How to restore headlights WITHOUT using sandpaper! DIY friendly tutorial

Faded, or "foggy," headlights can make a clean car look dirty -- or make a new car look old. Put simply, they're an eyesore. Nobody wants nasty, oxidized headlights!
They're also unsafe -- making your headlights much dimmer at night, when you need them most.
So let's talk about fixing or "restoring" them, shall we? In this video, Yvan goes through a step by step process -- in real time, so you can watch arm speed and how long he's actually polishing -- to take the headlights from hazy to shiny.
Oh, and by the way -- no sandpaper required!
Here's what you'll need:
MAX GLOSS ROTARY POLISHER: bit.ly/DIYMaxG...
GOLD STANDARD WOOL PAD: bit.ly/GoldSta...
GOLD STANDARD WAFFLE PAD: bit.ly/GoldSta...
GOLD STANDARD POLISH: bit.ly/GoldSta...
Website: diydetail.com/
Podcast:bit.ly/DIYDeta...
Join the DIY Detail Facebook Group!: bit.ly/DIYDeta...
Find DIY Detail products worldwide: diydetail.com/...
#autodetailing #diydetail #yvanlacroix #carwash #claytowel #detailing #detalingtip #howtodetailacar #detailing101

[@behnamhp5898]

You don’t need to tape the upper side. Just pop the hood

[@diydetailofficial]

True, but it doesn’t look as nice for the camera.

[@MyGuyKirby]

Agree with your comment but many will forget to cover up that engine bay. Using too much compound creates splatter, a bigger clean up effort.

[@behnamhp5898]

@@MyGuyKirby Actually, you don’t need to open the hood completely. Just pop it and it would give you 1-2 inches clearance.

[@Rabbit.760]

I never taped shit unless I'm painting. You guys doing too much

[@behnamhp5898]

@@Rabbit.760 You’re correct if you’re not wet sanding and your compound is not very aggressive.

[@kapilvora]

Really nice work...! Also, I appreciate that the volume was turned down a notch while polishing.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks!

[@robertclarke4431]

Never thought I would see the day of Yvan, rotary and wool! I love it!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@misssummersalt]

Yvan LOVES rotary!

[@carmelshustiel7513]

Reminds me of the mechanic who took the biggest polish pad, put a crazy amount of polishing paste and then polished the headlights at the highest speed, the result - the whole car was dirty with dots of polish... what a difference between you and that mechanic. Thank you for this video

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@404notfound.....]

Excellent video!! Always we'll documented and straight to the point. 👍🏼 🇨🇦

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@bheypuor]

great video yvan and nick! thank you for updating the video quality ,camera angles, and sound quality is perfect. I'll be trying this method out on my wife's rav4 tomorrow.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@raul.deanda]

I’d love to see a situation where aggressive measures are required! Great video!

[@diydetailofficial]

Great suggestion!

[@absoluteoutdoorz9823]

I love that you’re using your diy cart! Awesome

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@steveclark2426]

Great video. Good point about choosing the rotary so that you can see the edge of the pad that doesn’t move like a DA. Always learning something from you guys. Thanks

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@guycarlo5342]

Thank you for making a "real time" video on this! I feel comfortable trying to restore headlights now!

[@diydetailofficial]

Glad it helped!

[@waltabelai7297]

Hey DIY team , would love to see the whole vid for this car cause i have the same car :) After watching a lot of diy detail vids for about a month I finally ordered everything and I ceramic coated my car and I LOVE IT !!!! Thank you for great vids and equipment and chemical!! I got the polish and all three pads , rinseless wash, Incredible Suds, water spot remover, 5 Year Ceramic Coating ( but out of iron remover so I had to use alternate) but i love the end product, my car is looking shiny and sooooo easy to clean !!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you. We have 3 videos with this vehicle

[@waltabelai7297]

@diydetailofficial I have looked through all your vids and can't find it but I will double check.

[@loic4691]

10:13 this angle was the hardest part of the job to me, but not a problem for an expert as you are, yvan 👍.

[@diydetailofficial]

Not an expert, just have some experience.

[@RVCMemes]

A good alternative to PPF after polishing is Meguiar's G17804 headlight clear coat spray, however additional masking would be needed to prevent overspray.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@sille1970]

Great video! Would really like discussion on paint touch up on deeper scratches. When does it make sense? How? Ignore? Panel respray only safe option?

[@diydetailofficial]

Great suggestion!

[@john_dee1431]

I love the DIY, best practice approach to these videos.

[@diydetailofficial]

Glad you like them!

[@J1Z06]

I tried a yellow waffle pad on My 3” polisher on My Dad’s car. The lights were corrected a year ago and were hazy. It cleaned them right up! I used some Ceramic Gloss to protect them. Thank You!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@FelixBouchardDetail]

Great camera angles!!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@GDavis49]

As far as presentation is concerned Nick has always reminded me of a young Alex Trebek

[@diydetailofficial]

Nice

[@Motsdetailing]

That wool pad works miracles!!!!! I need to get some more soon!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@keithcee6378]

Man guys I can’t thank you enough for all your clips and products. You give us driveway enthusiasts so much confidence and ease of comprehension. I have been staring at my unboxed orbital polisher , but after each video I’m starting to get less and less worried about being a novice to a garaged kept vehicle of mine. lol nick and Yvan your both awesome along with your products! 🙏🏼

[@diydetailofficial]

Wow, thanks, if your nervous about using it, practice on a scrap yard panel

[@cheftodd]

Just bought a bunch of your products and excited to use them. Since most people that will be using your products outdoors and not in a shop, could you please do a couple videos using them outdoors? I know video and sound quality will suffer but I think this would be well received. Also question for 2 step polish, if the yellow pad is not aggressive enough and your wool pad is needed, would the next step using the red jeweling pad and the ceramic coating prep work to fine polish or would it require the red pad with your gold standard polish?

[@diydetailofficial]

The techniques are the same, indoors or outdoors. Yes you can follow the wool pad with the red pad.

[@davestewart9146]

The clear oem coating on my headlights is starting to flake off, I wouldn’t mind seeing a more in depth restoration, great video guys 👍😁

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@dirtyrebel884]

If you wanna see a more in depth restoration your watching the wrong guys for that

[@MyGuyKirby]

Very good point on using a long stroke DA tool being harder to control, even a 12mm throw on a 3-inch pad is still frustrating on those smaller sections

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@CTR_1986]

Great job. My headlights are now at the point that they probably need PPF as there fading every year. I know it’s rare you to talk of other brands but my biggest problem has been finding quality sandpaper that doesn’t inflict more damage, I’ve seen videos that seem to show great results with Japanese brand Kovax which you can sand dry so you can see what your doing as you go. It’s probably my next step and then learn how to PPF them, it’s an old car so I’m not massively worried as you don’t know if you can do something without trying

[@diydetailofficial]

Most automotive sand papers can be used wet or dry.

[@Premier_Auto_Detailing]

I like the 3m sanding pads. They're around 7x3 inches or so & probably ¼ thick. They seem to stay wet well & have some depth so pressure points are not an issue. Just my suggestion.

[@Gekkido]

Can you do a video or have any tips for polishing/removing scratches on plastic instrument clusters and/or interior gloss plastics? I have some chemical etching (either from poor use of other products or some sort of drink) on my cluster, and I've been trying to figure out how to remove it. Great videos, I've learned so much from you guys!

[@diydetailofficial]

Great suggestion!

[@skree_fpv436]

I bought a used car last year that had what you described on the instrument cluster as well. I got rid of it with Novus #2 plastic polish. I used Novus #1 first (which is just a cleaner) because I have it, but it's not needed.

[@Brian359511]

Turtle Wax chrome polish is all you need 1 time

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@RichardsWorld]

A perfect time to use the 3 inch Mirka polisher.

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@theredscourge]

303 aerospace protectant or Plexus applied a few times a year will help prevent the yellowing in the first place, and help keep it clear after restoration.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@privacyrules]

Coincidentally, I just gave my headlights a polish yesterday. I used a DA (the SPTA cordless one) with a 5" pad, and thought I would experiment with the Novus #3 and #2 plastic polish. Worked good but those liquids are maybe a little too thin for use with a machine. I coated them with Ceramic Gloss. Hope it holds up decently on the headlights.

[@diydetailofficial]

It will, but it’s not long term

[@jayz313]

Great video, I learned a lot. I would be interested in seeing a situation that requires sanding.

[@diydetailofficial]

Coming soon!

[@diydetailofficial]

Great suggestion!

[@timothyporras3720]

Try off deep woods in a can and you will be amazed, we need it every year here in west Texas

[@diydetailofficial]

It damages the lens long term

[@MegaZeevisser]

Good job greetings from the Netherlands 😀👍

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks 👍

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Ready Depending on how bad headlights are, then just polishing them would be enough else I would use 3 different dry 3M sandpapers, the ones that start with P, then polish with trizac, then spray them with Meguiars headlights coating. They will last more than 3 years following this process and to possibly maintain them with Plexus. I am interested on seeing a procedure that might make them last longer especially on our daily sunny conditions.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@kevind_53]

Polish headlights is an awsome way to take back some years on a car!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@stevenv9224]

Learn something new today 👍🏼👍🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@diydetailofficial]

Excellent

[@RAZERSDRIVER]

Amazing job! ❤

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you! 😄

[@nailbomb3]

If you don't have a rotary could you use a cheap palm sander with the wool pad? Great video.

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes, absolutely

[@glowzinthedark69]

I noticed your detailing cart. Can I get more info on that? Seem amazing.

[@diydetailofficial]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/naewaqKipLKUY5Isi=KWIyC_Wl7-NwvORh

[@rebel3161]

I would like to see a deeper dive into headlights. Maybe a set that is Yellow ruff and hard to see through. Thanks

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for the idea!

[@andrepauze2130]

A other great video!!! A long can I keep your 3 years ceramic coating before using it ? Planing on using it soon !!

[@diydetailofficial]

A year

[@lessmoney2427]

After the 3 step polish process, what should be applied to the headlights to protect them from oxidation.

[@diydetailofficial]

Ceramic Coating

[@tonykemper8896]

great video guys! two questions, first what cart is that you have there holding all your stuff. Second do you just put water in your pad wash bucket or do you add anything to the water? Again thanks for all the great videos.

[@diydetailofficial]

It’s a cart we modified, we us DIY Detail Rinse Less Wash in the Pad washer

[@tonykemper8896]

@@diydetailofficial I love how you have the pad wash bucket right there at a perfect height

[@diydetailofficial]

Here’s the link Building the ULTIMATE detailing cart (for under $500)! NICK vs YVAN *timed* challenge! kzbin.info/www/bejne/naewaqKipLKUY5I

[@tonykemper8896]

@@diydetailofficial as always thank you so much

[@darryl_quinn]

Excellent

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@meanf1502]

Ivan what do you recommend to damp your pad if you don't have the money to by the pad bucket

[@diydetailofficial]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/raTbiJZ5qtijq8ksi=m2oXqnQdNQb7F0Qw

[@robertmontalvo597]

This is exactly how I buff headlights. I clean the headlight I start with a wool pad and then I finish with the foam pad. I have never ever used sandpaper

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@rongamble9884]

I use meguiars M100 and foam correct pad

[@diydetailofficial]

Good

[@HeavenlyDetailz]

​​Shine up those lights!

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@julianmartinez6658]

Awesome!!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks!

[@ccclean530]

When will we see spot remover back in stock. I swear I check twice a day.

[@diydetailofficial]

Soon.

[@patrickadams2824]

why did you choose to finish with the yellow waffle instead of the red jeweling pad? i thought the red jeweling always finishes better?

[@diydetailofficial]

The difference on a clear light isn’t visible

[@nataliarossin9171]

How to take out condensation from the front light without changing it ?

[@diydetailofficial]

Unfortunately not easy

[@Haydarov_Igor]

I’ve ordered interior clean and protect. And looks like it has new scent now, smells a bit like rinseless wash like apples. Is it still possible to get old one? 😊thanks.

[@diydetailofficial]

We haven’t changed the scent.

[@Will-ch8zt]

Can I leave my DIY products in my garage during the summer? It gets above 35 degrees Celsius sometimes.

[@diydetailofficial]

Ideally a little cooler

[@gabrielsong7638]

At this point, i really want to try polishing my car which is 11 years old now. Do you guys have any plans for DIY rotary polisher to be brought into Australia?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes, later this winter

[@gabrielsong7638]

@@diydetailofficial looking forward for it

[@Mark-yy2vw]

Any updates on when your wax will be available

[@diydetailofficial]

Still not satisfied with it, R&D continues.

[@Mark-yy2vw]

@@diydetailofficial thanks for the up date

[@TheSwekk]

can you use pads that you have run on the lights then on the paint (of course washed) but don't "shit" get stuck deep from the lights in the pads?

[@diydetailofficial]

That’s fine

[@still-DJ]

DIY really needs a 3 inch polisher for headlight and pillar work. 6 inch is way to big to really see what you're doing on small headlighs (for most).

[@diydetailofficial]

Eventually

[@pattrentadue6230]

What polish did you use for the first step with wool pad?

[@diydetailofficial]

Gold Standard Polish: bit.ly/GoldStandardPolish

[@adhisanjaya235]

TRUE, Even do sanding, it will get yellow again.. just keep save cleaning with polish-shall i say 😊 happy polish-coating Detailing from Bali ❤🙏 😊 @diydetail

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you! You too!

[@neilseib8987]

What about if you have what is called spider webbing or micro cracking?

[@diydetailofficial]

Time to replace them

[@johnscaglione1910]

The headlights on my 2012 LR4 are easily removed.. Is polishing headlights easier with headlight removed?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@derrickabare9986]

In my opinion not really. Would need to find a way to prop them up and keep from moving around. With them on the vehicle you can use desired pressure without worrying about tipping over or whatnot .

[@luizalberto7698]

Any chance you guys will sell your polishing pads on Amazon?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@ssing7113]

I just like throwing ceramic over it PPF turns into a bigger mess and project for me. Also not a fan of ppf edges

[@diydetailofficial]

Everything has pro’s and cons

[@pigeonpoo1823]

Is there any real evidence that regularly applying a UV coating (i use TW ceramic spray because i have it) actually does anything at all to protect the lights?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes it does

[@pigeonpoo1823]

@@diydetailofficial thank you

[@stevefischer197]

Where do I get a cart like the one you have?

[@diydetailofficial]

Building the ULTIMATE detailing cart (for under $500)! NICK vs YVAN *timed* challenge! kzbin.info/www/bejne/naewaqKipLKUY5I

[@Jstp19454]

Do we use clear coat to protect

[@diydetailofficial]

You can

[@Jstp19454]

I missed what kind of polish?

[@diydetailofficial]

DIY Detail Gold Standard Polish

[@Thankyou_3]

Yes, please show us with sand paper method. Those machines are too rich for my budget.

[@diydetailofficial]

You will still need a polisher after sanding.

[@Stoney-Lawson]

What RPM do you run for this process?

[@diydetailofficial]

600

[@cyclechris6591]

On my cx5, I gota have a 1 inch machine.

[@diydetailofficial]

Good

[@patoriq345]

Im going to repaint my hood...how long should i wait to re apply my 3yr coating that was on it before.

[@diydetailofficial]

Ask the painter

[@jp-nq5wd]

This video is perfect for the diy'er! Thanks! Check out The Headlight Restoration Pro if you want to take it to another level; he's definitely the headlight king but way over my head!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for the tip!

[@josequiroz4605]

if only there was a coating to keep them fresh for years to come

[@diydetailofficial]

PPF is a great solution

[@blackbirdmobiledetailing2411]

I always follow up with ceramic

[@josequiroz4605]

@@diydetailofficial would have to buy enough to do plenty of cars if I was doing alot of headlight restorations

[@blackbirdmobiledetailing2411]

No offense, but those were not that bad to begin with. Most I have dealt with are really yellow and gritty from the sand here. So I almost always have to sand to even everything.

[@diydetailofficial]

Not everyone waits until they are too far gone

[@Rabbit.760]

That light doesnt need sandpaper... lets see a heavy oxidized headlight

[@diydetailofficial]

This is for the person who hasn’t let it degrade too far.

[@Rabbit.760]

@@diydetailofficial I'm the person that let it degrade to dust... help me!

[@diydetailofficial]

Unfortunately possibly time for a replacement

[@banarbasobiajunwa5523]

🤔🤔

[@diydetailofficial]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@fastfed]

Coming soon, a dedicated dyi headlight kit for 399.99 .. for beginner, dyi lolol

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@beachartdetailing]

I'm sorry, but I got to call BS on this. I do headlights, in Myrtle Beach, SC all the time, and it's never this easy.

[@diydetailofficial]

This isn’t for long neglected headlights.

[@beachartdetailing]

@@diydetailofficial oh! I don't think I caught that in the video. I'll have to re watch it again and see.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@greatcars4-sale]

What is the Polish?????

[@diydetailofficial]

DIY Detail Gold Standard Polish