New vehicle headlights are coated with a clear protective layer by the manufacturer.
Over a period of time this protective layer begins to disintegrates as a result of the effects of Ultra violet light from the sun. Additionally stone damage leave deep scratches. Road grime causes a further dulling of the lenses.
While re-coating headlights with a 1K Spray is a very effective method to restore clarity to headlights, the environment inside an automotive dealership is often not conducive to this type of restoration and when being sprayed, may result in an “orange peel” finish.
Therefore the most efficient method to restore cloudy or yellowing headlights without removing from the vehicle is by gradually sanding and polishing the headlights.
A basic professional method is as follows:
1. Tape up the headlights to prevent damage to the vehicle pain.
2. Wet sand the light loses with decreasing grit sandpapers.
3. Polish with 2 different grit professional polish, along with 2 different density professional foam pads.
4. Finally a Ultra Violet protective liquid should be applied. (Many headlight restorers omit this step in order to save costs and lights soon return to a cloudy condition)
The result of the above process combined with the effort of well trained headlight restorers, is a professional sparkling finish that is also long lasting.
Note: some less professional restorers, simply polish the headlights, skipping the important sanding process. All the original protective clear-coat on the headlights must be removed first. Trying to cut costs and effort often leaves a central line visible on the headlight, which will effect the final overall clarity and the customer’s satisfaction.
Therefore, before contracting a headlight restorer, be sure to check the process they use.
SmartRestore uses high quality professional sanding discs, pads and polishes when servicing dealership customers.