Headlight Lens Restoration: Bug Spray Trick Vs. DP’s AIO Vs. Meg’s Plastx

Guys, please don't forget him saying this is geared toward light oxidation and "consumers" (your DIYers, weekend warriors, college kids trying earn booze money, etc,). The finish doesn't look completely smooth and like allenk4 said, it may have a slight orange peel effect. Probably not the best thing for some high-end vehicle or for a customer that is meticulous about his car's finish.
 
Agreed, probably not the best option for high-end lens restoration

For those charging $20 per light....this is definitely the way to go
 
It was unclear in Art's video because of the low audio, but I'm quite sure I heard, "Don't use the pad with a machine for paint." But is it expected to work well for headlamps using a DA and 3" BP?
 
...because I'm wondering if the pad and compound would be available separately, that one could use for those lenses not requiring a full debrading of the clear coat before applying a higher-end clear.
 
SameGuy said:
...because I'm wondering if the pad and compound would be available separately, that one could use for those lenses not requiring a full debrading of the clear coat before applying a higher-end clear.
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The scouring pad, combined with the "rocks in a bottle" compound; immediately haze the headlight.

It is not designed to finish the 1st step "pretty"

The idea is to remove the oxidation and leave something for the spray to adhere to

If you were going to try to follow the Meguiar's 1st step with a product like Opti-lens...I think you would be dis appointed
 
Hello Friends

If the headlight is yellowish or cloudy to any degree sanding will pull it. 400 to 600 to 1500 then compound with xp compound threw auto magic and use a wool pad with a buffer like Makita, then use your buffer like Makita and put a medium cut foam pad with mothers cleaner wax. Now depending on how bad the lens is will tell you where to start with your paper; usually 1500 wet sandpaper will do it. This is the only way to truly restore a headlight for years. Yes and make shore to get painters tape and tape off around the headlight. One more thing, protective coatings are the worst thing to ever put on bc after a while just like plastic it will weather out and yellow bc the sun is a very very powerfulling thing lol. I love having cars that come to me with protctive coating on bc it breaks down and yellows unevenly and is very hard to remove so I get to charge for my time. If the plasic is restored in the way I mentioned, leave it alone, it'll last two or three more years, then just do it again.
This process takes about an hour once you get used to restoring the worst of headlights and I charge from 30 per headlight to 50 per headlight.

Menders Detailing
Michael Oberfell
128 Girod St, Mandeville, LA 70448
[email protected]
Online Store
 
MD Detailing said:
Hello Friends

If the headlight is yellowish or cloudy to any degree sanding will pull it. 400 to 600 to 1500 then compound with xp compound threw auto magic and use a wool pad with a buffer like Makita, then use your buffer like Makita and put a medium cut foam pad with mothers cleaner wax. Now depending on how bad the lens is will tell you where to start with your paper; usually 1500 wet sandpaper will do it. This is the only way to truly restore a headlight for years.
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What specific products would you define as "protective coatings"? Also, I'm sorry if I misread things, but are you saying Mother's Cleaner Wax will give YEARS of protection over said coatings?

You have a very nice website, BTW.
 
MD Detailing said:
One more thing, protective coatings are the worst thing to ever put on bc after a while just like plastic it will weather out and yellow bc the sun is a very very powerfulling thing lol. I love having cars that come to me with protctive coating on bc it breaks down and yellows unevenly and is very hard to remove so I get to charge for my time. If the plasic is restored in the way I mentioned, leave it alone, it'll last two or three more years, then just do it again.
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Yes, pls define what you mean by "protective coatings" since without reapplying a UV coating the headlights will haze over again in a matter of months, not years as you imply.

In fact, the very reason headlights start to haze and discolor is due to the original factory UV coating breaking down allowing the hazing process to start.
 
dogfish246 said:
Awesome comparison. Looks like ChrisFix did something similar a month or so ago, saying not to use bug spray
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Thank you!

ChrisFix's does a really nice job producing his videos, I've watched a couple of them as well. :dblthumb2:
 
Angus said:
Thank you!

ChrisFix's does a really nice job producing his videos, I've watched a couple of them as well. :dblthumb2:
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Yea man, I really learn a lot from his videos. So easy to follow and it's actually enjoyable to watch.
 
dogfish246 said:
Yea man, I really learn a lot from his videos. So easy to follow and it's actually enjoyable to watch.
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Yup, you really do a nice job with them Chris.. I mean "Dogfish246"... ;)
 
Yeah I'm fixing up the site right now so it's not in published mode ha. The plastic of the headlight wont yellow after three months the way I've been doing it. Not one customer has mentioned it and all of my cars and salvaged cars are still new as day one going on year 1 1/2 since I started offering the service. Try it on an old salvaged car for kicks. let me know what you get. :buffing:
 
MD Detailing said:
Yeah I'm fixing up the site right now so it's not in published mode ha. The plastic of the headlight wont yellow after three months the way I've been doing it. Not one customer has mentioned it and all of my cars and salvaged cars are still new as day one going on year 1 1/2 since I started offering the service. Try it on an old salvaged car for kicks. let me know what you get. :buffing:
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How about instead, you write up your headlight correction process and results in a new post with pictures of each step showing specific products and technique used. That would be way more helpful. :dblthumb2:
 
Angus said:
How about instead, you write up your headlight correction process and results in a new post with pictures of each step showing specific products and technique used. That would be way more helpful. :dblthumb2:
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:iagree: It might take a while to find the time but sounds good.
 
dogfish246 said:
He also had a good follow up video on a permanent solution to fix cloudy headlights
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Just had a chance to watch your follow-up permanent solution video, ChrisFix. Again, you do a very good job putting those video's together :dblthumb2:.

Nice collection of links and how-to video's over on Reddit (/r/cars) as well. Did your best friend with the FR-S make it to SEMA this year?

If i could make a suggestion it would be stress the need in the video for DIY'ers to spray the clear coat with the vehicle parked inside a garage or if outdoors during an extremely still day. Seems like common sense but... even with plastic covering the area immediately around the headlight, overspray can travel with the right gust of wind. I'd hate to be the person who ends up with Gloss Clear all over their windshield. :eek:
 
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