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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!!!!🤔🇬🇧👌

[@mo0dz3dprints16]

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!

[@typhoontim125]

The best headlight restoration video on the internet!

[@jeromegates146]

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

[@ricroyce9620]

Excellent tutorial, Kenneth knows his subject well.

[@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.

[@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!

[@tecnology-today]

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

[@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!

[@michesbianan]

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

[@simonmonty7171]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@benjaminaaron1556]

Very informative, detailed and easy to follow

[@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 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@schoolofalchemy]

This is the best tutorial in restoring headlights.

[@OSRENOfficial]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@TheJcman72]

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

[@geraldarcuri9307]

Great video! Great sense of humor! Great presentation!

[@Kerveros1904]

The best video for this process. Thank you.

[@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!

[@blairguinea6811]

Thanks for the science Kenneth, very informative and helpful

[@carlzjonz]

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

[@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

[@milosbgd]

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

[@nedmilburn]

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

[@Wolfhnd]

Excellent tutorial ! Thanks from France !

[@kellyarnett4062]

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

[@RegBinary]

Thanks for brightening my day!

[@OSRENOfficial]

Our pleasure!

[@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.

[@edfamorca3175]

Thanks for sharing. Simply a fantastic job my friend.

[@reyaja6784]

👍👍👍👍 Kudos for this video. Compared to other videos about headlight restoration I've seen, here I see something else that is valuable to everyone who sees it. Because it turns out that there are indeed various circumstances and how to do it according to the problems of the state and condition of the headlights themselves. After watching this video, there are interesting statements from you (20:43): sanded, clear coated, and levelled. Therefore, please help inform the best steps for headlight restoration to get the maximum possible results. And each of these steps, what equipment and materials must be prepared. And if possible with an example or the name of the product. Thank you very much. 👍👍👍👍

[@bao1109]

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

[@mrch33sehed93]

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

[@chungocquang]

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

[@Harold_Callahan]

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

[@MrLupusG]

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

[@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.

[@eastonjaromin374]

Quality information. Good video👍🏼

[@christinemartin1197]

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

[@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, 🤔🇬🇧👍

[@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 💪😁

[@btrade12003]

Not going to lie, you had me in the first half

[@gregoryrikard9308]

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

[@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.

[@acr04muerto]

Your work is amazing. Thank you

[@msbeebea4240]

Straight to the point!! I like it

[@fidashahid8383]

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

[@simonmonty7171]

Can we actually buff successfully without a machine?

[@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

[@birdman5223]

Great job young man☺️ Very interesting👍

[@mothupipm5577]

What a clear explanation..

[@nirmalslk]

Really appreciate your Bro your video, But personally, I think this has many effects and costs we will fix the new one better than the solutions, almost warranty and safety-wise!

[@besikchitidze2292]

Simply one of the most comprehensive videos. Well done!!! You, my friend, better cut out the part with toothpaste))) at beginning because as soon as I saw that part was about to stap watching)))

[@FKDM.Glodok]

Kerennn Very excellent The explains all of the material very clear Thanks

[@americantruckeringermany8394]

Wish you'd make a video describing all the tyoes of damage to headlights

[@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?

[@mrTurko73]

Very nice video bro. Greets from turkey

[@OSRENOfficial]

Thank you very much!

[@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

[@harshajay6671]

Great video, I learned lot . Thank you sir..!

[@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.

[@lunifikateur6524]

Thank you, you explain very well 💯

[@suvennaidoo7910]

The reason why the headlight that was sprayed with clear coat had an orange peel like texture can be of a few reasons which I myself have experienced, 1st reason is that the air pressure out the spray gun could have been too low. To overcome this. Adding slightly more thinners to your clear coat and hardener mixture will allow the solution to spray much more finely as the mixture will not be as thick and heavy passing through the spray gun 21:08 Alternatively. If you have a big enough air compressor, a simple fix here would be to open your regulator valve to allow more pressure. But as also becareful because as the gentleman in the video said. If you spray to much. The clear coat will drip. This was a well put together video, I hope this information added to give some insight to the clear coat aspect specifically.

[@TheNofear25]

Good video and informative.thank you

[@danielborja2686]

Ty for the information,my car head light is made of plastic,can you give me the right solution to how can I restore the head light of my Adventure sports car stay safe God Bless 💞❤😊

[@mrcarterfx885]

you had me in the first 20 seconds and then I saw the smile and started busting out laughing

[@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!

[@Krakondack]

Wondering why more don't use acetone. It's like vapor polishing, but with liquid acetone. A single wipe gives you full smoothness.

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.

[@SubrosaRose]

Could be nice to see the listing of all tools and product's are used

[@chriscomfort1378]

Electrical tape works nice for protecting the paint because it's not affected by water and it bends around corners.

[@OSRENOfficial]

We would advise against electrical tape because its adhesive is too tacky on paint.

[@west_park7993]

Vapor polish. There are 2 solvents for polycarbonate. dimethylformamide and 1,4-dioxane. both are rather toxic and dioxane is also dangerous because forms peroxides and may explode. you must work outdoors or with military respirator. when spraying with clear coat, also industrial or military mask is a must.

[@donnyfoster1859]

I got 2011 Mercedes e350 and the headlights not yellow but kinda hazy, I tried hand sanding then Mcguires plastx then mcguires clear coat, it didn’t do a damn thing, I’m trying again using a drill with sandpaper…. New set of headlights cost 500$ for the set, but when I see my same car with clear headlights it makes car look 100x better, I’m going to try drill with wet sanding and clear coat when finished if that fails I’ll just have to buy new ones

[@hectorraigosa7149]

Just polish.. those scratches aren't visible to the naked eye.. I use mothers Aluminum Wheel polish every 2 years.. there's nothing a person can do about pits caused by rock pebbles.

[@JD-wm4uv]

Wow that crazy he has a freaking camera so can see just how clear it is first time I've seen this

[@stevef.m.2188]

Very well done Thanks

[@TennisDK-hy7hr]

This is very good and informative video

[@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!

[@AngPontello]

Thanks, very informative

[@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.

[@ZONgerXD]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@whitebeard1807]

Informative. Thank you for the post.

[@rellyluna1643]

well done, very informative... thanks

[@johnrenwick5464]

Very good video

[@georgecrespo6931]

Great video very informative

[@OSRENOfficial]

Thanks George for the encouragement, hope it helped!

[@qualitykings3609]

Great information!!!

[@stoner4311]

I want that microscope so bad, where do i get one?

[@westhawk]

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

[@OSRENOfficial]

Hi, just regular water, wet-sanding

[@tulokapiklo]

How about replacing the top cover of the headlight

[@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.

[@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?.

[@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 💯