiedlar590]

Nice work B!!

[@apexdetail85]

James Biedlar 👍🏻😄

[@gregfisher216]

Brian ,this the best video I has seen for headlight restoration. Did you use a microfiber pad for the polishing?Could you a 3" DA polisher to polish the headlight?Could you use UV clear that comes a spray paint can?

[@apexdetail85]

Greg Fisher yes to all your questions.👍🏻🙂

[@SirClintonPaul]

I knew I was messing up somewhere. I've been starting with 500 grit. They always turn out better but still hazy. My process is 500, 800, 1000, 1500, 3000 wet, compound with medium foam, polish with black soft foam and then a sealant. Going to start with 1000 from now on. Going to use microfibers as you did as well. I use a 3-inch griots garage DA. I think I will start using a spray gun as you're doing as well. I use spray guns to spray carpet cleaner and tire shine as well. Dedicated sprayers for each chemical. Might not be for everybody but I like it anyway. I charge a hundred by the way. I'm thinking about going up on my prices and if no one wants to pay then they can just buy new lights! I stay busy enough with everything else. Awesome video and thank you

[@apexdetail85]

Try starting with 1000 next time.🙂

[@SirClintonPaul]

Where do you purchase your 1000 Grit 3in discs at?

[@apexdetail85]

Clint mcfarland U have a local bodyshop supply nearby. I believe Amazon has them.

[@gerridhodges4084]

Great work!! I would clear over 1000 grit so the clear has some bite.. Less work same result and I really think the clear will adhere better...

[@greentom]

Can you use the trizact discs on a DA like the Flex XFE 7-12? If so, is there something to watch out for in particular?

[@apexdetail85]

You can...each machine will react differently...so do a small test spot first.

[@dcarrstar7719]

$60 per set compounded, polished, and sealed. $120 per set full restoration ( depending on severity of cc failure I'll start sanding at 400/600/800, then 1000, 3000.) I've been using the spar urethane (clear gloss)/ mineral spirits 50/50 mix for coating since 2009 with GREAT success(2 yrs + longevity). Also after the sanding steps with this method I just prep with IPA then coat, it levels out and is crystal clear and dry in 10-15 mins. in the Tx sun, completely dry in 2 hrs. fully cured in 24 hrs... I found that if I take my time it comes out right every time.

[@apexdetail85]

Good deal! I bet it dries quickly in that heat!😄

[@dcarrstar7719]

Apex Detail I guess it's always wanting what you don't have. I haven't experienced snow hardcore since the late 80's as a kid in Illinois. Ahh memories!

[@dcarrstar7719]

Either way great video brother. Cheers🍻

[@aaronfuksa2047]

Wipe applied or with a hvlp spray gun?

[@daproducer25]

Loved your video. Thanks for the advice on starting with the 1000grit. What’s your technic on doing restorations in cooler climates when your not at your shop.

[@karoldrog]

what do you do with used sanding discs? you clean them or throw away?

[@arnedigerud6486]

He hangs on to them. They have a lot of applications around a car.

[@Mdetailing]

Witch in the next best option for protection ,if we cannot use clear coat? Maybe a high quality ceramic coat,inspite they dont have huge uv protection witch needed?

[@loopsandthreads5028]

Good vid!!

[@apexdetail85]

Loops And Threads 👍🏻😃

[@mayankkakkar2945]

hey, awesome process and video. Quick query - some videos suggest that you should not go above 1500 grit if you plan to use clearcoat (the spray cans like samurai 2K01), else clearcoat won't adhere. But you did 3000, 5000 and polish before clearcoat. Thoughts?

[@MrBod4life]

Do you like this clear better than then Diamond clear you used in another video? Which is the better one for spray? thanks!!!!

[@charlesaviles2138]

Two different approach, in the other video he go straight to spray the clear Coat and doesn't polish the headlights.. I wish he explains which one is a better method.

[@AussieDetails]

Another great video! I tend to do what you do Brian. Find out what new lens assemblies would cost and charge half if that's all I'm doing to the vehicle. If I'm doing a detail on the car then I knock off 10 or 15 bucks cuz I'm at the location anyway.

[@apexdetail85]

boxersq1 right on!👍🏻

[@AussieDetails]

Apex Detail to be fair though, when I repair cars for folks, I find out what the dealers charge for labour and I charge them half. 😁 Win win for everyone.

[@apexdetail85]

That works too!!👍🙂

[@MichaelBrianInc]

During the polishing stage, what’s the difference between using a polish and using compound after sanding? Or is it basically the same thing?

[@dukeking550]

Hey Brian once again great vid. I been following for a while my question is you did an earlier head light restoration in which you started with 600 grit and then moved up what's the difference in that headlight and the ones in this video that made you use a less aggressive grit to start with?

[@apexdetail85]

There was an attempt to restore the headlight by someone previously. I had to remove that top coat... plus the factory coat.

[@iMiik]

can't find that plastic polish any where. will the 3M lens and hard plastic cleaner work?

[@wesleysugalski2842]

if is bad, I start w/800, 1200, 2000, 3000, 5000 wet and my Sniper tool... :) I Polish 3" DA , orang pat Menzerna FG 400, blue pad Menzerna 3500, seal Power Luck + Plus, $125. Thanks for the Video Brian.

[@jaysworld707]

clear them, sealing them is temporary

[@apexdetail85]

Wesley Sugalski You may have to do them again in a year if you seal them.

[@wesleysugalski2842]

I did 2005 Lexus ES 330, is over 1 year and still look the same ( also I use Ceramic Coating 9+9 for $10 must try this ).

[@AlexWayne1]

why do you polish before clearcoat? i thought youre supposed to just sand with 3000 and then apply clearcoat?

[@Dr.RealTalk]

Do you always start with 1000 grit no matter what?

[@dantepboyz]

What's the difference in machine vs hand time and appearance also where can that clear coat be found

[@drmikeyb1]

This video was 3 years ago, has any of your procedures or products changed. Thank you.

[@lincolnthinking]

would be nice if you timed your different performance on each headlight assembly ?

[@marioskosmidhs9454]

Dear sir, please ley me ask you, I was always wondering why only the front headlights of the car getting oxidized and yellowing and never the rear?????? And please what product can i use to seal permenant the lights if we dont have clear coat apply machine?? Maybe clear coat in a can or some ceramik coating can do he job??? Unfortunatelly optimum opti seal is not availiable to my country. Kind reegards

[@aaronfuksa2047]

Its a different plastic used on the rear...also more hard & brittle.

[@utzdeac]

Any tips to not have orange peel when i clear with can? I tried polish and clear, i tried 2000 and after clear, but still leave a small orange peel

[@asusreviews]

Interesting, I've never seen someone go so high up in grit and polishing before applying clear coat. Doesn't the clear need to mechanically bond with the plastic (e.g. have some texture to bite into?). Unless somehow its chemically bonding to the plastic, it seems like this might be prone to peeling up after a bit of time. What I've done lately is sand with 1500 trizact. Clean off with IP. Clearcoat. Let it dry then sand down orange peel with 1500-3000-5000 then rubbing compound then a fine polishing compound.

[@apexdetail85]

For repair on other painted surfaces...I have a scuff pad. For plastic, this clear instant bonds, no flaking or pealing. For use on plastic, PVC, Resins, gel coat, vinyl.

[@shmutube]

Which Polishing Compound from 3M was that? #??

[@apexdetail85]

Their dedicated plastic polish.

[@benzmann4968]

What kind of paper you use ? P2500 3000 1500 ???

[@apexdetail85]

1000 to 3000 in this video.

[@benzmann4968]

Apex Detail thanks

[@Espinal_424]

Is $70 to much to charge for both headlights to get done?

[@apexdetail85]

Its a good place to start.

[@lgetz1]

IMO $85 for both is a good start for a complete headlight restoration. All the materials and labor involved are time consuming.

[@aaronfuksa2047]

And fog lights cost extra.

[@squirrelatwork]

I charge 85. I start with 1000 make my way to 2500. Polish put with 3m perfect it #1 and #2. Wipe the lense with acetone and finish with 9h ceramic coating.

[@Piglet6256]

so you pretty much do it for free?

[@squirrelatwork]

@@Piglet6256 why would you assume its free. I charge $85, use $10 on product. You do the math. I'm not an asshole and overcharge people for something they dont need. I do it for the safety factor not to get rich.

[@Piglet6256]

Exactly, calculate. Your not very good in Math it seems. I mean if you have your own business. You got something called an hourly rate. I assume you have your own business. So you take all expenses (from the place you rent, car, tools, electric & water bill, etc etc. to calculate your hourly rate. If you do that, and you calculate $85 you will see you didn't make much to none profit ;). I wasn't offending you or insulting, but its not good to work for low rates, we all suffer from people doing this. We have to work smarter, not harder. So ask fair prices for the work your doing. Brian askes a fair rate for the work he is doing. Your not a car washer, but a detailer! Well i assume you are.

[@Dmocification]

Can you use a spray can clear coat?

[@itsathejoey]

You can. Look up ChrisFix's method.

[@maxfriedenberger8043]

Who is ChrisFix's method? You tube?

[@apexdetail85]

It is an option. If you can get a good finish from a bomb can, which can be difficult with the cheap nozzle they use lately. Definitely a more durable option than just sealing.👍🏻😄

[@itsathejoey]

Here you go Max: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3atk36Cj5yFo68

[@semiephemeral9]

Bri, if you don't want to spray anything at all how about Opti-Lens.

[@frankcicero4444]

I would factor in the labor cost of having someone replace the headlights as well as the product cost because some headlight cases.are.a.pain in the ass to change out . On the your end you need to factor in the prep time, cost of materials and your labor which I would set at four hours start to finish @ $50 per hour minimum . I would go higher on luxury vehicles to about $80 which is still a bargain

[@high-defdetail726]

For the sanding discs I see 3" but where do you get the 2 in?

[@asusreviews]

Maybe he made it himself?

[@1221Ralph]

OMG you didn't cover the entire car 😬

[@apexdetail85]

Lol... it was under control...not my first time at the rodeo. I didnt spend tens of thousands on ventilation and conditioning for nothing.

[@jonathancouch6261]

If I had to choose a price for headlight restoration $100,000,000 lol

[@albertvelez6386]

$25 per hour plus price of kit

[@daves.3278]

Had to lower my price no one wanted to pay 20$ for both headlights. I charge 10 for both so doing better then before. :/

[@luiscampos7952]

David Saucedo WHAT? Bud, stop offering this service, it's not with that little money.

[@luiscampos7952]

David Saucedo worth**

[@daves.3278]

@@luiscampos7952 yes I know. Just trying to make it out here :(

[@bbdetailing9123]

@@daves.3278 at 10, i just won't do it

[@arturorodriguez3582]

You are targeting the wrong crowd.. Look for customers that see the value ..Also, make sure your marketing statements or words you are using and to tell people about your services explain what the benefits would be after they get their lights restored.. I ran into the same problem..

[@yanniechingasadventures3451]

I charge free.99 player

[@ryan_the_beast7603]

I charge $60

[@apexdetail85]

Dont be afraid to raise that a bit. Take into consideration what it would cost to replace them.

[@ryan_the_beast7603]

Thanks

[@daves.3278]

I 20$ for one step and 60$ for full restoration for both

[@apexdetail85]

That a good deal! 👍🏻🙂

[@markeasterling559]

Whats your one step?

[@daves.3278]

Mark Easterling chemical guys Headlight restorer! Takes me 5 min for both lights! I prefer doing that quick easy 20 in a few min.

[@bbdetailing9123]

David Saucedo How long do those headlights stay looking good?

[@daves.3278]

BB Detailing I did some 6 months ago with the 1 step they still look great!