Restore your Faded or Yellowed Headlights

Can I restore my headlights myself, or should I take them to a professional?

While it is possible to restore your headlights yourself, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the results you can achieve. If your headlights are severely damaged, or if you don’t have the necessary tools and materials to do the job properly, it may be best to take your vehicle to a professional for headlight restoration.

NOVUS Glass can restore most lenses to a like-new condition, either at our premises or at yours, for a fraction of the cost of a replacement set of headlights.

Tools Required

Before you get started with your headlight restoration project, there are a few tools you’ll need to gather.

These include:

• Sandpaper (various grits ranging from 400 to 2000)
• Water source (hose or bucket of water)
• Microfiber towels
• Rubbing compound
• Polishing compound
• Protective coating

Materials Required

In addition to the necessary tools, you’ll also need to have a few materials on hand to properly restore your headlights. These include:

• Tape
• Masking paper
• Plastic cleaner
• Plastic polish
• Sanding discs
• UV-resistant clear coat

Project Step-by-Step

Now that you have your tools and materials ready, it’s time to dive into the headlight restoration process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve optimal results:

1. Wash and Sand Horizontally
   Begin by washing your headlights with soap and water to remove any dirt or grime. Then, using the sandpaper (starting with the coarsest grit and working your way up to the finest), sand the surface of the headlight lens horizontally. Be sure to keep the sandpaper wet at all times, and avoid sanding in a circular motion, as this can create uneven results.
2. Rinse and Sand Vertically
   Next, rinse the headlight lens with water to remove any debris, and then repeat the sanding process, this time sanding vertically. Again, be sure to keep the sandpaper wet and avoid circular motions.
3. Buff the Lens with Polish
   After sanding, buff the lens with a rubbing compound to remove any remaining scratches or blemishes. This will help to create a smooth, even surface on the headlight lens.
4. Polish the Headlight Lens
   Once the rubbing compound has been applied, it’s time to move on to the polishing compound. Apply the compound to the lens and use a microfiber towel to work it in, using a circular motion. This will help to bring back the clarity and shine to your headlights.
5. Apply Protective Coating
   Finally, to ensure that your headlights remain clear and protected from future damage, apply a UV-resistant clear coat. This will help to prevent yellowing and cloudiness from returning to your headlights.

Conclusion

Restoring your headlights is a simple and affordable way to improve your visibility on the road and give your vehicle a much-needed facelift. By following these step-by-step instructions and using the right tools and materials, you can bring back the clarity and shine to your headlights in no time. So why wait? Start your headlight restoration project today and enjoy safer, clearer driving for years to come.

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