Restore Neglected Headlights to BETTER THAN NEW Condition

Hazed and sun-faded headlights are not only unsafe, but they look atrocious. They can make any car that is in good condition, look neglected and abused.

The reason why headlights with polycarbonate (a.k.a. plastic) lenses begin to look cloudy and faded is because the UV resistant coating on the lens has seen some wear and tear due to the constant abuse from road grime, bugs, rocks, dirt, snow, salt, etc. When the UV resistant coating begins to pit, it will expose the bare polycarbonate lens. When that is done, the constant UV rays from the sun will oxidize the composition of the plastic and create the faded, cloudy lens. To repair this problem, sanding the entire headlight is a must so that the failing UV coating that was applied when the headlight was made, is completely removed. You will then need to remove the scratches and the haze from the lens by polishing and restoring it to new condition.

At that point, the headlight will look crystal clear and will be able to allow light through the lens instead of being distorted from the haze. If it is left like that, it will begin to haze again in a matter of no time, especially if you live in an environment where your car will see alot of sun. The best way to prevent the oxidation is from a Paint Protection Film. Since it is a UV resistant film, the sun’s UV rays won’t be able to deteriorate the lens. Not only does the PPF absorb small impacts like rock chips and debris (so the UV coating will not be compromised), but it will be able to be replaced quite easily. I also find that removing the headlights / masking the entire car, is a pain in the butt so that we can paint a layer of clear coat over the lens, which will eventually fade due to the same pitting problem we have with the headlight being at the front of the car.

The exact 3M film I showed in this video can be purchased here (https://goo.gl/FTzN5P). It is also available in many different sizes. You can purchase the roll to do a custom piece like your headlight, and you can also purchase pre-cut kits for your car by following this link here (https://goo.gl/psw29p).


If you’re interested to see what other products I used in this video, all of the links can be found below (in order of appearance):

3M Automotive Masking Tape ▶︎ https://goo.gl/UriCBW
Foam Sanding Block ▶︎ https://goo.gl/sQmUtS
1500 Grit Trizact Sand Paper ▶︎ https://goo.gl/mv9sFL
3M Headlight Restoration Kit ▶︎ https://amzn.to/2LGrXvT
Cordless Drill ▶︎ https://goo.gl/uv8Wta
Corded Drill ▶︎ https://goo.gl/e32DuQ
3000 Grit Sanding Discs ▶︎ https://goo.gl/7BWLBt
Meguiars M105 Cutting Compound ▶︎ https://goo.gl/U2JwQH
3 inch Cutting Pad (3-Pack) ▶︎ https://goo.gl/mk7Rse
Meguiars M205 Polishing Compound ▶︎ https://goo.gl/mpKygy
3 inch Polishing Pad (3-Pack) ▶︎ https://goo.gl/tUv6YQ
Premium Microfiber Towels ▶︎ https://goo.gl/YntJM8
Isopropyl Alcohol ▶︎ https://amzn.to/3OHzMSt
Original Scent Dish Soap ▶︎ https://goo.gl/wr7R2D
3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film ▶︎ https://goo.gl/xLPTK3
Olfa 9mm Utility Blade ▶︎ https://goo.gl/wQTuzu


Camera Used for this Video ▶︎ https://goo.gl/C1mN2C
Camera Used for Alternate Shots ▶︎ https://goo.gl/TN4ZgG

If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email at [email protected]. Thanks for watching!! :)


⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯

Please give it a like 👍 and follow 👣

YouTube Channel ▶︎    / milanmastracci  
Instagram ▶︎   / milmast  
Facebook Page ▶︎   / milanmastracci  

⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯⌯

Video Chapters
Introduction: (0:00)
Results 1.5 Years Later: (1:12)
Overview: (1:47)
Restoring the Headlight To New Condition: (2:28)
Post Headlight Restoration: (5:33)
Protecting the PERFECT Headlight to Better than New Condition: (7:00)
PPF Application: (8:05)
Final Remarks: (9:44)