REVIEW: 3M Headlight Restoration Kit

dc52nv

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My little brother asked me for some help in restoring his hazed headlights back to new. I am no professional detailer and wash my and wife's car on a weekly basis. I read and saw a review by Todd a while ago and told my little bro I would try and help him. Below are pictures I took during the process of using this item.

His headlights weren't that bad but definitely have some haze to them.
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Taped up the area and used 500 grit sandpaper disc that came included with the kit. The kit came with 6 of these. I ended up only using 4 of them.
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Next step was to move to the 800 grit and remove the scratches from the 500 grit paper. Four came included with the kit and actually used all of them.
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Up next was the 1000 grit paper and this step required me to wet sand it. It did an amazing job in removing the 800 grit sandpaper. Only one was included in the kit.
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Next was the 3000 grit sandpaper and also used the wet sand method per the included instructions. Only one was included in the kit.
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The last step is to use the bottom of the hand applicator and polish the headlights with the included polish packets (2). I found that only one packet was necessary for this job.
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Pros:
Easy to use
Very inexpensive
Most supplies are included
Applicator uses velcro to secure the sanding discs in place

Cons:
The included applicator can get deformed if held too tightly which is needed to apply heavy force while sanding.
Can get difficult to get sharp edges on headlights due to the roundness.

Conclusion:
Overall I am very pleased with this kit. It didn't take very long to do it about 30 minutes. I applied opti-seal on the headlights after I finished so they can have some protection from hazing again. I know I will have to reapply opti-seal after a couple of months but that won't be a problem.
 
I saw Todd's review and was pretty impressed with the 3M Headlight Restoration Kit.

The lens looks crystal clear now and I suspect you have another satisfied customer! :props:

Nice work!
 
What a coincidence! I just tried the 3M kit yesterday for the first time as well (RAV4 DD). Easy to use, and did a nice job. Was really pleased with the end result. :xyxthumbs:
 
Thank you for sharing. I've heard a lot of positive reviews regarding this kit. I missed out when the local O'Reilly's had them on clearance for $4.99.
 
Thanks for thr review. I think I'll be giving it a try

Sent from my SCH-I535 using AG Online
 
I use these all the time, easy to use and very affordable. I am assuming that's a Toyota Camry right? Toyotas are known for that so is Lexus. Great job by the way, good pictures. Showing the before and after!
 
Thanks everyone for the kind words. Yes, it's a Camry. We both were impressed by the results.
 
Am I doing it wrong when I need two whole kits for one set of lights?
 
Ive always used the drill powered kit from them. Great results.

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3M Headlight Lens Restoration System From Canadian Tire - YouTube


I too use the drill powered system and have always had great success. A great benefit to using this system is the arbor you have when complete. With the arbor mounted in my drill motor, I spin my polishing pads at max RPM after washing them with my favorite pad cleaner and warm water. I do this with the assembly just inside an empty bucket to keep the water from slinging all over the place. After just a few minutes, the polishing pad is dry and ready for the next panel.

Craig
 
Am I doing it wrong when I need two whole kits for one set of lights?

Depends on the size of your headlights I suppose. Camry lights are a big size and was able to do the job with one kit.
 
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