Headlight Restoration - The Way A Professional Does It

[@pc750-V4]

The way the lens went clear as you applied the second coat was almost witchcraft!! 😀

[@RRCRestoration]

Neat isn't it? :)

[@heyheysaturday2492]

The problem doing this you end up losing some light output the cutoff sharpness from projector if I would buy and replace them I then get them PPF wrap

[@pdg90]

I would've never believed it, if I hadn't have seen it in real time. Great job!👍

[@deaconfrost796]

@@heyheysaturday2492 ya probably from rattle canning it. His is flawless.

[@arthurlekov2947]

​@@heyheysaturday2492 from the factory they put a clear coat on the headlight lens and the light output would be fine if it is crystal clear. This is why people restore headlights so the light projects better.

[@SamColtHolbrook]

WOW!!! I have seen so many headlight restoration videos and NONE of them come close to your method. Thanks for the tip. Fantastic video as always! Cheers 🥃

[@RRCRestoration]

Cheers Sam, I suspect all the other videos use their convoluted methods just to try and stretch their videos and posts and also to make the job look harder than it actually is lol

[@brianfarnell9833]

It can’t be overstated how skilled you are at spraying paint and clear. I essentially did this same restoration with my 07 Outback but used a rattle can. I had a lot of orange peel and tried to polish out but not perfect. Still happy with it. But yours came out absolutely flawless.

[@jumpinjojo]

Rattle can clear is 1K. It lays horribly and has no durability. You need to use a 2 part clear.

[@jamescavanagh9276]

@@jumpinjojo 2k paint is also available in spray cans

[@SeanBZA]

@@jamescavanagh9276 Wish they were available by me, it would make car work so much easier to do, though I can still use a compressor and spray gun to do it, the convenience of the single use can though is great.

[@jumpinjojo]

@@jamescavanagh9276 Absolutely.

[@ireallyreallyreallylikethisimg]

@@jamescavanagh9276 if anyone uses 2k can clear PLEASE WEAR A RESPIRATOR.

[@daedalus_20v]

Legitimately fascinating that the clear just fills in those sanding scratches like magic.

[@Suprastar77]

The Clips at the base are gently prised up and then I can simply pull the lens off.. "Heavy Breathing" YEEEEETTTTT I am addicted to this channel at the current moment keep up the great work

[@irishwristwatch2487]

An absolute professional, doing a professional grade job. Looks fantastic mate, cant wait for the next part!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much :)

[@SupaDad2012]

I've been polishing headlights for years. It's a service I offer at my detailing business. This is brilliant. Thank you again for sharing your way of doing things. I find your content highly insightful. BTW. I'm resting a 1987 Yamaha BW350 at the moment. Your CR build is a godsend! Cheers from Canada! 🍻

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you for your kind comment and good luck with your BW350 restoration :)

[@MickYETi]

I've learned so much from watching your channel, your work is impeccable and has helped me save a ton of money by taking on my own projects. Look forward to each video and even rewatch them just to admire the craftsmanship. Awesome work, it gets me excited to build my soon to be shop. Truly inspiring.

[@mathuetax]

Cool that you've found a way to do this. When I tried largely the same thing the solvent in the UV clear coat caused crazing.

[@RRCRestoration]

aww man that sucks, glad I didn't have that issue.

[@dillanmistry]

Damn, this makes me look like a rookie, i spent ages sanding headligts for hours on end the polishing and sanding, ill do this next time. I did a YT vid on this and looking back at it, polishing it just adds more time to the restoration. Keep it up!

[@andreia.salsinha]

I've seen your Mazda MX5 engine cover-thingy restoration and now this... You are now my new favourite channel, I'm honestly taking literal notes because I want to restore the lights on my MX5, but your work is astounding!

[@pushrodfury6644]

What a great process for restoring yellowed lenses! We did it today and now our headlights look better than ever - Thanks for the video

[@andibrock]

They look amazing and you alway make it look easy, keep it up 😊

[@RRCRestoration]

Thanks so much 😊

[@Errol.C-nz]

@@RRCRestoration is there a reason you prefer clear coating vs polishing, repolishing/buffing & UV protectant is easily repeatable whereas clear coat blisters with age.

[@WuceBrillis219]

Definetly better than new, and with the clear they'll stay clear much much longer than just polishing them out, especially in the Australian sun down here, polishing them doesn't even last 3 months before they start to yellow again

[@DavidMcBay]

Excellent job mate, I recently done the same thing with my blob eye headlights, only difference is when I took them apart I made the chrome matt black. From having done headlights in both ways that you mentioned, Sanding / polishing and sanding / spraying I've found the spraying method gets better results that last for much longer.

[@craigstrickland1572]

I was amazed by the Meguir's spray clear, had I known about it I could have saved hours on numerous headlights. Your's look factory fresh

[@Christosan88]

always a pleasure watching you restore legendary impreza bits

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you, I'll be starting on the whole car soon ;)

[@st3althyone]

Wow, those restored headlights look brilliant. Here I thought you had to do all that polishing and other bullshit most other people swear by. Now I know what to do next time I need some headlights restored. Thanks for the excellent tips, my friend. Stay safe, and we’ll see you in the next episode.

[@RRCRestoration]

Yup, I was watching all those other videos and posts thinking why do all of that sanding and polishing when there is no simply no need, mind you having all the specialist equipment to hand does make it a bit easier too lol

[@mreightytwenty8709]

Yes i have been doing light for 14 year....this is the right way, only i start 400 800 1000 and spray....

[@squadmeta]

The permanent solution. Important to note that it's worth paying a pro for the spraying part, rattle cans often a disaster and you can lose some light output and focus if you make a mess of it. Excellent job!

[@davidwilkinson435]

Brilliant solution for cloudy headlights. I admire your skills 👍

[@Sir_Uncle_Ned]

Just a sander, some masking material, and some clearcoat. Sounds easy enough. Might have to look into this as a DIY project to get my car's headlights back up to scratch. And don't worry, I will use a mask rated for spray painting.

[@Realbigbrain]

I bought my kids an old crappy Ford Taurus a few years back and the headlights were badly yellowed. I looked at all the restoration kits and the amount of time and energy required, and then I realized that new replacements were only $47 on eBay. So my restoration strategy was to throw away the old ones and install new ones. Worked great!

[@RRCRestoration]

Haha cant argue with that strategy ;)

[@1conu593]

I like that you take the time to show us simple mortal how to manually do it, while for you a simple snap is all it takes 👍

[@andrewwiltse8882]

Wow that’s a step that should never be missed. Thank you so much Sir!🍻👍

[@devonutopia]

Very interesting restoration method. I do it whilst lights are on cars, so I wet sand with a block from 800 > 2000 and find I can machine polish clear before a UV sealant. I can't really be messing with lacquer when I do them.

[@harmlesscreationsofthegree1248]

I’ve only ever done the 20 different papers thing. This is so much easier and the result is outstanding. Thanks for sharing your knowledge sir!

[@TheSpikegreenwood]

I’ve watched this so many times! Appreciate all the perfect info and camera angles. I have bought 2k and p800 now and can’t wait for them to arrive! Appreciate it man

[@andrewfleming3045]

Where can I get 2k clear in uk? Can it come in an aerosol?

[@TiroxSnapJack]

Spraymax headlight 2K clear@@andrewfleming3045

[@leeyo5494]

@@andrewfleming3045 yeah

[@TheSpikegreenwood]

I live in Sweden mate. Was hard enough here

[@TTime685]

2k clear is not made for polymer headlights.. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@oneshotme]

I just did mine off of a 2010 Chevy Silverado and I'm not a pro and they come out amazing if I do say so myself. They product I used did an amazing job taking off the oxidation and the coating come out very clear. And I didn't have to take them off of the tri=uck to do it. You did and excellent job restoring these also!!! Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@johnbradford9235]

Simple, straightforward, and as always an excellent finish 👏👏👏. And with talking 😁. Thanks for sharing the knowledge dude 👍. 😎

[@andymiller5611]

Very nicely done! Outstanding results! 👍

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you very much :)

[@vinicius9670]

That was way easier than other methods. Thanks for sharing!

[@RRCRestoration]

No problem, thanks for watching :)

[@keithroberts5611]

How is it easy?? First you have to try and remove headlight from the car and that alone presents it own set of problems in some cases it is necessary to remove the front of the car and disconnect the electrics!! As all cars are different hundreds of things could go wrong, Same applies to the headlight dismantling itself overtime plastic becomes brittle and could break!! No better to leave them where they are!!!!🤔

[@fizzy49cc]

Could the same be done with hand sanding and spray can? As not everyone has a well equipped workshop. Nice vid. looking forward to another bike build.

[@johnkaimins9998]

I hand sanded and coated my headlights with 2k clearcoat. Ended up with a bit of orange peel, but seeing as I applied 3 good coats, I had plenty of clearcoat thickness to sand and polish to a nice finish.

[@fuffoon]

I bought a used Polo and someone polished off a good part of the UV coating on one lamp. This is the right fix. For the older Toyota, polishing worked fine.

[@Roger-hq1yt]

Thats just mindblowing, i,d never have expected the 2k clear to have that result

[@bluej511]

Thought you were just going to polish em then use ceramic coating. Those look much better then just a polish, impressive.

[@ShainAndrews]

This is the proper way... the rest of the polish "kits" are temporary.

[@bluej511]

@@ShainAndrews if you use ceramic uv coating it's somewhat permanent but yes new lenses or a flexible uv clear is the best way.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thanks, glad you liked the way they turned out :)

[@CalmBiker]

Definitely easier than the alternative methods and they look great.

[@RRCRestoration]

Absolutely, work smarter not harder is my motto ;)

[@RealSuburbanCowboy]

I have said it before, I love the "finger snap" video. :) Love the channel!

[@RRCRestoration]

Glad you enjoy it :) cheers

[@hotoilhands]

That's amazing. I've watched several headlight resto videos and as you say they mostly show you must work your way through finer and finer grit papers and polish. This is by far the simplest I've seen, and with very nice results. Did I hear correctly that you said you used 800 grit paper on your sander?

[@plunder1956]

Im frankly shocked by how good they looked with your method. But without your specialist skill, could anyone do this??

[@kenlizzio7096]

I was amazed when the sanded lenses went to crystal clear with the clear coat application. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t of seen it.

[@zbow1974]

was going to say 800 grit and uv clear is all i use here at home on my cars, can use rattle can clear if you want, takes maybe 10 minutes to do the lights and get a good clean look.

[@waynecothill3759]

Damn, so much easier than hours and hours of sanding. Nice job.

[@keithroberts5611]

If you have spent hours sanding? Not only are you doing it wrong you wouldn't have any lens left to polish 🤣

[@gtirdobby]

Excellent stuff as usual. I did the same thing to my sister's Toyota avensis lights. Transformed them.

[@johngray722]

That the best headlight refurb I have seen very quick

[@RRCRestoration]

Yup, no messing about for hours with ridiculous amounts of sanding and polishing.

[@goofymcadams]

Can this be achieved by using a spray can clear coat? I need to try this asap!

[@RuedigerEtzold]

Wow, thats impressive. Never would have guessed the finished Look after clearcoat.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you cheers :)

[@eckopoppin]

Great video and to the point. Quick question, the solution you spray on before sanding, is that just a soapy water mixture?

[@spencer2721]

When they go bad again at some point you try getting that clear coat off, the stuff is meant for paint on car bodywork not acrylic headlights. Your method may be quicker but there is a reason people use the multiple wet sand, polish and seal method. You will have a job doing those headlights again as the clear coat is so difficult to get off unlike other sealants which are meant for acrylic

[@danb.709]

To everyone amazed at how easy this is, much of it comes down to the automotive grade 2 part clear coat and real spray gun. This is not something most people can really do at home, at least not without decent equipment. Sticking to just polish is probably the safer bet for most DIYers. Beware the rattle can, it's not impossible, but it's really not easy, you've been warned. There are some surprisingly good wipe on products specifically for this as well, I think they probably stole the formula but rustoleum wipe-new is an amazing product.

[@Tailss1]

I have watched many of those headlight restoration videos and always thought they were a huge faf, I wonder would this also work using UV clear in a spray can?

[@RRCRestoration]

Yeah, I kind get the feeling all those other videos are just dragging their heels to stretch the video out, I like to just get on with it and get it done. I couldn't say about 2k in a can as I've never used it but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work?

[@Tailss1]

@@RRCRestoration I don't either and I'm gonna give it a go - thanks for that helpful video.

[@johnkaimins9998]

@@Tailss1 2k Clear coat in cans works. ( It did for me anyway).

[@Crushonius]

@@Tailss1 it sure does work pre heat your can in hand warm water for a couple minutes better dispersion equals better results

[@WolfieBoostin20lbs]

Incredible job restoring these lights

[@87Rado]

My experience using the clear coat is that it doesn't last very long, a month or two at best. Have you had similar experience? I have found that Meguiars Keep Clear Headlight coating works best. But I re-apply it a couple times per year, without additional sanding.

[@gruponemesis]

i dont see why it wouldnt last...its clear coat...designed to last 7 to 10 years. I suppose if you used a shyt cheap brand

[@bobcook8576]

Surprisingly a good wool buf on a rotary or da can give you great results. Use a high cut compound and buff away. Yes it will be slow but you won't have to spray clear.

[@VeteranHeadlightPro]

They came out beautiful. Great job sir. Very nice

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Emily-lk1mf]

These turned out gorgeous! I tried the sand-until-your-fingers-go-numb method on my fxt about 6 months ago, 0/10 dont recommend. The rattle can clear caused crazing in one lense causing it to still be cloudy although at least not yellow. Ive been thinking of redoing them and will absolutely be using this method now!

[@robertalvarez15]

As simple as that... Or at least this is how you make it look like :D. Anyway, sharing some of your insights with short videos on single restoration items can be a nice complement to your usual output (which is highly appreciated as well, of course).

[@RRCRestoration]

Thanks for watching and leaving a nice comment it means a lot :)

[@robvermeulen4043]

Great job as always, I'm wondering now we have seen 3 individual project's, when we get an introduction to the project car.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you, The car will be along soon I promise ;)

[@robvermeulen4043]

Thanks, that would be great. I do remember your question a while ago about an new project car. So this made me extra curious

[@SOLOMOTOUK]

Turned out brilliant 👍

[@RRCRestoration]

Cheers buddy :)

[@mariosnikolaou5212]

M8 you amazed me, i didn't expect such a good result.

[@edduproducers8242]

Thank you, i have work to do..installing LED first, sand the cover, wash it and dryer, final two clearcoat.

[@R2D2trashcan]

Wow I didn’t know it could be done like this great video!

[@RRCRestoration]

Glad you liked it :)

[@debarra136]

I wish I had known this 10 years ago, great video.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@baz8996]

Brilliant, you make it look so easy!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@Wesley_C]

How spectacular with these headlights, fine work.

[@daveblack5109]

I wouldn't have believed that would work... Gobsmacked!

[@bunabuna9287]

Cracking job 👏 I've always wanted to see how this is done proper. Memories of nearly losing my fingers trying this on my old fiesta 🤣

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you, Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@gplusgplus2286]

Sikkens makes a spray for headlight clearcoating, its nasty stuff / pro grade as its cyanide based and you need full PPE, face mask, clothes and respirator to spray it, but its the best there is, it lasts for ever. I've done this many times in my cars, some times the silvering in the inside mirrors goes away and no amount of glass polishing will fix it, you need to take the headlight apart and send the mirrors for resilvering. This also works well, the inside of headlight be metal or plastic. But I've only found companies who do this (and don't charge a fortune) in Germany, nowhere else. More, in older cars the seal is what you see in the video, its called butyl and can be used and reused with heat, or you can put new, it costs 10eur per roll. In newer models they use some nasty hard epoxy glue that is almost impossible to remove. Last, for some car brands there are actually available new plastic headlight lenses, from dealer or aftermarket that dont cost a lot. Spare the painting and sanding and go put new lenses, much easier. Thanks for the video!

[@RBcymru]

Wow its magic ? The lenses just turned clear.

[@cwilson6880]

Amazing work!!! makes me wish i had just done this instead of buying aftermarket

[@HalfdeadRider]

Amazing job! I think the only time you may need to do harsher sanding and go up the grades is when like me on my old motorbike, you have deep scratches in the lenses. Mine came out very well, but I didn't clear coat them although I did consider it, would likely have made it look better and stay that way much longer as I'm sure over time the lenses will fog up.

[@13christbane]

came to troll... but this guy does it right. nice work sir.

[@luissoco]

I think using the correct clear coat makes a world of difference. I can spot from a distance a light restored with this method Vs. Sanding, polishing and sealing.

[@marambula]

excellent spray job and nice clean workspaces! I haven’t had success with the 800 to spray method but I have only used rattle cans. I keep seeing people comment about the spray gun making all the difference. I’ve had great success with the 3m kit and I like the Meguiars spray can but want to try more of the 800-2k clear route if I can get top quality results with less sandpaper and time.

[@Danny-yb9ms]

p800 is a little coarse to laquer over tbh, i wouldnt go any lower than p1000. when i relaquer lights i finish with a p2000 wet, then laquer

[@TiroxSnapJack]

Spraymax Headlight/polycarbonate 2K clear.

[@mickrichBMXWRXJapan]

Amazing job on those! I need to send you mine!! 😄

[@BabaG]

So the maestro has shut down most of those product companies offering solutions on how to get the yellow out of headlights.. Way to go Maestro, them folks are not going to be happy you putting them out of business showing them how to do something in a elegant simple way... YAY :)..

[@RRCRestoration]

I didn't even think of that haha, Yeah I'd say a few of the companies wont be happy but hey for DIY'ers the kits will do the job nicely but if you have access to a spray booth and all the professional equipment why not do it the right way ;)

[@beachamgroup2482]

Another masterclass. Lovely.

[@mickstick2830]

Hello , just wanted to ask , if lots of pressure is needed while sanding them? Thanks for all these awsome videos.

[@michaelskinner896]

Perfection! Those look amazing. Always top quality work from you!

[@yasinaras3547]

Hi bro. very good job. what are you doing with the spray gun?

[@johntreloar8203]

Nice and easy, the lights look great.

[@jontaylor4057]

Made them headlights look better than new Big Man. 👍🏻

[@RRCRestoration]

Cheers buddy :)

[@Schnorbitz]

That’s bonkers! Getting closer to a face reveal I think, no brown coat in this one!

[@RRCRestoration]

Haha yeah im getting worse at hiding my face these days, It was in the wash, It'll be back next week ;)

[@paulfellows2094]

they look fantastic bravo nice one

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@msmrepo3271]

Never thought you would get away with just 800 grit.. How wrong was I 😅 Great vid great job

[@strokenumber3]

Will you need to install an orange indicator bulb to retain correct color? Or is it ok to leave the indicator flash white?

[@darrellroireau4061]

Most people don't want the orange and remove it if modding it. It's just preference

[@brett1196]

I was curious what kind of pad or sandpaper would you using to on the light lenses. I'm just a regular guy first time trying to clean his headlights and like your other comments I also have seen a lot of videos. But I am very interested in your way of doing it

[@scottfulton9103]

Yet another great video. Good stuff!!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@bobferranti5222]

I have headlights to do that to, I'll try your process and hope it will look as good as yours does.

[@RRCRestoration]

Good luck with it, I hope they turn out just as good :)

[@WHKees]

What is your experience with the longevity of this without an adhesion promoter? A lot of people say it will peel off after a while and that the adhesion promotor is a necessary step.

[@lrdisco2005]

I am guessing the clear coat fills in the scratches and polished up to clear.

[@tukangiseng]

So the 2K UV is some sort of polyurethane car topcoat? Will it work for both Glass headlight and plastic headlight?

[@autopassion27]

Good job on these headlights, such a great result! 😉

[@e30_lad_ireland]

How long does it take before applying the second coat? Suppose the first coat should fully dry? Thank you.

[@gpz550a2]

My mind is blown. When you sanded the surface I thought "oh well, that's wrecked it". Then the clear coat went on... 🤯

[@RRCRestoration]

Haha yeah it does seem like it makes no sense at all to, but as you can see from the results it all comes good in the end....... a bit like all my wee projects haha . always good to hear from you my friend :)

[@steveaustin4118]

That was like magic as the 2nd coat made the sanding go away, by the way incase you haven't noticed somebody has taken the interior of your car

[@RRCRestoration]

Yeah it is really cool the way it goes from hazy to crystal clear, I always enjoy that stage :) Now that you mention it i did wonder why i was getting so much road noise and couldn't get into a comfy driving position haha.

[@robbiemckinnon7901]

I'm assuming you would install orange bulbs where you took out the orange lenses?

[@Bayuhutamamotor]

Wow, this is very useful, bro, thanks for sharing the tips

[@joshrulz8p]

@RRC Restoration , after masking the lights what did you use to wipe them down before spraying ? a wax and grease remover or sorts ? thanks

[@christopherkeogh5337]

My blobeye headlights need doing badly they are similar to what yours were, do you offer services doing this? Great work they look great 👍

[@ilirhalili4712]

What if we don't have the tools to spray the uv protection? can we do it by hand with a towel or something?