More DP Headlight Restoration Before/After Photos

[AC in OC]

Detailer's Paint Coating will last longer, thanks to its nano-glass ceramic formula.


Nick, I also have a question that is in line with this concept. I remember Chris (cleanmycorolla) did a review using this method: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...w-dp-paint-coating-headlight-application.html. He obviously didn't need to correct any haziness, but he applied the paint coating to his plastic lenses and it seems to be holding up well.

I have a mid-90's Toyota Avalon that has glass lenses. If I were to use this restoration kit and wanted to use the DP coatings, would you recommend that I use the glass coating, since my lenses are actually glass, or would the paint coating still be the better choice?

 

[MorphiousGX]

Can this be applied without a rotary?

 

[Nick McKees37]

Nick, I also have a question that is in line with this concept. I remember Chris (cleanmycorolla) did a review using this method: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...w-dp-paint-coating-headlight-application.html. He obviously didn't need to correct any haziness, but he applied the paint coating to his plastic lenses and it seems to be holding up well.

I have a mid-90's Toyota Avalon that has glass lenses. If I were to use this restoration kit and wanted to use the DP coatings, would you recommend that I use the glass coating, since my lenses are actually glass, or would the paint coating still be the better choice?

Sorry I missed this. For headlight protection, I would use DP Paint Coating. It will bond better than DP Glass Coating.

Can this be applied without a rotary?

Absolutely - that's exactly what I did with the drill.

 

[AC in OC]

Thanks Nick. I have the kit on it's way. I look forward to trying it out & posting my results. I will put on the DP paint coating to extend the life of the clear finish.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using AG Online

 

[Powerman]

I've used the wolfgang headlight kit on my DD 2005 toyota prius and my headlights didnt come out nearly as clear looking, I used the DA adapter,and even with the coating 6 months later have yellowed quite a bit. It is parked outside in the Texas sun all the time.
I'm thinking I didn't use the coarse polish long enough, I'm going to try it again with the drill and see if I get better results.I want it good and smooth this time as Im going to use the opti coat headlight sealant and see if it lasts longer.
I can get a new set of headlights for $200 and after buying the wolfgang and opti-coat, If this doesn't hold its shine and clarity I'm wondering if that might be a better way to go and just opti-coat a new set of lenses.

 

[Romans5.8]

I've used the wolfgang headlight kit on my DD 2005 toyota prius and my headlights didnt come out nearly as clear looking, I used the DA adapter,and even with the coating 6 months later have yellowed quite a bit. It is parked outside in the Texas sun all the time.
I'm thinking I didn't use the coarse polish long enough, I'm going to try it again with the drill and see if I get better results.I want it good and smooth this time as Im going to use the opti coat headlight sealant and see if it lasts longer.
I can get a new set of headlights for $200 and after buying the wolfgang and opti-coat, If this doesn't hold its shine and clarity I'm wondering if that might be a better way to go and just opti-coat a new set of lenses.

Okay so I'm a noob, but;

Since this is a polish (aka abrasive), the yellow oxidation is GONE when the polishing is completed (in theory; you may have to wet sand or polish longer). Yellowing returning would reflect on the performance of the coating or sealant you are using, not the polish. So if you can get them perfect and then opti-coat, then I imagine you'd be fine.

My $0.02 anyway. Newbie here myself!

 

[Klink10]

One question that occured to me...during the polishing you showed the pad with comment "see how dirty the pad is" or something along those lines. At that time did you clean the pad or fluff and continue. If you cleaned in the parking lot what did you use? Thanks....got the kit and was curious.

 

[SANTA3013]

My DP kit should be on it's way. I have tried several methods which have worked well but not this easy. I can hardly wait to use the kit and see the results.

 

[Nick McKees37]

I've used the wolfgang headlight kit on my DD 2005 toyota prius and my headlights didnt come out nearly as clear looking, I used the DA adapter,and even with the coating 6 months later have yellowed quite a bit. It is parked outside in the Texas sun all the time.
I'm thinking I didn't use the coarse polish long enough, I'm going to try it again with the drill and see if I get better results.I want it good and smooth this time as Im going to use the opti coat headlight sealant and see if it lasts longer.
I can get a new set of headlights for $200 and after buying the wolfgang and opti-coat, If this doesn't hold its shine and clarity I'm wondering if that might be a better way to go and just opti-coat a new set of lenses.

A direct drive tool like a drill or rotary polisher is going to be more effective for headlight polishing. I would give it a second try with a drill.

DP Headlight Protectant Spray isn't a permanent solution; it's something that should be applied often, like a quick detail spray or spray wax. A permanent fix would be something like Optimum Opti-Lens Headlight Coating.

One question that occured to me...during the polishing you showed the pad with comment "see how dirty the pad is" or something along those lines. At that time did you clean the pad or fluff and continue. If you cleaned in the parking lot what did you use? Thanks....got the kit and was curious.

Good question. I did fluff up the fibers with a Foam Pad Conditioning Brush.

My DP kit should be on it's way. I have tried several methods which have worked well but not this easy. I can hardly wait to use the kit and see the results.

Be sure to take before and after photos!

 

[rouxster]

I used the Detailer’s Total Headlight Restoration Kit, how to restore headlights on my wife's 2005 Accord. I think the headlights came out great. The pictures aren't from the best angle, but they really do look good.

P.S. Please excuse the dirty paint :laughing: I need to clay and use the Wolfgang twins to remove the swirls.

Before

After

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I used DP Headlight Polish with a 4" LC PFW pad on my 3401 with EXCELLENT results!

 

[Killerwaxxshawn]

I may have to pick up a bottle of this DP headlight polish. Looks promising. Time is money!

 

[cleanmycorolla]

Detailer's Paint Coating will last longer, thanks to its nano-glass ceramic formula.


Nick, I also have a question that is in line with this concept. I remember Chris (cleanmycorolla) did a review using this method: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...w-dp-paint-coating-headlight-application.html. He obviously didn't need to correct any haziness, but he applied the paint coating to his plastic lenses and it seems to be holding up well.

I have a mid-90's Toyota Avalon that has glass lenses. If I were to use this restoration kit and wanted to use the DP coatings, would you recommend that I use the glass coating, since my lenses are actually glass, or would the paint coating still be the better choice?

I will add my headlights are still holding up rock solid. I actually planned to update that thread this weekend after a wash!

 

[AC in OC]

Sorry I missed this. For headlight protection, I would use DP Paint Coating. It will bond better than DP Glass Coating.



Absolutely - that's exactly what I did with the drill.

Nick, thanks for the suggestions. I did my headlights yesterday and they look great. I can see that the lights are shining brighter at night, and that's what's really important. This car is just a commuter car I bought used after a couple owners have used and abused it. It's got 220,000 miles on it so, I'm not trying to restore it to new condition or anything extreme.

So here's some more before and after pics to add to this thread:

Befores:

Afters:

I used DP Paint Coating to seal the lenses. Thanks for a another great and simple to use product!

 

[SANTA3013]

Looks good! It's amazing how much better you can see at night with clear headlights.

 

[Nick McKees37]

Nick, thanks for the suggestions. I did my headlights yesterday and they look great. I can see that the lights are shining brighter at night, and that's what's really important. This car is just a commuter car I bought used after a couple owners have used and abused it. It's got 220,000 miles on it so, I'm not trying to restore it to new condition or anything extreme.

So here's some more before and after pics to add to this thread:

I used DP Paint Coating to seal the lenses. Thanks for a another great and simple to use product!

Excellent work! :dblthumb2:

Looks good! It's amazing how much better you can see at night with clear headlights.

:whs:

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

When using an aggressive pad and rotary action, won't that leave behind swirls/holograms?

 

[jstammer]

I want to sand off the raised lettering on my tail lights. Plan to use this once I'm done to get them back to shiny and clear. Will keep everyone posted.

 

[Nick McKees37]

When using an aggressive pad and rotary action, won't that leave behind swirls/holograms?

Fortunately you don't have to worry about that with plastic headlight lenses!

I want to sand off the raised lettering on my tail lights. Plan to use this once I'm done to get them back to shiny and clear. Will keep everyone posted.

Be sure to take before and after photos. :dblthumb2:

 

[Carlos89]

Looks like I'm going to have to invest on this kit, and possibly start restoring headlamps on the side.