How to restore headlights - 3 ways, but which is the best?

[@mikea5205]

This is by far the best and most informative headlight restoration video on KZbin.

[@OSRENOfficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@keithroberts5611]

No it's not!!! For the best instructions on headlight restoration by far is "The Headlight restoration pro" plain and straight talking professional restorer, Step by step instruction, There's only one way the best way!! Check his channel out and be amazed!!!!🤔🇬🇧👌

[@MACCLIPS-r5f]

Was thinking the same thing clearly explained , i got a usb microscope never thought to check my lights Suscribed 👍

[@cheveresalvi]

Yeah these guys are awesome, been following them for years.

[@chumamakasi6682]

I could not agree more, doesn't get more scientific than this; it's like being taught in a class, amazing!

[@theTHiiiNG]

Hands down the best video on headlight restoration on KZbin!

[@OSRENOfficial]

Wow, thanks!

[@charleslinlinker1479]

I second that. I've watched dozens of headlight restoration videos, this is the best hands down.

[@brandonstrom7269]

@@charleslinlinker1479 This video might be targeting detailing-OCDers like yourself. I'm just an idiot with yellowed headlamp covers trying to spruce up my car on the cheap for a quick profit during the used vehicle shortage. I don't own any of the tools, compounds/polishes this video highlights. I bet there's $400 worth of shiz I would need to replicate what this guy is doing. No thanks. I'm going with Chris Fix on this project.

[@charleslinlinker1479]

@@brandonstrom7269 I definitely understand your point mate. There's a type of restoration technique for each application. I was looking for a more durable and professional one, and looks like to me that you're looking for a simplier one.

[@kenningmasupa2067]

Seen them all but this is magnificent

[@jeffdiaz2000]

I love the format!!! This is precisely how I wish all things were explained! This video covers how it gets that way, why it does, several methods to repair and how to prevent and maintain it. Thorough, clear, and concise! THANK YOU!!!

[@OSRENOfficial]

Glad you like it! Thank you!

[@chumamakasi6682]

Absolutely! No BS

[@Jack2421992]

This is one of the most detailed headlamp video restoration ive ever seen. Hands down deserves to be one of those top detailing videos you search on KZbin.

[@repairitdontwreckit4257]

This is an excellent video. It explains all of the reasons why the headlights deteriorate and the repair options. I like the way the video was produced and options presented based on your budget and tools available. The personality of the presenter made it fun to watch and wasn’t done in a childish way. Keep up the good work.

[@benghazi4216]

The fact that you actually show examples of when it "goes wrong" is priceless Best video out there on the subject

[@OSRENOfficial]

Thank you Ben, most appreciated! -Kenneth

[@deepdude4719]

@@OSRENOfficial please where can I buy this magnifier system you use? Thanks for this video.

[@kenarp555]

Well done Kenneth!!! I believe there wasn’t a single question left unanswered regarding headlight restoration. You stayed on point which is very appreciated.

[@TheLifeOfMartin]

I like that this feels informative and not really like a sales pitch or bad intentions

[@rstephens347]

I applaud your teaching techniques. You've been the best advisor on the various methods of restoring headlights I've reviewed thus far. You broke it down to a level of compression and simplicity for most DIY'ers to attempt this procedure on their own and accomplish like new finishes aka results. Thank you sincerely. The added information regarding car brand headlights was very helpful also for I too have a Honda (3) that are in need of restoration. Keep up the great work.

[@OSRENOfficial]

Thank you for the encouraging words Raymond, glad to know our efforts are helping!

[@typhoontim125]

The best headlight restoration video on the internet!

[@rajendrakhandekar56]

Excellent video. The presenter makes it fun to watch and learn. Great job!

[@ricroyce9620]

Excellent tutorial, Kenneth knows his subject well.

[@geraldarcuri9307]

Great video! Great sense of humor! Great presentation!

[@yaiphuakhakpa227]

Now I understand why I won't be wasting money on new headlight. I have bought some sanding grith, polish, clear coat for headlight (in a paint spray from a local supplier). This video is totally a complete session on how, when and why to use different methods. For me sanding and than polishing and finnally uv protective coat is the only option as per this video.

[@jeromegates146]

the best video for headlight restoration!! very straightforward, detailed and very well explained. No bullshit at all.

[@simonmonty7171]

You just said what people can get wrong when applying a clear coat and they might think the product is at fault as I've seen on some reviews on amazon. Sanding finer than 1500 grit would be a mistake when planning to applying a clear coat as it could fail earlier. Amazing info!

[@simonmonty7171]

First person that actually addresses when sanding is necessary and when to avoid it.

[@felderrob]

Extremely helpful video. I've watched a bunch but yours by far is the best

[@bao1109]

Great video 👍. Please what is the name of that USB camera/microscope?

[@teriw4329]

After watching numerous videos on this topic on KZbin, I have to say this one was one of the best. Thank you for posting this video. It was extremely informative and very helpful to me. The beginning with the toothpaste was genius and very funny. I am looking forward to checking out more of your videos. Best wishes for your continued success.

[@SchoolOfAlchemy]

This is the best tutorial in restoring headlights.

[@OSRENOfficial]

Thank you!

[@dayngerkat6760]

Channel is underrated! This guy is cool too

[@jeancassel]

Outstanding video guys, much more in-depth comparison of the various options.

[@TheJcman72]

Most complete video about the subject I've seen by far!

[@tecnology-today]

The best video on the internet about the subject. Professionally explained. Simply excellent

[@jaimedpcaus1]

Great video. How long can the clear coat last? Is there a long lasting clear coat? Thanks

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hi Jamie, this video was shot 2 years plus ago, and the car headlamp (sprayed with clear coat) is still going strong (as of 4th Jan 2024). Yet to oxidise. We reckon it should last about the same as a factory sprayed headlamp, given the way our colleague is taking care of her car (usually by us). longevity really depends on quality of item/product and how it is being taken care of. But, definitely longer lasting than coating.

[@johndoran959]

Excellent presentation definitely subscribed and liked. Very clear and concise it's the best headlights restoration video I've seen to date. Well done

[@ashy1423]

Thank you for your time and professionalism in making this video for us. Clear instructions and explanations in a manner which everyone can understand. Stay well and best of luck with your KZbin channel. Ash from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@benjaminaaron1556]

Very informative, detailed and easy to follow

[@onespeedlite]

I only saw the first 30 seconds of the video. My headlights still look cloudy...BUT it's the most refreshing headlights on the block!

[@joey8567]

You can buy clear coat in a can. Oscillating tool, 😎, you'll thank me as you see what it does. Work smarter not harder.

[@raphaelmaufay1013]

Thanks so much, This would have to be the most informative video on headlight restoration I have seen Keep up the good work. and yes i gave you a big thumbs up and subscribed, look forward to many more informative videos.

[@abdulsimaga9310]

The best video ever, full details how and why headlights yellowing/restore Best of best...😅

[@nicoson9578]

Thank you for the Video, the explinations is nothing but perfection. Great job guy

[@blairguinea6811]

Thanks for the science Kenneth, very informative and helpful

[@Kerveros1904]

The best video for this process. Thank you.

[@nedmilburn]

Most thorough video of all on this subject. We'll done!! 👍🏻

[@dini1046]

whats the difference between a polish for body clearcoat vs headlight polish? Are the abrasives different? This is the best video i have seen on this subject. Im impressed with the explanation and the details you have put into this. Putting the headlight under a usb microspope was perfect for me, the visuals were amazing. Keep up the great work.

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey, great question! So we can't speak for others, but based on our experience throughout the years, the formulation is different. Both surfaces are different and react differently to different abrasives and solvents. Some manufacturers will use a mixture of abrasives for headlamp including aluminium oxide, silica based abrasives and different solvents. (plastic is harder than paint, and using the right solvent means easier cutting on plastic) While for paint, many prefer finer aluminium oxide and a solvent that is paint friendly. Using paint abrasive/formulation on headlamp is usually fine. But once in a while, might get into difficulty in refining it (micro swirls especially) on certain types of plastic. Hence a properly formulation headlamp abrasive will make things easier and produces better results with the same effort. Same can be said for glass abrasives. choices of abrasive and solvent is different, making it a safer and more effective choice.

[@captainshivers]

Absolutely fab. This is like a master class!. I worked in a body shop for 5 years and didn't know this stuff. Excellent job young man. Thanks.

[@BrunoRakonic]

Can you dry sanding and then do polymerization or it has to be wet sanding?

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey bruno, it depends on the sandpaper you are using. We generally suggest wet sanding with generic silicone carbide sandpaper. We do know of sandpaper that meant to be used dry such as the kovex sandpaper, and those are really fine and consistent with little pollution in its particle size. wet sanding allows for more margin of error given that the abrasive's particles size on most sandpaper are somewhat inconsistent.

[@carlzjonz]

Keep up the good work. This is an amazingly helpful video. I like the "The more you know" meme.

[@Wolfhnd]

Excellent tutorial ! Thanks from France !

[@BS-fs6kx]

I've always been told not to double coat with clear coat on headlights as it diminishes the capacity for the light to shine through the lens. What is your verdict on the durability of the clear coat and ceramic coating ? Excellent video by the way !

[@OSRENOfficial]

It's fine, the plastic clear coat is meant for overlapping sprays. durability, it still going strong till this date as we write. The ceramic coating part has yellow a little, , we did a quick polish and re coated it. (no sanding involved)

[@jasonb3907]

Wow now this is unquestionably the most in-depth and comically professional demonstration/presentation I've ever seen, no doubt guys awesome job. And I must say you had me there for a minute at the beginning feeling a little 'iffy' on continuing on with the 'silly handwiping toothepaste *_magic_*' part but that changed quickly...that was a pretty comical intro or hook you may call that 😁👍

[@OSRENOfficial]

Glad you finished the video hahaha!

[@provider1231]

I need my citreon 4picasso doing so badly,they are completely yellow. Looking forward to seeing you do these ones. Thanks for your help

[@cmcg1190]

the best video on this subject by far... one question, would the clear coat cause light refraction? i heard this point on another video... thanks.

[@milosbgd]

Thanks for this great video, everything is so nicely explained!

[@chungocquang]

Great video. Could you please share the clear coat brand type and mixing ratio?

One question: How long did you let the dripping and orange pealed clear coat to dry before leveling it?

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hi Ilari, atleast a day to set and cure. Curing time varies with weather conditions too.

[@CarloLeonKolega]

can u polish and than clear coat it? also what clear coat to use and can u use it in a aerosol can option

[@gregoryrikard9308]

Awesome Video! Professional Meticulous and to the point. References for the supplies you use? Websites you buy from? Thanks

[@gwaddy4746]

Well done mate. This is an excellent and captivating video. You had me at the beginning with the toothpaste. I was like ‘not another one’. Haha

[@OSRENOfficial]

From now on, we should start our videos with Lime, Coke, Vinegar etc etc hahahaha . Thanks for the kind words!

[@edfamorca3175]

Thanks for sharing. Simply a fantastic job my friend.

[@TheShamsulaiman]

Best Video I ever seen ☝🏾👍🏾😀 Your Description on Technical and Data much impressive ,include your simple English - Hail 🙏🏾

[@OSRENOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it! thank you for the words of encouragement!

[@josedindocastro7359]

comprehensive and informative video, thanks for sharing..

[@OSRENOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ghee911006]

Hi, I need advice on 1 particular idea I have if I'm to go manual method. If I would to combo the sanding, vapor treatment and finishing it with a can of clear coat, will that help? Please advise. I find this as an interesting project to work on my car.

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey Jourdan, if you are going to use the clear coat method, you may sand it down and spray the clear coat without the need for vapor polishing. make sure the oxidized part are fully sanded, you may stop at 1500grit or 2000grit and have it cleaned with alcohol prior to applying the clear coat.

[@RegBinary]

Thanks for brightening my day!

[@OSRENOfficial]

Our pleasure!

[@eastonjaromin374]

Quality information. Good video👍🏼

[@keithroberts5611]

For all you DIYers out there just buy a 3M restoration kit, And take the guess work out which grit sizes should i use??The instructions are fool proof if followed correctly, All thats required is a variable steed drill for maximum clarity and shine!!Tree sanding steps!! The last disk is a p3000 trizact which is a combination of sanding and polisher, And finally a certified clearcoat is highly recommend, made for headlights only, 🤔🇬🇧👍

[@jmackinjersey1]

You should Never add a clear coat to the light cover. The reason is, the light is heavily distorted when shining through the clear coat. This will make the oncoming cars get the light shining in their eyes, even when the lights are aligned properly, and more importantly, the driver will not be able to see as clearly as when there is only a highly polished lens there. You show a really great example of this at 19:47. You compared a non clear coated lens just before that, and even though there was still some smaller scratches on the non-cleared side, the surface was clearer. The side with the clear coat was hazy upon magnification. Again, that clear coat haze is going to distort the light output as it passes through it. If you want to add any type of protectant, using RainX or something similar is the only way to go at this point.

[@MasterKoala777]

17:02 "you can spray directly after sanding, no need to polish" Newb question: will there be any advantage if after sanding, I polish first, before coating?

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey there! So this specific coating is actually a clear coat. And you do need a rough surface for the clear coat to sink and bite into. So we don't recommend polishing it to a smooth surface before spraying.

[@MasterKoala777]

@@OSRENOfficial got it, and thank you very much!

[@TheLiquidCat]

I'm terrified of taking sandpaper to my headlights, but I really must do something with them as they are very bad. Is it possible that I could actually do something wrong and ruin the headlights to a point that they can't be salvaged or is it a safe and foolproof process?

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey, understand the fear. For plastic sanding, it's definitely safer than paint sanding. Plastic is thicker than paint, and will not burn through like paint. By hand, it's extremely difficult to go wrong. The most challenging part of sanding headlamps is the inability to remove previous sanding marks. This can be mitigated by sanding perpendicularly when we switch sanding grit. For exp: 1000 girt = horizontal 15000 grit = vertical 2000 grit = horizontal When we are done with 1000 grit, and move on to 1500 grit to refine, ideally after 1500 grit, we should not see horizontal sanding marks. Only vertical marks. From 2000 grit, most polish abrasive is capable of removing the sanding marks to a clear finish. hope this helps!

[@TheLiquidCat]

@@OSRENOfficial Hi! Sorry for the late reply. You have put my mind at ease at lot with the explanation of how it works. Thanks very much for taking the time to answer me, it is much appreciated. I will get the materials and try it soon!

[@msbeebea4240]

Straight to the point!! I like it

[@deepdude4719]

I need to buy the magnifier system. Please tell me where can I buy it? Thanks for this video.

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey Deep Dude! The magnifier is called a USB Microscope. I think a quick web search on “USB Microscope” should give you what you are looking in your region.

[@westhawk]

Informative video. What are you spraying during the sanding process?

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hi, just regular water, wet-sanding

[@kellyarnett4062]

Try mothers aluminum polish. Works great. Apply and buff 3- 5 times for best results.

[@martinnery8763]

Very nice video! Just what I was looking for.

[@mothupipm5577]

What a clear explanation..

[@zzhughesd]

Brilliant, thanks, can you level the clearcoat with a polish in under 12 hours?

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey, so best to follow instructions from the clear coat manufacturer. Different coating has different curing time.

[@mrch33sehed93]

I was actually enjoying the spirit fingers in the beginning 😅👍

[@malizec7793]

On video part : RESULTS, first headlight which you was checking was after vapor polishing? Is it light pattern still great after vapor polishing? I try 3 times with clear coat on my headlights, and every time clear coat after 48 hours is still soft and catch dust on himself, or it didn't "catch" on all parts of surface, it look like somebody spray something and on multiple little sports clear coat just avoid catching on surface. So I wish to try with vapor polishing and ceramic coating headlights.

[@acr04muerto]

Your work is amazing. Thank you

[@shyletzulu8305]

I wanted to ask what if I do not have the microscope to see clearly the plastic crazing or scratching what I do or use so that I'll use the right sand paper

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey, the grit of the sand paper is determined not by hazing, rather how fast and how much of plastic layer needs to be removed. Lower grit is more abrasive and removes plastic at a faster rate. So if the plastic is severely neglected, use anything between 1000-2000. 1500 is a good start as 1500 would only require a 2000 to refine before hitting the headlamp with the headlamp compound. And if it's not removing yellowed oxidised plastic fast enough, you can always lower it to 1000.

[@Bhindbluiz]

Ok how do you know what number sandpaper you need cuz I I have still have light scratches that are not coming out.

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey there, so it depends how oxidised the headlamp is. Most of the work would be done on lower starting grit, in fact, the first sandpaper should remove 99% of yellowish/oxidisised clear coat on headlamp. The remaining ones are mainly to refine the scratches. Best not to jump too high of a grit, the lower grit you are using, the more you do not want to skip a grit. most sandpapers in the market are designed on roughly 50% different scale. But a sure way to know if you are capable of removing the previous grit is by sanding in different direction / perpendicularly. that way you can inspect if the sand paper has removed the previous grit (for example: staring off with 800 grit horizontally, followed up by 1200grit vertically. you should only be left with vertical scratches and horizontal scratches should not be visible) We usually stop at 1500grit - 2000grit as our products are then able to remove those sanding marks effortlessly with the right combination hope this helps

[@christinemartin1197]

Great Video Man Thoughtful and well done simple to understand and All that is good!!!n Thanks for sharing.

[@productionmark]

18:00 You're polishing the clear coat... Why not Polish the plastic from the get go?

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey, to get rid of the orange peel after spraying the clear coat, we levelled it. The headlamp was sanded prior to clear coating it. 1. sanded 2. clear coated 3. levelled to remove orange peel

[@productionmark]

@@OSRENOfficial I know... But: the clear coat is cracking and peeling and under is the matte polimer...

[@OSRENOfficial]

@@productionmark plastic crazing can happen below the surface level, plus for clear coating, we do want some rather 'rough' surface so the clear coat can adhere to the surface that it is being sprayed on. Hence it wasn't polish to a smooth surface prior to clear coating it. A smoother surface would make it hard to spray on. That said, sure things can be better with plastic primer, however, in our country, it's not easily accessible. We believe with proper plastic primer, it will look better.

[@brianwong6562]

If I put PPF on the headlamps, can I apply ceramic coating on the PPF to make it last longer? Also, after it is ceramic coated, can I apply UV protectant or similar polish to slow down the crazing and yellowing process? Not sure if this is too much to protect the headlamps. Thankd

[@OSRENOfficial]

Possible, but you will need to find coating that is suitable for ppf.

[@brianwong6562]

@@OSRENOfficial Noted. I think I will just apply PlastX from Meguiars on the PPF, less works and should be safe for the PPF. Thanks

[@simonmonty7171]

Can we actually buff successfully without a machine?

[@Kay-slay]

How do you seal the headlights after cleaning and polishing. Soo it doesn't happen again,?

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey, best way is still to have it sprayed with a plastic primer and clear coat it, this method when done properly will be the longest lasting method. Alternatively you may also apply a layer of durable coating on it

[@fidashahid8383]

Very informative video. After a long time came across such a video

[@gillhoward3484]

As a novice, can I just ask...does not all this sanding and polishing g reduce the quality of the headlamp? Does it not make it thinner? Wouldn't it be better to replace?

[@NAMAKU92]

such a great effort from you guys from osren.i have learnt something new today

[@OSRENOfficial]

Glad you love it! More videos are coming, so don't forget to subscribe and share!

[@NAMAKU92]

@@OSRENOfficial done subscribe 💪😁

[@maggiematthews3517]

Excellent video and advice, thank you!

[@MJayeG]

This truly informative and useful.well done and thank you.

[@ZONgerXD]

Do you guys have a workshop to visit that provides this service?

[@sudden2274]

Sanded my headlights with 400 grit then cleaned them and polished them. The yellows gone but now they look foggy and scratched any tips on how to restore them please

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey, do follow up with finer, try 600, 800, 1000 followed up 1500 and 2000. Thereafter can start polishing it with machine and with a compound suitable for headlamps with a wool pad

[@sudden2274]

Alright ill give that a try thanks bro

[@sudden2274]

@@OSRENOfficial it worked thanks man 💯

[@lynnettewooden4933]

Where in ew Jersey can I get this kind of headlights restoration done the best one

[@kittyhawk2171]

Thank you for the excellent video Kenneth! You were both informative and entertaining, and this is no easy feat! I stayed tuned to watch the magic happen ☺, I liked and subscribed to OSREN Official, and I am going to get on with fixing the old headlight lens on my 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactiv. It is very noticeable now that the other headlight lens has been replaced. That said, I can do with a finished product that isn't quite as perfect as you have achieved here. I don't have any experience with this particular job and though I have a couple of random orbital power tools for polishing and sanding, I don't have an air compressor and won't be able to apply clearcoat with a professional paint gun. I could use a can of clearcoat, however, and wonder if you might recommend a spray paint that would be best for this application? Thanks Kenneth!!

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey, glad you enjoyed the video. In our country we do have a pop and mix 2k spray can that are sold. But I do know that Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover Gloss Clear are used by many detailers in the united states to spray the headlamp. while we might not be familiar with this product, it seems to give good result, or so claimed by others. you may look further into this

[@MrLupusG]

It was really great to come across this video and you Sir! 🙂

[@davea5150]

Hi what do think about Meguiar's PlastX clear plastic cleaner and polishing cream?

[@Aussat]

Brilliant video on the subject!

[@highiq145]

Hello. just finish clear coat my headlight and got orange peel. If Im want to use sandpaper. what grit it should be?. finer grit right?. and after sanding no need to do anything right?. clear coat not totally gone right?.

[@ajotech]

Awesome video!

[@FIRSTWORLDSTATUSBY]

i need a link for the microscope unit

[@Harold_Callahan]

The reason tail lights don't fade was a question I had for a long time. Yes the more you know!

The Clear coat I can buy in the ukk is in a spray format and not aerosol pray. Are those clear coat pumps are useable? or you recommend somethimng else?

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey Laszlo, unfortunately we don't quite understand what you meant by spray format clear coat as we have not come across it. For most clear coat, best is to atomise it (disperse) as small as possible, hence air pressure is always recommended in form of aerosol and air gun. Aerosol might cause slightly uneven texture, a good air spray quality gun with a powerful air compressor often does a better job. You might be able to get away with headlamp for aerosol spray, but anything lesser than it, most likely might not produce an acceptable result.

[@vivernpadiachy3528]

How would u clean the inside of headlights without removing light

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey Vivern, you can't, unless the glue is removed, we don't recommend doing so without professional aid. Re-sealing and ensuring weather-proofing the seal can be challenging. You will find most of the contamination/defects to be on the exterior part.

[@vivernpadiachy3528]

@@OSRENOfficial thank u for your reply and honesty

[@nosyhulk6863]

May I know for sanding from 2000 I go do down to a more rougher sanding which is the 1000 and going down to 400 and then I work my way up to 1000 and to 2000 before using compound and polisher ? Please advise me on this

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hey Nosy Hulk, the grit which you intend to use, depends on how oxidized the headlamp is. 1) the more yellow-ish / oxidised it is, the lower grit (more abrasive) you go to remove thicker layer of plastic. 2) Work from lower grit to higher grit. ie: 800 - 1000 - 1500 - 2000 3) In our experience, there isn't a need for a 400 grit sand paper. We would recommend starting out with a 1500, if it's taking too long, then 1200. Anything lower than 1200 is for severely neglected cars that are usually, at least generations old. in our opinion. 4) If you are compounding, then for our product, you are good to stop at 2000 grit and finish off with a wool + headlmap polish. Different product might vary. You might wanna check on that.

[@nosyhulk6863]

@@OSRENOfficial thank you for explaining to me .

[@OSRENOfficial]

@@nosyhulk6863 most welcome

The video is great!!! Thank You. I have a question: Can I polish further with wool after clear coating applied?

[@OSRENOfficial]

Polishing will remove coating. Don't recommend polish after coating.

[@מדינט]

Very Professional! I wish OSREN products were available in my country.

[@OSRENOfficial]

hey, where are you from? we do ship internationally too!

[@TennisDK-hy7hr]

This is very good and informative video