SIGforum
Restoring a headlight

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/2500075225

October 19, 2026, 11:07 AM
400m
Restoring a headlight
I’ve heard that the best product to reseal a vehicle headlight after polishing is a two part aerosol. Do you agree, and do you have a brand you’d recommend?
October 19, 2026, 11:53 AM
ftttu
I’m always putting off doing my wife’s car, and one reason is I keep forgetting to order a can or two of Plexus. I can’t remember where I heard about this product which was designed for aircraft windows, but it supposedly does a good job of bringing back some clarity just by itself.

I will eventually go through the entire process like you, but I want to see if Plexus will get us down the road a little while longer.


Retired Texas Lawman
October 19, 2026, 12:05 PM
Cookster
I purchased this product. . .

“Turtle Wax SCRATCH REPAIR & RENEW“

https://www.turtlewax.com/prod...ch-repair-renew-7-oz

. . .to remove a paint transfer on my wife’s car (don’t ask!), and gave it a go to clear up the hazed headlights on my son’s 2003 4Runner, and it did a great job with minimal effort.

It needs to be redone every few months or so, but it takes under ~5 mins.


__________
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy."
October 19, 2026, 12:08 PM
Ripley
Cerakote, inexpensive and very effective.




Set the controls for the heart of the Sun.
October 19, 2026, 12:20 PM
ftttu
https://www.amazon.com/Plexus-...e/dp/B00092CKN4?th=1

The above is an Amazon link to the product I was referring to.


Retired Texas Lawman
October 19, 2026, 12:52 PM
P250UA5
I had good results with Meguiar's headlight kit

Did both on my Mini, when I had it. A bit easier since there is no paint around the lenses with the hood open.

It used a compound & a coarse pad & followed up with a clearcoat like spray.




The Enemy's gate is down.
October 19, 2026, 01:03 PM
1967Goat
Check Rock Auto and just buy new ones.
October 19, 2026, 02:01 PM
doublesharp
This link is a good start

https://meguiarsdirect.com/pro...-coating-g17804-4-oz


________________________
God spelled backwards is dog
October 19, 2026, 03:46 PM
kkina
I recently used Rustoleum "Wipe New" with good results. Still looking good after 6 months.





ACCU-STRUT FOR MINI-14
"Pen & Sword as one."
October 19, 2026, 03:51 PM
kkina
quote:
Originally posted by Cookster:
I purchased this product. . .

“Turtle Wax SCRATCH REPAIR & RENEW“

https://www.turtlewax.com/prod...ch-repair-renew-7-oz

. . .to remove a paint transfer on my wife’s car (don’t ask!), and gave it a go to clear up the hazed headlights on my son’s 2003 4Runner, and it did a great job with minimal effort.

It needs to be redone every few months or so, but it takes under ~5 mins.

You might try sealing against further oxidation after polishing by applying a UV-blocking sealant, ceramic coating, or clear coat.



ACCU-STRUT FOR MINI-14
"Pen & Sword as one."
October 19, 2026, 04:08 PM
trapper189
quote:
Originally posted by 1967Goat:
Check Rock Auto and just buy new ones.

I did that and after 2 years the new ones (TYR brand if I recall correctly) look just like the 12 year old OEM ones. Rockauto didn't have OEM Honda.

I tried Chemical Guys on my F350 lights and it didn't do anything. Complete waste of time and money. The lenses have some sort of clear coat from factory and the Chemical Guys kit couldn't even scratch that. The love bugs did though.
October 19, 2026, 05:26 PM
tatortodd
I'm a DIY detailing hobbyist, and tackle everything from weekly maintenance washes to machine polishing the entire vehicle and applying a 5-year ceramic coating.
quote:
Originally posted by Ripley:
Cerakote, inexpensive and very effective.
quote:
Originally posted by kkina:
I recently used Rustoleum "Wipe New" with good results. Still looking good after 6 months.
These 2 products get excellent reviews in head to head testing.

I went with the Cerakote kit on my 2016's headlights in 2021 and still looks as good as the day I did it. It was $19.88 back, but now Walmart sells it for $16.88.
quote:
Originally posted by trapper189:
The lenses have some sort of clear coat from factory and the Chemical Guys kit couldn't even scratch that. The love bugs did though.
Yes, you need a kit with wet sand paper preferably around 1000 grit for heavy and then something that steps it up to 2000 grit. The Cerakote kit has 2 different grits of wet sand paper that are used before their ceramic coating which is why it's so effective.



Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity

DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer.
October 19, 2026, 05:33 PM
400m
I’m seeing Spraymax in my future.
October 20, 2026, 01:46 AM
oldbill123
Wipe them with DEET. Read somewhere
October 20, 2026, 03:56 PM
MikeGLI
quote:
Originally posted by 1967Goat:
Check Rock Auto and just buy new ones.


Did this when I bought my Tundra last year. Headlights were fucked but I've spent too much time repairing headlights to want to do it again.
Purchased on Rock Auto for not a lot of money. I reckon I'll do the same when these get yellow.




NRA Life Member
Steak: Rare. Coffee: Black. Bourbon: Neat.
October 20, 2026, 07:47 PM
SIGfourme
Cerakote
Use wipes to get surface oxidation off.
Sand it with liberal water.
Seal.
Really works!
October 20, 2026, 09:28 PM
FenderBender
I've used the Sylvania kit to excellent effect a few times.


_____________________________________________
Proverbs 3:31 "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
October 22, 2026, 04:01 AM
400m
I bought the Spraymax product. I have two cars that need it done. A lot of people are saying they get several years out of it. Hopefully they’re right.
October 22, 2026, 04:22 AM
vthoky
quote:
Originally posted by Ripley:
Cerakote, inexpensive and very effective.


A friend at work used the Cerakote goods on his car's headlights. It turned out very well.




Politicians seem to have forgotten that they work for us, not the other way around.
— — — — — — — — — — — —
God bless America.
October 22, 2026, 05:02 AM
Mustang-PaPa
I bought and used the Cerakote kit and it worked for a few years then it began to cloud again.
Then I ran across a tip where they just used Off brand Mosquito spray where you just spray it on and rub it off and so far after several years its working as well as the kit without all the sanding and cost.