The BEST Guide to Restore Headlights PERMANENTLY!

[@ryanmcneal5084]

I worked at a body shop for 3 yrs and learned you can fold over wide tape onto itself (to block the glue on the backside of the tape) then slide that end into tight areas for masking. Blocking the glue on the tape will make it easier to slid into tight areas and will allow the tape to go deeper making for a better masking job.

[@PaintSociety]

Ok great. Makes sense!!

[@darrellstillsjr7784]

I run a body shop and that does indeed work I've been doing it for over 20 years

[@timliu6870]

Great tip!!

[@bobbywells2380]

000

[@MichaelClaytonCo]

Great trick I painted a few cars in my time … we didn’t have wide tape to play with. My old 2010 headlights will thank you.

[@enermaxstephens1051]

First time I've seen any youtuber get such a good result. This man is the master.

[@bhonda1895]

2 years later and it’s still one of the best produced video on KZbin when it comes to this 👌🏻 love watching your videos.

[@eb0800]

Thank you for talking about isocyanates and how dangerous they are. No one ever talks about how dangerous they are and they don't protect themselves properly.

[@two911s]

Thank You SOOOOOO MUCH!!!! I followed all your steps and my Audi W12 head lights turned out PERFECT!!! I started at 6pm and was all done buy 8pm. Everyone watching -- Don't miss any steps for the best results!!!

[@PaintSociety]

Awesome!!

[@caiohermann9654]

Im stuck with my car on jackstands in my garage after beginning a DIY 1st attempt at a rust repair job on a fender on my 2010 Acura TSX. im a perfectionist and wanted to ensure i didnt miss a step, or do it improperly. i have found myself watching your videos daily, for over two weeks now. Im hooked at how expressive, detailed, and thorough you are with your explanations. I'd kill to work along side you. I appreciate your content and ability to teach others. Keep doing great things Brian!

[@JasonTylerRicci]

I've gotta say, this is the best headlight restoration video I've seen. The timelapse really sends the results home

[@BBoxn]

There is better. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3iYZauqapuokNE

[@pedrojuan7010]

More expensive than buying a brand new headlights? Thoughts?

[@gerardhipton752]

​@@pedrojuan7010 $2100 in Australia to replace both headlight assemblies so a bit of sanding and 2 pack clear paint hell yeah!

[@Resin__Designer]

There are better and no wet sanding so no where near as clear as you can get it

[@angelotero7117]

I just tried it and I can't believe the results! Thank you paint society.

[@davidp2888]

I loved the shake sequence. Creativity: 100%.

[@dmcbride63]

Setting on the pot was good.

[@originalg00kster]

Haha hilarious

[@zanelyavila8680]

@@originalg00kster p

[@jeffengelmann9011]

Ok so this video is so spot on. The only comment above the ones provided about folding tape in 1/2 or less to fit into the open seams is that the second coat is the key and apply liberally not to the running down the headlight thick but heavy. The results are amazing and the steps match this to the tee. Great video thank you.

[@cshaw5131]

Brian that was awesome example of a person who knows what he is doing. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. 👍

[@ShinRobS]

Thank you! I just did this and could not find anyone who actually sanded the clear coat after using that spray clear. You did just to show exactly my issue. Thanks again. Mine was 20 years of yellow oxidation on a tundra

[@skipfowler6638]

Followed your instructions to the letter on my 2014 Focus. Came out perfect except for an insect landing on the first coat. Removed it with tweezers and it didn't ruin the coat. Thanks for the instructions.

[@johncoruna]

Congrats!!! The best video to restore your headlights.... I used P320 grit for first pass, and P600 for the second pass. Used instead Eastwood 2K Duraspray, as I wanted unlimited pot life (as Aero-Spray version only lasts 48hrs after activation), and the difference is that it takes much longer final curing time. However, It is polishable after 12 hrs of application. I used P1200 grit to sand the orange peel, and buffered with 3m 3 steps. Great finishing... Once again, THanks for sharing your knowledge on this!!!

[@asusreviews]

I ended up re-doing the headlights on my truck today. I used what I had, 600 grit, then 1000 grit. Then followed through with some 2K clear that I had laying around from other auto paint jobs. Turned out quite good. Whole project took 2 hours from start to finish including masking and unmasking. I previously used rustoleum UV clear coat thats 1K, and it yellowed after a year or two. I don't recommend it, do it right and use 2K. This video motivated me to get it done!

[@PaintSociety]

2k is the best.

[@juanpizano7781]

Duplicolor clearcoat is better 2k is the best obviously will last for YEARS but the dupli color 1k lasts a pretty long time up to 5 years the rustoleum 1k usually only lasts about a year maybe 2 if u did a good prep job

[@4seeableTV]

Doesn't 2K have to be used within a short period of time after activation?

[@EmmAyeVee]

@@4seeableTV 48hr pot life.

[@Stu-SB]

@@EmmAyeVee agreed..use within 2 whole days, if your doing a pair of headlamp assemblies there will be waste depending on usage..

[@microgreensgrower3946]

I've watched a LOT of these and have tried a couple different methods but not 100% satisfied with what I've done. This video really explains the process in detail and the results speak for themselves. I can't wait to try it! Thanks so much!

[@hecktj8500]

You’re still a celebrity in our class. Great work big brother.

[@janicejohnson1334]

Just cleaned my 2007 Corolla headlights following your video . . . . W O W . . . DDG . . Drop Dead Gorgeous . . . Your teaching works GR8T . . THNX

[@philtucker1224]

Thank you for this, you’ve given me the confidence to be far more thorough in standing away all of the old debris and contaminants before re-clearcoating. I really was too scared to do that previously....live long and prosper buddy!

[@frankhaak5732]

Q++

[@lordofthestings]

🖖

[@jp93309]

Thanks for showing the hazy results after the initial sanding because I would think I screwed up if I saw that fogginess. Saving this video for later when temps warm up to start this project.

[@patrickr7197]

Christ... your garage is fancier than my kitchen! Great job on the headlights too.

[@johnnygoodman9947]

Hi, I have a mobile detailing job and I have added light restoration and this video is the best I have seen. Thank you…you have given me confidence in this journey. Thank you again and I will be following you…

[@k4piii]

I've watched so many restoration videos, but yours is the best by far, much more consistent and better explain. Plus you use much higer quality products, thanks for sharing!

[@usmc197293]

I love this guy and what he does. Getting back into painting again to fill some retirement time and he is good for refreshing old minds. Having a binge video watch on Christmas day!

[@idlehandsatplay8239]

Awesome. Been using those kits from the auto parts store and have to redo it every 9 months. Definitely going to do it this way now. Love the videos. Keep it up.

[@John-4649]

This is awesome! Now I don’t need to keep buying new headlight housings every year or so! Your channel is full of great info!

[@roadstar499]

this was best clearcoat headlight video i have seen... i used to wetsand and buff /seal headlights years ago...great how you explained the fogging...that freaked me out a few years ago and ended up just continuing wet sand buff method...thanks

[@andersforsman4289]

I can contribute with a testimonial since it's been over one year and I drive around 19,000 miles per year. Winter time it's harsh salty winter road condition and the car is parked outside at both home and work, so it's direct exposed to the sun during the sunny times. This method works! The headlights only needed a quick and easy polish by hand to get back the nice finish.It's exactly like the paint, one year of using your car on daily basis wears the paint no matter how careful you are and polish is the only way to get back the shine

[@mickeynkimmie5983]

I been watching your Chanel now for a week since I got my bmw. I love your videos and slowly build up confidence to do some things on my own. I almost wish I could paint it myself. Thanks so much for sharing all those awesome videos.

[@thirumanik3510]

Forget the technical details, I just love the way you talk and present !! Fantastic !!!

[@robertlangley258]

Professionals....ya gotta love em. Thank you for sharing young man.

[@rumblef1sh]

A hugely helpful and instructive video! Many thanks for sharing. I was amazed to learn how the clear coat goes over the misty sanded surface, but dries to a completely clear finish.

[@KoenigsTiger957]

Dude, you're the best! "Don't over think it, it's just paint." Until you try it your self :)

[@Rajwinder_123]

Agree

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

I've seen Nate over on Dirt Lifestyles use Eastwood on his pumpers, racks and rock sliders, and it always looks great. Seeing you use it on some of you home projects convinced me it is better than I initially even thought before!

[@djrowe10]

As always another great A+ video. I worked in a factory using headlight plastic molded injection machines and there is no clear coating applied to OEM parts. Just doing this simple fix will make better then OEM and last longer. So thanks for showing us how! 👍

[@darrylking5543]

Hello Paint Society, I did my head lights today and your method came out right. I'm not a handy-man or either a car repair guy but your way so far is great. Thanks and have a great New Years. Darrylk.

[@RotaryDaddy]

The only way to restore headlights! Did mine this way 2 years ago and they're still going strong

[@marclouiesulit7277]

This is the best headlight restoration video i could find. Thank you

[@firpofutbol]

Just found your channel as I'm getting ready for my first paint job and I have to say I've learned a lot. I like the style of your videos and how you demonstrate techniques as well as present information.

[@emmanuelmata]

I been watching your videos non stop for days man. thanks for all the great info and inspiration to get out there and finally fix my headlights. I also subscribed thank you

[@intra-fight]

i love your videos and even i'm german i understand the most. i like your calmness and humor. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 👍

[@elparmful]

This is totally doable, I'm very happy with the result. And new headlights cost hundreds so I'm sure what these other peeps are smokin. Sure it takes time but that's where your get the fun and satisfaction.

[@yogibait8005]

I don’t even paint, but I love this channel! So informative and explained so well I might even try to paint something myself.

[@garygray1296]

agree !

[@theonetrueking2685]

Thanks for the video and talking about the scratches that don't go away. This is my exact car also and while I don't have a garage/ tools, I watch these videos to see different methods - what works what doesn't and why - it helps me choose a good detailer who either knows what works and will be honest/ charge for that work or not.

[@deankay4434]

If you follow the steps, product, and clean, clean, clean, a little work and carefully following the video, you can get these results. A common question on older vehicles is, “My headlamp has 3 bumps near the corners”. These are used to align the headlights. Look for 2 screws, usually one top and one on the side. They are almost touching and most are “Phillips” head. It may take a long screw driver but single screw drivers are sold. If “STAR” shaped, this is called “TORX” and T-15 is the most common. Yours may vary but don’t be afraid to ask the dealer. They won’t charge you! To adjust! Park 12 feet away from the garage door, turn light on, mark the door with a piece of tape. Left should be straight ahead, right should point 1-2” to the right. They should be level, use your eye from the back of the vehicle, then look to see where the fall on the garage door or wall. Don’t get them to high as one adjustment changes the other. Guys/gals who know this will yawn, but most people have never adjusted their lights. I don’t know what year it changed, but these tabs will be in the way. If you feel comfortable, use a power tool with a 120-320 grit sandpaper and just remove them. Please have firm control, tape edges, but use the edge and touch the tab only. Your work should be dime sized and flat with the rest of the housing. Best of luck, hopes this help. Not everyone can afford a newer car, as the cost more than your first house, but look less old. ASE Master since 1978-retired. Great video, excellent lights, camera action and clear instructions. Like/subscribe/bell. Blessings to all!

[@roberthartwell4234]

I did this exact same thing for my mother's Prius headlights a couple years back, same technique, no adhesion promoter, 2K rattle-can clear from my local PPG distributor, and so on. They looked amazing, just like new, and since I had nearly 30 years of auto-body restoration experience under my belt doing over 40 frame off custom hot rods and restos over that time, I was quite confident (almost cocky) when I told my Mom that I could do this for her. I didn't doubt myself even one bit at the time because I trusted my know how (tried and true techniques), the chemicals I used (I've been certified to use PPG products longer than I can remember) and the seeming simplicity of it all (at least to me), made this a no brainer. Well, just last year (so one year later), she visited me and to my great dismay and shame, nearly all of the clear had pealed off of her headlights. They looked horrible. In fact, they actually looked worse than they were when they were grimy and brownish colored. She could hardly get a good beam out onto the road. My point here I guess, is that making the claim, "permanently," at least from my experience, I now know to be complete BS. In fact, I think I even told my Mom that my fix would be "permanent." How however, I know that these chemicals simply do not bond correctly to that lens plastic (and yes, I ended with an 800g scratch because it just seemed reasonable to me at the time. Long story short, I humbly purchased her two knew headlight assemblies and installed them when they arrived. NOW, her headlights are as actually, as good as new because they "are" new. I at least know now that from a business perspective, I will never offer this service to a customer because I have zero confidence in the process now and never want to look like a fool to one of my customers.

[@VWLIKEWHOA]

I get pretty much the same results you describe. I'm an amateur at painting, only having done 10 or so whole paint jobs but have been an auto tech for 20+ years and run my own shop. I only do the headlight restoration for people that want to pass inspection. I wet sand in stages and usually end at 1000. I have tried regular automotive grade clear and hardener but I have since just switched to doing cheap dupli color rattle can since it doesn't last anyway. I always recommend new lights to my customers but explain what to expect. The problem is the price difference between OEM lights and cheap Amazon China stuff. The China lights don't seem to last much longer than cleaning and clearing the originals.

[@Jimmy_Wei]

Yes, and when the clear coat cracked and peeling, it’s really nasty and requires a lot of effort to restore again. Btw, I have done more than 3000 pairs of headlights restoration by only wet sanding and buffing, and I hate clear coat or any sort of Coatings in the headlights, even the brand new OEM headlights’ coating will crack from the top over time. Good wet sanding and buff will last few months and extremely easy to restore again next time.

[@dim3nt0]

well, one can only guess what you did wrong but there was something wrong. ive painted a few headlights and so far none has failed in any way, so no its not bs. 2k clear is to last at least 5 years, some ive seen lasted 7-8 then were redone.

[@Jimmy_Wei]

@@sharifsircar some of the model has problem with the OEM plastic, they changed color and built up tiny cracks over the years. But most of the car model is ok.

[@Jimmy_Wei]

@@sharifsircar some model doesn’t really got affected by UV lights at all, most of them will become yellow but only on the outer surface. I work in car parts industry and detailing business. Trust me, only certain model with problematic plastic cover supplier will have the problem. I have done some cars over 30 years old with OEM headlights. They back crystal clear. But some models only around 10 years old, already start cracking and the actual material changing color too. most of lights only have problems on the surface after years of UV penetration.

[@cddy507]

Amazing video. I did my headlights the next day and the results were unbelievable.

[@OscarOliu]

This guy, pretty much destroys all old styles of "wet sanding" freakin' awesome work dude.

[@matarcher3145]

Very good video. I already knew this process AND have done it several times and still enjoyed to watch how well you documented it for new comers.

[@garygray1296]

How long did the clear coat last for you ?

[@matarcher3145]

@@garygray1296 I've tried both methods. Repolishing the plastic and putting a UV protection type wax. The headlight gets fogged up within a year or so specially if you have winter. I did the clearcoat method and it doesn't seem to need as much attention because the plastic itself is protected.

[@CodyBosch]

I’m really amazed at what that degreaser did for the yellowing!

[@miguelmouse2875]

Another great video. I like using the plastic clip part of a plastic cap on a pen to tuck tape. Fits in small areas and won't accidentally mar a surface if it slips off the tape or accidentally cut through the tape.

[@delukxy]

A suitably thin bone tool/trim tool is perfect for the job.

[@leerjet18]

Old credit card works too.

[@nevillecartwright7292]

Awesome video and great instruction!! Thank you for your trouble - I've certainly learned a lot from your video! Greetings from South Africa!

[@TofuProductionCinema]

Underrated channel... usually you have to pay for content like this. Great stuff, stay safe.

[@TofuProductionCinema]

@@willemverwijs2696 And there's much KZbin content that also provide incorrect info. There's also many KZbin channels that show you how to paint your car at home.

[@steveplowman4005]

Thanks for taking the time to so concisely explain this process. Cheers Steve

[@brennannickel411]

That’s a cool touch on the headlight design with the VW logo inside the light

[@melted_pistons]

That’s the same as what Chrysler does with the little Easter eggs on the glass. They do that so if someone damages a light, they’re more likely to buy one from VW

[@robertapple6837]

A lot of automakers do that

[@Sci-Mon1]

I was thinking the same thing!!! Details like that are really nice

[@jaykrom7639]

Yes, a lot of auto makers put their logo in there, After market housing makers (China of course) can't legally do that. To keep a friends smashed Ford Edge stock, I had to source a good used one.(that had Edge inside.)

[@headlightvideotraining]

Very professional. I have a lot of respect for your skill set of clearing headlights. My method is wet sanding and I do use the P grade wet/dry sanding disks. I do my headlight jobs in about an hours time for mobile home services. I thank you for getting a better knowledge on taping off the headlights. I will apply that to my service. Applying the degreaser in the beginning was good knowledge also. I thank you for that also. I use to do spray coats in my early years of mobile headlight service and the results are amazing but I have learned that the spray method is better in an indoor shop setting. I use to get bugs and flies that would get on the clients headlights after I sprayed it that drove me nuts. So for outdoor settings I just finish the job with an auto ceramic. For a longer lasting quality job for 3 to 5 years I have to have the clients car in their garage to apply a polymer vapor application that gets crystal clear results. But you have to wear a respirator and gloves for that method. But the results are stunning. You are so right with making sure you remove all of the old clear coat. In my beginning years restoring headlights I use to leave half of that unaffected clear coat on. But I would always see that divide between a nice clear job and a spotty bottom half. So I learned that the hard way. Always remove it all. Thanks for the video. Good job.👍

[@johntheoldmod]

Thank you Brian I have just found your channel today, I've watched a lot of these headlamp videos and this has to be the best, I think it's the first that has left the lens in the sanded condition before applying the clear coat and it makes sense, I am guessing that when the others polish or buff before applying the clearcoat they are removing the fine texture that the clear needs to make a good bond. I don't think I need to see any other videos on this and now feel confident that I will be able to do the job PROPERLY.

[@mauricionarvaez4737]

Ll ..

[@garygray1296]

agree !

[@moecorpus5007]

Spraying clear coat on your lenses is the last thing you want to do , The clear coat will hender the headlight bulb to illuminate at its full potential , May be clear but it's not the correct way to get a full functioning lens ..

[@ironmike742]

@@moecorpus5007 lol

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

A note on the lifespan of the fix, I live in the Swedish countryside and have quite a lengthy bit of gravel roads to get home. That dust will surely lessen the lifetime of the UV surface. It isn't a criticism of your work, just a reminder that the environment can decide if it needs to be redone every couple of years or so. While I'm nitpicking 😁, buffing by hand is possible if you don't have a good buffer, with the lower speed of one's hands it just takes a longer time. Another picky point is that using too high speed and/or pressure when using a machine can create too much temperature. Great video, I'll look for the 2 component UV coating here in Sweden, I am looking for a solution where I don't need to buy a kit where it just restores one set of headlights since we have a bunch of cars and I often help my friends with service'n'stuff. Great video, subbed for sure 👍

[@jaismoove5152]

As a beginner DIY- er, your videos are sooo clear and concise for me to emulate.. Thank you.. Keep Rocking Bruh

[@rzjk301]

I just did this procedure on a 2009 Ford Escape. The lights look new again. Super Clean is no joke. All the brown stuff came off the headlights as soon as you spray them.

[@PaintSociety]

Thanks for following the guide

[@deanprosser5224]

got to be one of he best headlight tutorials, thanks

[@truth6242]

Thanks you I turned this into a business and got my first customer today!

[@mailjabber]

Great video. I did the same to my headlights 4 years ago. Except I used a dupli-color sealing spray that wasn't 2k. It has lasted, didn't crack and was cheaper than the can of 2k clear. It can also be reused on other projects long after the can of 2k clear has become useless.

[@joey537]

I have both 2k n a rust-oleum gloss clear. I used the rust one n didnt want to wast the 2k. When letting it dry it was cracking. Ny reason?

[@sharonkirven9570]

Thank you and this answered the question I was going to ask.. So Thanks😊

[@johnbean714]

@@joey537 If you don't get all the factory clear sanded off the headlights before you spray them then they'll spiderweb.

[@mzwakhegiftsimelane2680]

@@joey537 same here....did you get any solution to this issue?

[@joey537]

@@mzwakhegiftsimelane2680 sand down the cracks as best as i could then re sprayed with the 4K. Much better now

[@jerrywalker5065]

I for sure can't to wait try this method. I just got a restore kit from the Home Depot. I'll be getting my money back. Stand by.

[@terrenceclark3213]

Love your videos! I’m just getting into DIY with an old car I’m restoring and this has been instrumental in making it look good as new. Thank you very much for the detailed steps and explanations.

[@livens100]

Great video, love hearing the pro tips from someone with experience. And, the cost of the supplies used is still cheaper than the cheapest aftermarket headlight assemblies for most cars.

[@christopherskinner6410]

This really is the BEST GUIDE to restore headlights permanently, that I've seen. Very professional. I tried the Chris Fix method using 400 grit, 600 and finally 2000 grit wet sand. He suggests Rustoleum Clear Gloss for the finish, so that is what I used. Within minutes (as I watched the paint dry) it spiderwebbed. This happened twice unfortunately! And other people (reviews online) have had similar experiences with crazing or spider webbing. On your video, the final grit used is a K800, which is a much coarser grit, but your results with the Eastwood 2K clear, look brilliant! Is my problem the Rustoleum paint? Or is it that the 2000 grit wet sand, leaves the lens too smooth for the clearcoat to adhere properly? Any comments or advice would be most welcome, as I've still got to sand off the Rustoleum and start again.

[@PaintSociety]

The two paints are two completely different paint so I would never recommend RestoLeum paint because it is in inferior paint and will leave cracks all along the plastic because of the reaction. I guarantee you if you do it using my guide you will have zero problems.

[@RotoRCol]

@@PaintSociety what would be the last number of sand paper I have to use before paint? Would the paint cover p600 sand paper scratches?

[@djerome2]

Excellent video, man! Simple and straight to the point without leaving anything out!

[@F85M]

Just did mines two weekends ago. It turned out perfect! Clearer than my new cars headlights. One regret though is trying to be perfect and taking out the orange peel. Imo, I should have left it alone as is. Trying to rid of the orange peel made the lens duller. Even with Polex and proper buffing it wasn't as crystal clear anymore. Its just me being picky but I would have left it alone without trying to correct. Thanks for the video!

[@4seeableTV]

I think that's a good point. Our headlights don't need to be showroom quality. Just clearer and spiffier. A touch of peel won't even be seen by most people.

[@SlickerThanYourAverage]

Imagine you're looking through a clear glass then looking through an orange peel texture glass with your bare eyes. Replace your eyes with the headlight bulb. That's whats happening to the light bulb trying to shine through. It's scattering the light. While the headlamp "looks good" to our eyes they really are alot more than aesthetics. Orange peel on the plastic can cut down your lights ability to shine further. Although it's 100x better this is like a clear version of oxidation.

[@jasonprice3335]

Glad to hear about the adhesion promoter. That was the first thing i thought of when spraying plastics

[@DDEENY]

Most people don't realize how easily headlight units are able to be removed from the vehicle as they're typically held in with a couple of clips that are quickly removed. It makes more sense to remove the unit for re-finishing.

[@joshw3539]

Some vehicles you have to remove the entire bumper just to change a bulb nowadays 😂

[@senco981]

Good job. Best headlight restoration on KZbin I have ever seen. I did few of those on my previous cars but I have used clearcoat that is dried by UV light. Same results like 2k

[@bewernia]

You make it look easy. I tried one of those McGuire's kits and it's crap. I'm relieved to hear your talent-power gets passed on through the t-shirts you touch. Thanks.

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

I can testify to how not so long the head light clear coat lasts from factory. My head lights started getting rough and cloudy after about 6 years. What I didn't know, until watching this video, is it is the clear coat! So, I don't see how anyone can fix the hazy headlight without sanding off the old clear coat and taking it through a similar process as yours! The original clear coat on mine was obviously inferior, or it wouldn't of failed after only 6 years from the show room floor. Great video, Brian, and thanks for sharing the knowledge and techniques! Great job!

[@johnholley7749]

Great video as always. Love the way you explain how and why you do the things you do. Keep up the good work an by all means keep the teaching videos going, really learned a lot from them. Thank you

[@daveshipman2677]

Hi dude,just wanted to say that i thoroughly enjoy watching your tutorials,it inspires me..i shall be doing my very first car respray sometime soon,you make it look so easy my friend,great video's bud..keep it up..

[@asw850]

Wet sanding and dry sanding is "not" the same. Wet sanding is done to prevent pieces of material getting trapped between the sandpaper and the surface which will scratch the surface as your sanding it. The best and correct way to wet sand is to have an constant running flow of water to keep the material moving and from building up under your sandpaper. Spray bottles do OK but most people spray some water and then sit there and sand away. They don't use enough water and material builds up and gets trapped under your sand paper. Dry sanding is the worse if your going to be applying paint or clear coat of any kind. Dry sanding just produces the snowball effect, the material has no where to go, gets trapped and scratches your surface so your constantly sanding scratches you will never get rid of. I'm old school of course and use a hose with a constant flow of water but then again, old school techniques have produced some of the most beautiful paint jobs in the world and still do. Just my $0.02! Very good video though!

[@jaykrom7639]

I wet sanded with a hose in the 70's also, but I like the idea of the spray bottle and wiping as you go. Get the sludge in a towel rather than sll over the bottom of the car and the driveway (plus water is a bfd in So Cal now!)

[@davidpowell3347]

Yes,surprised that he didn't use water washes (be generous with the spray bottle or keep the garden hose handy?) during/in between sanding stages and also wash the sandpaper itself a few times also with a spray wash you can see what you are doing as to the sanding- (still stuff there that needs more sanding?) Working against himself when putting sandpaper to the just applied sealer/clearcoat?

[@ToyRoom1968]

This is by far the BEST headlight restoration video I have seen so far! Also, I thought I was the only person who shakes a rattle can like that! :)

[@headlampsrmylife9451]

Brian this is the best explanation of how to do a headlight properly although I'd much rather use a compressor a good clear gun and a solid 2 to one clear

[@ripd97]

OH wow, this is the best spray clear coat headlight restoration I've ever seen; this even beats Chris Fix clear coat job he posted cause his spry coat restoration still looked foggy and orange peel after he finished.

[@thediycarmedic4822]

Love the video! Just a quick question. If I was using “p” grit sandpaper… what finish grit is the k800 equivalent to? In other words what should I finish it with prior to clearcoat with “p” grit sandpaper.

[@rasta77-x7o]

Legend, i need to do this to mine, thanks heaps.

[@twig3288]

I can remember when headlamps were made with real glass.

[@ster9765]

I can remember when people didn't complain about every little thing.

[@yardkartretreads]

Had an 01 Jeep TJ. Glass sealed unit headlights. Good times until you dropped one.

[@theroyalcrownedtiger2946]

Chev Camaro I-Roc Z has the glass sealed unit headlights.

[@hasansezer3997]

Now almost all cars using LED no heat.. so they use plastic. Earlier years the lightbulb was creating huge heat.. so it should be only glass.

[@americanpancakelive]

I loved my 73 Miata. Glass headlights that cost about twelve bucks to replace!

[@Eddé-Byblos]

❤I love the way you explain your work, I’m glad I found your video on KZbin I will definitely try to restore my wife headlights 2010 RX Thank you very much for sharing your work 🎉

[@penrich]

Great results as usual. Thanks Brian 👍

[@alfredoportillo4571]

THIS IS THE BEST TUTORIAL ON THE WEB ,YOU ARE AWSOME

[@IntegraDIY]

Good stuff, I’ll try the 2k clear. Only thing I’ll do different which would be basically the same as you, I’ll just use basic wetordry sand paper, they’re like 70cents each at most paint supply shops. And using dish washing soap works good as a sanding lube and a cleaner before spraying

[@alanmatthews5949]

2k is good stuff!!!

[@ntonytay]

#hepoops These old videos never get old man .. thanks brian for bringing this up for the IWATA giveaway. Even if I didn't win but its still good to see this over and over again. Good luck for others.

[@the_DOS]

If you don't want to do the clear coat, you can put some XPEL clear film on it. That never yellows either and will protect your headlights from rocks, etc. However it's pretty expensive compared to that 2k can.

[@thatamerican3187]

That clear coat is going to yellow too it is the same stuff the factory put on.. lol

[@coryjackson6034]

​@@thatamerican3187 just buy new headlights for a few more bucks!!

[@thatamerican3187]

@@coryjackson6034 450 bucks for 2 new h/ls..

[@thatamerican3187]

Just used some Meguiar's Headlight coating. After going from 360 -3k grit using a screw gun powered sander. Then buffed it with Meguiar's Plastix. Got all the old Crap off. Put 3 coats on. Check back in a year.

[@officialbryan5307]

@@thatamerican3187what’s the update

[@JoseTorres-hd4lo]

Thanks to your video I have incorporated headlight restoration into my detailing. Thank You

[@whatluck1508]

when my father restored the headlights on my car, he just took the headlights out then did everything while sitting down in nice good shade

[@juanitosuriel6931]

Smart man your father.

[@Anurahm_Kycor]

I'm sure he's done his time in the sun and heat. And because of that I'm sure he deserves the shade.

[@tracy85777]

GOOD NIGHT your garage floor is cleaner than my kitchen floor is right now! I gotta mop the floor! Lord this is much more work than I'm ready for. I don't HAVE a garage to work in anymore. But thank you for a very informative video. God bless and Happy Christmas 🎄⛄🎄!

[@bigdad4977]

Lol first video i watched i thought you looked like Q from Impractical Jokers.. and your name is Brian 🤣🤣🤘

[@leebrowwski]

So clear, so concise. So on the money. Bravo

[@FirstContactX]

Its good that you mention PPE for the 2k paints, however I feel like you need to do a more in depth video specificly on safety. 3M doesnt recommand any of the filters for those half face masks be used for isocyanates. Also people need to make sure their eyes and skin are covered.

[@breco1it]

Probably has been said before, but fantastic video--thank you, thank you, thank you (from a terrified restoration neophyte). I was looking for a video that clearly demonstrated that this type of restoration could be sanded by hand as I didn't want to buy a drill attachment...I am not an adept car polisher in the first place (😆). Favorite parts were....how to prep the clear coat can from start to finish--I would not have taken the same care to shake it...point taken 🤣 Second favorite was watching for the UV protectant degradation "line". Third, by the time you got to polishing in-between the clear coats with a drill attachment, I was engaged and thoroughly enjoying a lack of panic at the concept b/c I understood the value. Courage! And last but not least...all is not lost if it is over-refined or if it isn't perfect. Much respect for what you created here. 👍

[@carwerks101]

15 years!? damn i feel old, i worked on these at the dealer when they were brand new

[@thatamerican3187]

Hey dude I miss the Glass Sealbeams. lol

[@automotivedyi1984]

What a great video !! I’ve tried several experiments different ways , different products. Your end result is magnificent!! I’ll have to try it next ! Thank you

[@STILLNIGHTPEARL]

I prefer paint protection film like something from XPEL over the 2K clear, provides protection against impacts, sun, stains, and lasts longer, it is optically clearer also, you have to sand and buff the clear after you apply it to get rid of any orange peel that can possibly distort the light output. You have to buy a respirator, cover the rest of the front end of the vehicle, you just need a little bit of patience with the PPF, no respirator or masking off other areas because of the overspray.

[@4seeableTV]

That's all well and good but the film will not clear up a sanded headlight. You still have to clear coat it with something before your apply the film.

[@STILLNIGHTPEARL]

@@4seeableTV that’s why you remove the sanding marks via compounding before you apply the film. It’s a process, you don’t apply the film after you sanded, you need to compound and polish the headlight after the wet sanding step, and then you apply the film.

[@johndillian1018]

@@STILLNIGHTPEARL - I will say that may be the case but old lens's are still usually hazy no matter how much you buff. Something about applying paint makes them clear. By the time you buy sand paper, compound, buffing pads, paint, film and time, you could almost buy some after market lens.

[@ronwalters8434]

@@johndillian1018 @STILLNIGHTPEARL I had really bad cloudy lens on 16 yr old car. Your initial sand removes all the yellowing. You want to have the sanding dust clear before you start with finer grits. I think that is your mistake. I thought I was good (wet sanding) but I still seen some yellowing and just kept working it. No matter how much you buff if you did not get all the yellowing (old layer) off at the beginning then your final will not be good. I did not use any clear but went to like 1500-2k? grit and buffed with compound then polish. Mine was just as clear as his and started 2-3x's worse. I planned on following up with 2k when conditions allowed but sold the car before I had a chance. I like the thought of a clear film where you could just peel off and put down another piece if needed. Sounds good I just don't know if you need to 2k possible 1k clear first then apply or could I get by with just applying the protection film?

[@johndillian1018]

@@ronwalters8434 - I used 80 grit, and sanded down to smooth twice, on my Dodge Avenger and they only came out 80% clear after grinding on them, sanding, buffing, paint...yada yada yada. Some have better luck than others. If I had no job living on food stamps I might continue sanding again, but, at this point, "I" am done!!

[@jozsefizsak]

I'm very grateful for this comprehensive tutorial from a proper expert.