Introduction: Headlamp Lens Restoration
First Instructable :)
In ireland there are stringent tests carried out on older cars every 12months. Earlier in the year my car failed for headlamp beam clarity as a result of discoloured, heavily scratched and cloudy/opaque headlamp lenses.
I had two options
-1. Replace both headlamps €€€€
- 2. Try a headlamp restoration kit
I opted for option 2 at a cost of €18 and I must say I was shocked at how well the process worked. That is why I write this Instructable as I was initially skeptical but the results were remarkable and worth knowing about
In ireland there are stringent tests carried out on older cars every 12months. Earlier in the year my car failed for headlamp beam clarity as a result of discoloured, heavily scratched and cloudy/opaque headlamp lenses.
I had two options
-1. Replace both headlamps €€€€
- 2. Try a headlamp restoration kit
I opted for option 2 at a cost of €18 and I must say I was shocked at how well the process worked. That is why I write this Instructable as I was initially skeptical but the results were remarkable and worth knowing about
Step 1: Required Items
A headlamp restoration kit.
I opted for a German branded manual kit. The kit comprised of
1. Varying sheets of fine wet sandpapers (2000-5000 grit)
2. A soft sanding block
3. A cleaning cloth
4. A polishing cloth
5. Polishing paste
6. Lens sealer spray
For cleaning
- A car sponge
- Workshop Paper roll
- A water spray bottle (helps with the wet sanding process
- WD-40 (or mild degreasing solvent)
I opted for a German branded manual kit. The kit comprised of
1. Varying sheets of fine wet sandpapers (2000-5000 grit)
2. A soft sanding block
3. A cleaning cloth
4. A polishing cloth
5. Polishing paste
6. Lens sealer spray
For cleaning
- A car sponge
- Workshop Paper roll
- A water spray bottle (helps with the wet sanding process
- WD-40 (or mild degreasing solvent)
Step 2: Clean the Headlamps
I used water, then WD-40 to fully clean and degrease 10year of grime from the headlamps
Step 3: Follow the Instructions!!
Just follow the instruction manual for the kit. Note: the headlamps were heavily scratched so the sanding process was key to the success of this project.
In summary the process is:
1. Wet sand the lenses using the 2000 paper. This step removes macro scratch defects from the lens. I spent 20mins per headlamp
2. Wet sand the lenses using the 3000 paper. Further removes and polishes more micro defects from the lenses ~20mins
3. Wet sand the lenses using the 5000 paper ~15mins. This removes and cleans up the surface of the lenses to a perfectly smooth finish.
4. Rub in the polishing compound using the polishing cloth. Apply generous amounts and rub in using small circular motions. This step shines and removes any discolouration. ~10mins
5. Wipe down the headlamps with water and dry using the workshop paper
6. Spray on the sealant and lightly buff to a haze. Leave for 15min then wipe down
7. Finally clean the headlamps with water
Note: it's worth spending time completing the sanding stages to achieve the best result
In summary the process is:
1. Wet sand the lenses using the 2000 paper. This step removes macro scratch defects from the lens. I spent 20mins per headlamp
2. Wet sand the lenses using the 3000 paper. Further removes and polishes more micro defects from the lenses ~20mins
3. Wet sand the lenses using the 5000 paper ~15mins. This removes and cleans up the surface of the lenses to a perfectly smooth finish.
4. Rub in the polishing compound using the polishing cloth. Apply generous amounts and rub in using small circular motions. This step shines and removes any discolouration. ~10mins
5. Wipe down the headlamps with water and dry using the workshop paper
6. Spray on the sealant and lightly buff to a haze. Leave for 15min then wipe down
7. Finally clean the headlamps with water
Note: it's worth spending time completing the sanding stages to achieve the best result
Step 4: Before, During and After Images
