Foggy/Faded Headlight Fix

[TiptronicSoldier]

Searching through the internet I found these directions to clean up my foggy/faded passenger side Volvo headlamp.

What you need:

-Sanding papers (1500 and 2000 grit).
-Zymol Cleaner Wax (or any wax/polish you trust to be good).
-Microfiber towel.
-A buffer (optional)


On with the (easy) process..

1- wash the headlights with water and soap then rinse it with a towel.
2- with water running over the headlight, start sanding (with light to no pressure) the foggy area (with 1500 grit) for at least 3 minutes. *make sure the headlight is always wet while sanding*
3- once you're done, do the same thing using the 2000 grit paper.
4- rinse the headlight and apply Zymol Wax (or the one you prefer). since i don't own a buffer, i used my fingers to spread the wax all over the sanded area. (wait for it till it dries *approx. 3-5mins*)
5- wipe the headlight with the microfiber towel.

wallaa, you should be done. but if need be, you might wanna have another go with the wax/polish to achieve a better result. tho applying it 10 times won't make it new

I'm going to try this out hopefully next Sunday. I posted this just to seek a few suggestions from you detail gurus.

[citylightva]

Good tip:thumbsup2:

I used Blue Magic on my truck's today and it worked great...it's basically a rubbing compound, so the grit works almost like wet sanding, then buff it off...you can get it at autozone...BUT even they say for really fogged lights wet sand with 2000...

[Invisibra_Norm]

Wallymart has a headlight buffing kit with an attachment for a drill, & 5 pre-loaded pads with buffing compound built in. I think it was around $20 and I've used it on several cars with reasonable results. I usually wet sanded first, & then it buffed out to a crystal clear finish with the walmart doohicky. THEN, a paint protection overlay keeps it from getting foggy again. (From oxidation on the surface... Fog on the inside of the lens is another problem altogether.

[Qship5]

Results will vary depending on the depth of the damage you are trying to correct. Another tip is when sanding, to sand up and down with one grit paper and then when you go to the next finer grit, sand side to side. Keep switching direction as you change to a finer grit paper. A buffer is essential to getting the best results.

[RaceMX-M3]

I've never had good luck with this. My headlamp covers are only around $30 ea so I just buy new ones. Not everyone's are as cheap I know. The best thing to do is have Norm install headlamp protection along with PPF and prevent damage when the car is new. :)

[Invisibra_Norm]

I've never had good luck with this. My headlamp covers are only around $30 ea so I just buy new ones. Not everyone's are as cheap I know. The best thing to do is have Norm install headlamp protection along with PPF and prevent damage when the car is new. :)

:thumbsup2:

[citylightva]

Of course go with Norm..!! but in the off chance you don't and don't wax your headlamps and let them fog...Turtle Wax has an all in one kit I used on my little sister Saab...It's has four different grit rubbing sponges and the lube and rubbing compound...Got it at Advance Auto, but I'd guess Autozone has it too...

[imaj]

If I were you...I would use 2000 then 3000 grit sandpaper. That combo works well for me. Also, make sure you tape the area around the headlight. You do not want to burn the paint. Good luck!

[Qship5]

If I were you...I would use 2000 then 3000 grit sandpaper. That combo works well for me. Also, make sure you tape the area around the headlight. You do not want to burn the paint. Good luck!

Good point about making sure to tape off around the headlights or even better, remove the assemblies if possible to get the entire lens surface.:thumbsup2:

[DallasM5]

dang im crazy then for using 800 and 1000 grit...but it does make the headlights pretty!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3347722909_71a0153b82_b.jpg

[snowball]

:hahaha:dang im crazy

Yep CRAZY you are !!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[KCviper]

Does using a polish then wax on the headlights, just like the rest of the car, help prevent "fog"?

[Vandit]

Does using a polish then wax on the headlights, just like the rest of the car, help prevent "fog"? Yes, it definitely leaves a layer of protection. You'd have to reapply periodically, just like you do on paint.

OEM headlights have a clearcoat on them, so many times you don't even have to sand them to bring them back unless they're really bad. Usually using something like a Mother's Powerball for Paint and some kind of polish w/ cutting power (e.g. Meguiar's Ultimate Compound) will bring back their clarity, then top 'em off w/ a coat of wax.

[mordor110]

Wallymart has a headlight buffing kit with an attachment for a drill, & 5 pre-loaded pads with buffing compound built in. I think it was around $20 and I've used it on several cars with reasonable results. I usually wet sanded first, & then it buffed out to a crystal clear finish with the walmart doohicky. THEN, a paint protection overlay keeps it from getting foggy again. (From oxidation on the surface... Fog on the inside of the lens is another problem altogether.


Yeah I was thinking this would be a good way to do it. I was wondering though how well the clear film stands up to the heat of the Texas summer plus the engine and the glaring light behind it? Would you suggest changing the film on the H/L's periodically?

[Qship5]

Yeah I was thinking this would be a good way to do it. I was wondering though how well the clear film stands up to the heat of the Texas summer plus the engine and the glaring light behind it? Would you suggest changing the film on the H/L's periodically?

I would only change out film if it yellowed. The heat from the lights or sun should not be a problem.

[TiptronicSoldier]

Sorry for the late late reply. I've been working really long days, studying, physical therapy for my voice, and trying to maintain somewhat of a healthy lifestyle. I did my headlight a few weeks back back and tried to go an easy route with a kit while it was nice out.

http://images.solidcactus.com/autobarn/turtle-wax-headlight-lens-restorer.jpg

I posted my before and after pics. I thought the kit was very easy to use but I did not get AS good as results as I would have liked. One item I did not like is the lens sealant at the end of the process. It rained a few days later and it seems some of the foggyness returned.

I may go through amazon.com(save a little money :) ) to pick up this 3M kit that will attach to a cordless drill.

http://images.tcpglobal.com/mmm/3M-HEADLIGHT-KIT.JPG

[Qship5]

You can definitely get better results if using a buffer or a drill adapter. Just be careful with the drill approach and make sure not to exceed the rpm limit specified otherwise you can generate too much heat and damage the headlight lens.

[mordor110]

dang im crazy then for using 800 and 1000 grit...but it does make the headlights pretty!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3347722909_71a0153b82_b.jpg

That looks awesome! Crystal clear. Could you explain your technique a little? That pic looks like it was taken in a house in the UK LOL.

[mordor110]

Sorry for the late late reply. I've been working really long days, studying, physical therapy for my voice, and trying to maintain somewhat of a healthy lifestyle. I did my headlight a few weeks back back and tried to go an easy route with a kit while it was nice out.

http://images.solidcactus.com/autobarn/turtle-wax-headlight-lens-restorer.jpg

I posted my before and after pics. I thought the kit was very easy to use but I did not get AS good as results as I would have liked. One item I did not like is the lens sealant at the end of the process. It rained a few days later and it seems some of the foggyness returned.

I may go through amazon.com(save a little money :) ) to pick up this 3M kit that will attach to a cordless drill.

http://images.tcpglobal.com/mmm/3M-HEADLIGHT-KIT.JPG

Looks good. Once you have it to a finish you're happy with you should seal it with the invisibra plastic film. Should preserve the finish longer. I think most of them will start to go back opaque again within a year in the TX heat if not sealed in some way.