Headlight Restoration
11-23-2021 | 03:57 PM
#16
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 71
Likes: 20
I've done my own headlight restorations on many cars over the years (I use 1500 & 3000 grit wet sandpaper, followed by rubbing compound then polish) and what has worked best for the final coating and in my experience has lasted at least 2 years after application is a 50-50 mix of Helmsman Spar Varnish and Mineral Spirits. Mix it up and apply with a blue shop towel as your brush. Brush it on evenly and uniform. It dries perfectly clear and since it is a marine spar varnish it has superior UV protection. Slow and easy is the key but results are typically better than most aftermarket UV coatings.
11-24-2021 | 01:06 AM
#17
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 141
you really need to seal the lens after any treatment, and even the most careful job will leave some low and high spotting on the original lens. I had a shop restore mine and they basically finished it with clear coat, which has not changed in two+ years.
11-24-2021 | 02:10 AM
#18
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,307
Likes: 1,299
After mine suffered from a Mojave Desert sandstorm they were polished and painted with a 5% black coat for UV protection and to hide any remaining blemishes. That surface has suffered some rock chips since but is holding up well otherwise.
11-24-2021 | 11:56 AM
#19
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 366
From: Central California Coast
I just used the 3M #39195 Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit on our 2009 Cayenne and had similar results. And I checked the price of an OEM headlight shell----$1609 each. Oh no.
2008-2010 Porsche Cayenne Headlamp Assembly 958-941-030-G | Delaware Porsche Parts
2008-2010 Porsche Cayenne Headlamp Assembly 958-941-030-G | Delaware Porsche Parts
Last edited by Ericson38; 11-26-2021 at 12:34 AM.
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myw (11-24-2021)
11-24-2021 | 09:59 PM
#20
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 701
Likes: 197
From: Midwest
My wife's Lexus headlights are beginning to cloud. They aren't bad so I put on a high quality polish (can't remember what brand, just make sure it's compatible with plastic). Even that restored them fairly well without an abrasive treatment. The Lexus dealer recommended the 3M kit. Pretty sure that includes a protective clear coat.
11-24-2021 | 11:39 PM
#21
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 366
From: Central California Coast
My wife's Lexus headlights are beginning to cloud. They aren't bad so I put on a high quality polish (can't remember what brand, just make sure it's compatible with plastic). Even that restored them fairly well without an abrasive treatment. The Lexus dealer recommended the 3M kit. Pretty sure that includes a protective clear coat.
11-25-2021 | 09:16 PM
#22
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
11-26-2021 | 12:29 AM
#23
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 366
From: Central California Coast
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cdemarco4143 (03-10-2022)
03-10-2022 | 03:35 PM
#25
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,409
Likes: 608
From: richmond hill
