Headlight Restoration
Key Note around headlight restoration
Price:£60-£75
This is to restore clarity and to remove the fuzzy appearance from faded headlights.
Materials needed:
Headlight restoration kit (usually includes sandpaper, polishing compound, and sealant)
Water
Microfiber towels
Masking tape
Bucket
Sponge
Steps:
Clean the headlight using a soap, a sponge and water. Once cleaned, dry the headlight
Use masking tape to mask off the immediate areas around the headlight
With the sandpaper, start from P800 > P1200 >P2000 as this is from Coarse to fine.
Start by spraying clean water onto the headlight.
Whilst the headlight is still wet, start by sanding the headlight vertically with the first P800 sanding paper. You must do this by hand to avoid burning the headlight
Be careful not to scuff the paintwork of the car whilst sanding the headlights. As shown in this video here
When sanding, you will notice that the headlight water will turn milky. This is what we are looking for.
If the water begins to dry, apply more water. The headlight must be wet at all times.
Once satisfied with the vertical sanding, use the same sanding paper to sand horizontally, with firm pressure
Repeat the same process horizontally, the headlight should again turn to a milky colour.
For good measure, it is always best practice to sand the headlight more than you think you need to, if not, the headlight will not have clarity after the restoration process.
Once complete with the horizontal sanding, repeat this process again, with the same sandpaper, vertically. So for each sandpaper you will sand horizontally, vertically and finally horizontally again before changing to the next grade of paper.
Repeat this process for P800, P1200 and P2000.
Once complete, use the polishing pad, Compound and the drill to polish the headlights.
Use two hands, firm pressure, and your own bodyweight to ensure a controlled and slow motion when polishing with the drill. It is best practice to tightly hug the drill whilst polishing at this point. If you are not holding the drill firmly it will spin out of control.
Use a clean microfiber towel to buff the excess polish and restore clarity
Use the UV applicator to apply an even coat of UV protection and allow it to dry. Do not touch afterwards
How to clay bar a car the fast way
What to do if you scuff the paintwork
You should be very careful when cleaning the headlights so as not to scuff the paint.
What to do if you scuff the paintwork
Make use of a cutting compound, use the dual action machine polisher and a polishing pad.
Apply the polishing pad to the machine polisher and run an extension cord
N.b Remember to place the machine polisher on its back and not its side unless it will pick up stones and that would scratch the vehicle.
Turn on the machine polisher and start with a speed setting of 2-3
Apply 2-3 drops of cutting compound to the pad
Tap the pad with the product on it onto the car and spread round
Tap the machine on the car
N.b Start on low, spread it on the car then increase the speed. Also move the machine gently when doing this.
Tom was the go-to handyman in his circle of friends, always ready to tackle any DIY project. So, when his wife, Sarah, mentioned that the headlights on her car were becoming cloudy, Tom didn’t hesitate to take on the task. Confident in his skills, he headed to the garage in search of tools. His eyes landed on his trusty drill—a tool that had served him well in many past projects. Without giving it much thought, Tom decided that the drill, combined with a sanding disc, would do the job.
After watching a few quick tutorials online, Tom felt ready. He attached the sanding disc to the drill, positioned it against the headlight, and revved up the speed. The drill roared to life, and that’s when things started to go wrong. The drill’s high speed made it difficult to control, causing the sanding to be uneven. Instead of a smooth surface, the headlight developed a patchy, cloudy appearance. As Tom tried to adjust his grip, the drill jerked, leaving a deep scratch in the plastic. Panic set in, and he pressed harder, hoping to correct his mistake. However, this only made things worse. The friction from the high-speed drill generated excessive heat, warping the plastic lens and filling the air with the smell of burning plastic.
Tom pulled the drill away and stared in dismay at the ruined headlight. What was once a slightly cloudy lens was now a mess of scratches, gouges, and warps. The realisation hit him: he had used the wrong tool for the job. A drill, with its inconsistent pressure and high speed, was never meant for such delicate work. He had traded precision for speed, and now he faced the costly task of replacing the headlight.
Here are some reasons why it's important to avoid using a drill for this purpose:
Inconsistent Pressure and Speed
Drills can rotate at very high speeds and may apply uneven pressure on the headlight surface. This can cause uneven sanding, leading to scratches, swirls, or even permanent damage to the headlight lens.
Risk of Overheating
The high-speed rotation of a drill can generate excessive heat, especially if you're not careful with the pressure. This heat can warp the plastic lens or cause it to melt slightly, leading to further damage.
Loss of Control
Drills are harder to control compared to a hand-held sanding block or orbital sander specifically designed for such tasks.
Imprecise Results
The precision required for properly sanding headlights is difficult to achieve with a drill. The unevenness in sanding can cause the headlight to look cloudy, reducing the effectiveness of the restoration and the overall appearance of the car.
Risk of Further Damage
If the drill slips or if too much material is removed, you might end up making the headlight worse than it was before. This could necessitate replacing the headlight altogether, which is far more costly than doing it properly in the first place.
Alternative Tools
There are better alternatives available, such as hand sanding blocks or dual-action polishers, which offer more control, consistent pressure, and reduced risk of damage. These tools allow for a more precise and safe restoration process.
Professional Results
For a clear and polished finish, a more controlled and gentle approach is necessary. Proper tools like a wet sanding block followed by polishing can achieve professional results without compromising the integrity of the headlight.
In summary, while a drill might seem like a quick solution for sanding headlights, it poses significant risks that outweigh any potential benefits. Using the right tools ensures a safe and effective restoration process, leading to better visibility and an improved appearance.