Headlight restoration 3M kit

[barkingspider]

My adult kid dropped off her 08 Lexus RX350 to me to do an oil change. I went ahead and also topped off the power steering fluid (it was super low) and cleaned up the engine bay a little when I noticed the headlight were badly hazed up. I got the 3M kit, followed the directions and 2 hours later

BEFORE

AFTER

Not bad for $17. Hope it lasts a year or 2 or 3

Used this kit

 

[dubber09]

I had good luck with Sylvania kit, it was a Volvo and I just took headlights right out as it was easy.
Bought another two kits while not full kits but basically fluids only for future use on other cars.

 

[Leo99]

I used that kit years ago. It worked great. I touched up the headlights with Formula 1 Scratch Out to keep them clear as needed.

 

[Sayjac]

Looks good. Of course the key imo, how long it lasts. If you get 2 years, that's not bad. Anything more a nice bonus. Looking at Amazon, I probably wouldn't choose this kit mainly because I don't trust my drill based sanding skills. I have a 7th gen Accord that needs it, thinking of trying the Cerakote kit. Not quite as hard core sanding levels as the Sylvania, but result reviews look good.

I hope "adult kid" appreciates your efforts. Props to you.

 

[Egg_Head]

Kit says 40 minutes, you took 3x the time. I've used that kit before and it's an all afternoon project for sure.

 

[nickaluch]

Looks great I used a magic eraser and a coat of wax after looks ok

 

[Donald]

What is used at the factory is going to last a lot longer that anything a person can apply.

I say back to glass sealed beams!!

 

[barkingspider]

Kit says 40 minutes, you took 3x the time. I've used that kit before and it's an all afternoon project for sure.

I took my time masking, using all sanding disks w multiple passes wanting to make sure I get everything, I think I answered a phone call in there too haha. Waited 15 minutes after the first and 2nd coat then washed off the car. So about 2 hours

 

[meep]

I’d be truly surprised if it lasts that long, however “less is more,” and if that kit can keep it good at even a 6-12 month application, you’re doing ok. If the lens starts to yellow, you need something with more UV block. When they get to the point where these kits dont work, I get them buffed down, finally with XXX fine steel wool, mask the paint, and spray them with U-POL gloss clear paint (amazon, $24 or so a can). 1 medium coat, with 6” spray distance moving quickly - 5-7 passes in horizontal stripes, wait 30 seconds, then do a second pass with a lighter coat. It sets in, and then rarely do I ever need to touch it again besides simply waxing it with the rest of the car. Have done it 30 times by now or more. Learned it here on bitog!!

 

[Peteco]

I got the Cerakote kit. Followed directions exactly and was disappointed in the result. I contacted them and they sent new sandpaper and finish. Thinking about it, I realized the sandpaper they provide and the instructions are not sufficient to remove bad UV damage. Bought this sandpaper kit and wet sanded from 400 to 10000 grit. Took a while but results were much better. That was 2 years ago. I expect it to last another year or 2. If it fades I will contact Cerakote and expect to get new finish as they have lifetime warranty. Then I will redo them again.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLYZL38H?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

 

[BMW Dom]

I did the Sylvania kit on mine like 2 years ago, its starting to be less clear, will likely need to redo it again at the end of the year.

 

[97prizm]

What is used at the factory is going to last a lot longer that anything a person can apply.

I say back to glass sealed beams!!

Glass sealed beams would be insanely heavy to make a compound curve or form on new vehicles. My thought is why has nobody developed a polycarbonate plastic that is mixed with a uv protectant vs just on the top?

 

[Delta1]

I got the Mother's kit that came with the 'power ball' that you attach to the end of a drill. Worked well, but I have to do the final stage with the provided liquid polish that came with the kit about 2x a year.

After about 5 years the lenses are starting to have a beige tint to them, so I think at this point it's time for new units, that really is the only way to have totally clear headlights again once the originals start to go bad.

 

[Kalle.J]

My thought is why has nobody developed a polycarbonate plastic that is mixed with a uv protectant vs just on the top?

You just need a more durable UV layer on the top.

Should really come two component clear coat from factory.
Real protip is to sand down lightly before they turn opaque and put on some 2K clear.

No before pictures though.

 

[Foreman04]

I’ve never had any luck with the kits. The last one I tried was the Cerekote and like all of them they look great when you’re first done (like my photo below) but nothing barely lasted a year.
Most recently used a vinegar & baking soda paste followed by NuFinish polish. The result was exactly like any kit I’ve used and so much easier. Just one step. Mix vinegar and baking soda into paste and rub it onto the headlight. A 30 minute job at the very most including cleanup. No sandpaper. So simple and fast that I’ll probably just give it a quick once over if needed on every oil change as the oil is draining. The picture is showing 1/2 completely done versus the other half that has not been done yet.

 

[panthermike]

I’ve never had any luck with the kits. The last one I tried was the Cerekote and like all of them they look great when you’re first done (like my photo below) but nothing barely lasted a year.
Most recently used a vinegar & baking soda paste followed by NuFinish polish. The result was exactly like any kit I’ve used and so much easier. Just one step. Mix vinegar and baking soda into paste and rub it onto the headlight. A 30 minute job at the very most including cleanup. No sandpaper. So simple and fast that I’ll probably just give it a quick once over if needed on every oil change as the oil is draining. The picture is showing 1/2 completely done versus the other half that has not been done yet.

View attachment 265530

Looks good, I'll try this followed by some 2K clear on the Corolla.

 

[Foreman04]

Looks good, I'll try this followed by some 2K clear on the Corolla.

Note, use white vinegar. The process is really super easy. I’m curious to hear what you think if you try it.

 

[panthermike]

I'll definitely bookmark this as a reminder

 

[troymcclure]

My adult kid dropped off her 08 Lexus RX350 to me to do an oil change. I went ahead and also topped off the power steering fluid (it was super low) and cleaned up the engine bay a little when I noticed the headlight were badly hazed up. I got the 3M kit, followed the directions and 2 hours later

BEFORE

View attachment 265201

AFTER

View attachment 265202

Not bad for $17. Hope it lasts a year or 2 or 3

Used this kit
View attachment 265203

Your results are great. I used this very kit exactly 1 year and 7mo ago. Did 2 coats of the included UV wipes. Still crystal clear to date, and the car is not garaged.

 

[Ranger83]

We use very fine grit sandpaper and spray can clear coat. Seems to hold up well.