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The 30 sec Headlight Restoration!

The 30 sec Headlight Restoration!
I discovered this by accident as I was cleaning the fender area by the headlight for painting.
I ran a microfiber cloth, wet with lacquer thinner, across the area I was prepping for paint and I accidentally went over the old, foggy, looking like crap headlight. To my total amazement the opaque layer of the headlight came right out and was left behind was a crystal clear lense !!!
I made a quick pass over the rest of the headlight and I was astounded by the result. A second quick pass, (quick is the trick!), and the results are what you see on the photos!
I immediately did the same on the rest of my cars and 2 years later the headlights still  look this good.
I would recommend trying a small corner of your headlight before doing the whole headlight.

What seems to ensure success is:
1. Use lint free cloth,(I prefer microfiber cloth),
2. Use enough Lacquer thinner,
3. Use a light continuous motion and don't go over the surface again, until the solvent evaporates and the lense "hardens" again  
    (about 30sec).
4. Please, use proper hand protection, ie: Nitrile gloves, when using solvents of any kind. The long term effects of exposing your bare
    skin to solvents is nasty and irreversible!

Give it a try and have a great success with your project!:o)

PS: As an experiment to potentially improve on the original process, about a year ago, I applied a coat of clear lacquer varnish on an old headlight. I sprayed  the coat of varnish on the headlight immediately after I wiped the lense with the lacquer thinner, while the lense was still in the "green" state. A year later, with the headlight seating outside,exposed to the elements, there is no sign of deterioration, pealing or yellowing. I don't think this step is necessary but I add it here as an informative bit. :o)
8 comments
May 22, 2012. 9:27 AMonemoroni1 says:
Another great idea! I use soft scrub and paste wax, but doesn't last. I'll have to give this a try. The best ideas are discovered by accident.
May 22, 2012. 4:11 PMonemoroni1 says:
Hay I just did this today in fact. Amazing! I followed up with toothpaste and paste wax, look like new. Thanks for the instructable.
Mar 19, 2012. 11:37 AMilovejdmtoy says:
this does work. I have purchase one for my car but I have to do this regularly to make the headlight lens shiny.

halo projector headlights
Jan 25, 2012. 12:20 PMFoxtrot70 says:
I purchased one of those headlight restoration kits and it did an ok job but, within 30 days the lens re-clouded on the outside. Fortunately I have an other set of headlights to play with and experience the process. Hopefully I can get them to clear up like yours have.
Jan 9, 2012. 11:50 AMsilverwindro says:
That step is necessary, i mean the thin clear lacquer varnish, because in first operation you just cleaned the old laquer thin layer which come from factory.
So if you remove the layer or just clean it a bit, is a good idea to apply a thin layer of lacquer again over the old one to prevent fog.

I do a lot of headlight restoration, in fact, i advice people to dont waste moneys on buying a new one only if the reflective side, if needed, should be replaced, if it become matte.

Good job with this instructable.

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Author:ivanbakas