Restore headlights

[Sean Sills]

Does wet sanding, compound, and clear really work to restore headlights that are yellowish? Is so, what all did you use.

 

[TechNova]

3" DA sander start with 600, go to 800, 1000. 1500. 3000. Buff with compound then polish on 3" buffer.
The only clear that works well is the 3M packet wipes made for headlights. I have done alot of headlights, tail lights. markers and squad light bars.

 

[Trio]

I like to use clear PPF on headlights - seems a more permanent fix versus clearcoat, which wears off after a number of years.

 

[umwtnt]

I use 3M Finesse-it machine polish with a lambs wool buffing pad. Less then 2 minutes on most jobs and the headlight, taillights or whatever I'm polishing is clear, to include glass headlights. Works wonders.

 

[Erik the Awful]

My son used Off insect repellent with Deet on his Crown Vic's headlights. It worked, but I haven't seen how it's holding up. Try it at your own risk.

 

[bretcopsey]

I’ve had decent success using this 3M kit. If you have a drill but not all of the buffing equipment etc. it’s not a bad way to go.

3m headlight restoration kit - Google Shopping

 

[Sean Sills]

Thank you everyone. I will try the 3M.

 

[TechNova]

I like to use clear PPF on headlights - seems a more permanent fix versus clearcoat, which wears off after a number of years.

5+ years on 3M for vehicles outside all the time.

 

[Trio]

Geography probably matters too; lots of intense sun in the southwest. I have 9 years on one of my vehicles that stays outside, and the clear PPF (it is either 3M or Xpel) is still going strong.