Notices
Automotive Care & Detailing Discussions on washing, waxing, polishing, detailing, cleaning and maintaining the beauty of your Lexus.

Headlight restoration

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 21, 2012 | 12:16 AM
  #1  
tonycard's Avatar
tonycard
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: GA
Default Headlight restoration

There is some oxidation on my headlight 2IS, what are some waxes or products that will remove it safely. I dont want to use the abrasive method with sandpaper. thanks
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2012 | 12:32 AM
  #2  
Shervin350's Avatar
Shervin350
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 462
Likes: 2
From: Harris
Default

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...storation.html
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2012 | 03:14 AM
  #3  
slimjimtel's Avatar
slimjimtel
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 523
Likes: 21
From: NC
Default

If you're not going to sand, you will need a good compound and a random orbital polisher with a coarse pad. You will get fair results out of this method. pits and yellow haze will still be there.

If you want to do it right, use the Sylvania Kit, you will get AMAZING results, like NEW headlights. I used it on my 06 2IS.
To keep them looking this good...keep wax and polish on them. I put Clear Bra on mine which will keep the pits and hazing from occurring.

Good luck!
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2012 | 03:24 AM
  #4  
ibidu1's Avatar
ibidu1
Lexus Test Driver
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5,822
Likes: 818
From: FL
Default

You never want to sand your headlights unless they are really badly faded. Once you sand and buff it, fading will return a lot quicker because you do not have a top coat/clear coat.

It's best to use a high speed buffer and some mild compound and then polish.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2012 | 03:45 AM
  #5  
slimjimtel's Avatar
slimjimtel
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 523
Likes: 21
From: NC
Default

The Sylvania Kit comes with a UV sealer. It's a clear coat for the lens.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2012 | 04:28 AM
  #6  
2jzism's Avatar
2jzism
Intermediate
15 Year Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 404
Likes: 3
From: Fl
Default

the trick is the sealer, if not your just wasting your time, and money and the haze will come back
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2012 | 05:17 AM
  #7  
tBayBoi20's Avatar
tBayBoi20
Driver
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Default

i need this done asap!
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2012 | 04:28 AM
  #8  
2jzism's Avatar
2jzism
Intermediate
15 Year Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 404
Likes: 3
From: Fl
Default

I would almost say to have the headlight lens clear coated by a body shop once they have been restored. This way the haze will never come back, you would have to care for them just like your paint.
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2012 | 05:58 AM
  #9  
ibidu1's Avatar
ibidu1
Lexus Test Driver
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5,822
Likes: 818
From: FL
Default

Originally Posted by 2jzism
I would almost say to have the headlight lens clear coated by a body shop once they have been restored. This way the haze will never come back, you would have to care for them just like your paint.
A high speed buffer with mild compound can knock out a lot of oxidation if done right. No need to sand!

Personally I would buff the headlights and then if that doesnt last/hold up then sanding and clear coating is the next option
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2012 | 07:06 AM
  #10  
Silver10's Avatar
Silver10
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,322
Likes: 2
From: 954/718
Default

I use PLASTIX on all my lights front and back just as routine maintenance and my car never sees a garage anymore
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2012 | 08:26 AM
  #11  
Toxicxk23's Avatar
Toxicxk23
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 705
Likes: 3
From: CA
Default

Originally Posted by Silver10
I use PLASTIX on all my lights front and back just as routine maintenance and my car never sees a garage anymore
I use plastix as well. Works good enough for me!
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2012 | 08:31 AM
  #12  
RDIS250AWD's Avatar
RDIS250AWD
Lead Lap
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 92
From: OH
Default

+1 for plastix
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2012 | 02:44 PM
  #13  
eyezack87's Avatar
eyezack87
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,004
Likes: 3
From: CA
Default

Please do make sure you seal your lights correctly. PlastX and other similar polishes do remove a portion of the UV layer in your headlight. They do, in fact, yellow if you use those products without sealing them
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2012 | 05:08 AM
  #14  
gripau1's Avatar
gripau1
Intermediate
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 479
Likes: 95
From: Sydney
Default

The Meguiars ultimate compound turn my dull SC430 headlights to look brand new.

I use a DA polisher and 4inch pad on the headlights.

I did this about 3 years ago and to this day it still looks fresh. I do put a layer of wax once in a while to protect the headlights from going yellow.
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2012 | 03:20 AM
  #15  
TCKeyz's Avatar
TCKeyz
Pole Position
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: BC
Default

Would a normal car sealant / wax do the job sealing them after restoration? Also I heard that paint sealants / waxes yellows the headlight overtime, would I be safe to use my paint sealant (Wolfgang Gloss Sealant) and Carauba Wax on my brand new headlights that has never been polished before? Thanks!
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:35 AM.