Manufacturer | SYLVANIA |
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Brand | SYLVANIA |
Model | 38772 |
Item Weight | 4.8 ounces |
Product Dimensions | 8 x 2 x 6 inches |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | HRK.BX |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Exterior | Machined |
Manufacturer Part Number | HRK.BX |
OEM Part Number | 38771 |
Bulb Type | LED Strips |
Special Features | Voltage, Wattage, Base |
Voltage | 12 Volts |
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SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps to Restore Sun Damaged Headlights With Exclusive UV Block Clear Coat, Light Output and Beam Pattern Restored, Long Lasting Protection
Purchase options and add-ons
- Car Headlight Restoration Kit: This headlight restoration kit removes yellowing and haze, restoring your car headlights to a like-new condition; enjoy enhanced visibility
- Headlight Polish Kit with UV Coating: This headlight kit features a UV block white coat to help protect your headlight lenses; this sealant ensures long-lasting protection
- Simple Restoration Process: Our cleaner and restorer kit includes a Surface Activator, which softens the plastic for easier sanding; the sand and polish step removes imperfections
- Headlight Lens Cleanser for Clarity: Unlike ordinary cleaners, the Sylvania car headlight kit uses exclusive technology designed to restore your headlight lens
- The Sylvania Standard Of Quality: With over 100 years in business, Sylvania is the world leader in automotive lighting for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket
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From the brand
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SYLVANIA Headquarters
Expertly Engineered in Hillsboro, NH
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Why buy SYLVANIA products?
Headquartered in historic Hillsboro, NH, SYLVANIA is an OEM automotive lighting manufacturer with over 100 years of optical engineering experience. Each product has to pass rigorous safety and quality standards before it goes out the door.
Do SYLVANIA bulbs follow U.S. government safety regulations?
SYLVANIA headlight bulbs are designed with safety in mind to prevent dangerous glare, when installed properly.
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Accessories
Headlight restoration kits & more
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In-Car Electronics
Peace of mind on the road
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Tire Inflators
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With over 100 years of optical engineering experience and lighting innovation, countless drivers and leading car manufacturers use SYLVANIA.
Product Description
The SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit will restore your lenses to a like-new appearance at a fraction of the cost of replacing all new lenses on your vehicle.
Restore original clarity and vision to sun-damaged plastic headlight lenses in three easy steps. Remove haze and lessen road glare allowing you to improve your down-road vision.
The SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit also includes a proprietary UVB Clear Coat application designed to preserve your lens clarity for long-lasting results.
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Wash the headlight lenses and then spray Surface Activator -- a proprietary surface corrosion softener only from Sylvania, generously onto each headlight lens until they are completely covered. Let this liquid sit on each lens for about 50 seconds. Immediately, you’ll see the yellow gunk start to break down. Wash completely with water to remove loosened corrosion. |
Use the wet sanding technique described in your instruction sheet, using the 400, 1000 and 2000 grits and paper included in the box. This will remove corrosion. Apply the clarifying compound using even circular motions. Rinse and dry. Reapply the Surface Activator for 30 seconds and rinse with water. You’ll be amazed at how clear the lenses will already be. |
Ensure all moisture is removed from on and around the headlight lens. You’ll then apply the UV Block Clear Coat. It’s simple. Just apply as instructed in smooth, even applications. This UV Block Clear coat is a specially formulated polymer coating with active and passive UV blockers. This is the component that gives you long-lasting results. |
BEFORE AND AFTER RESULTS
The left side of the headlight lens is hazy and sun-damaged, inhibiting your headlight from functioning properly. The right side of the headlight lens has been treated with the SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit. The headlight lens is restored close to its original condition, allowing your headlight system to function at top performance.
*Actual results will depend on the severity of UV degradation. Greater existing UV damage will allow for greater performance improvements.
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B00429NKWK |
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Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #268 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive) #3 in Automotive Headlight Restoration Kits |
Date First Available | September 8, 2010 |
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This Item SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Kit - 3 Easy Steps to Restore Sun Damaged Headlights With Exclusive UV Block Clear Coat, Light Output and Beam Pattern Restored, Long Lasting Protection | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | |
Price | -13% $21.75$21.75 List: $24.99 | -27% $32.95$32.95 List: $44.99 | $32.99$32.99 | $19.99$19.99 | $15.82$15.82 | $12.99$12.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Easy to use | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
Longevity | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.3 | 4.3 | 3.8 |
Instruction quality | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.6 | — |
Sheerness | 4.6 | 4.2 | — | 3.7 | 4.4 | — |
Value for money | — | 4.3 | — | 3.7 | 4.6 | 4.1 |
Sold By | Pattern. | Amazon.com | gliptone | Amazon.com | Product Movement | SUMEX TOOLS |
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the clarity, brightness, and value of the auto accessory. For example, they mention it improves the clarity of the plastic, and the headlights are much brighter. That said, they appreciate cleaning, quality, and ease of use. That being said, some complain about the fogginess and color.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the auto accessory. They mention that it is effective, works well, and is super helpful. Customers also say that the headlights look like new after using the kit.
"...This UV Block Clear Coat sets really quick and feels like superglue nail polish as it tacks to your skin- be sure to avoid contact with your fingers..." Read more
"...This neat little kit has almost everything you need to get started on your headlights...." Read more
"...The second and third grades of sandpaper really are very smooth and fine, and you can finish-off the third grade of sandpaper with a really light..." Read more
"...Super helpful...." Read more
Customers find the auto accessory easy to use. They mention that the instructions are straightforward, simple, and effective. They also say that the product is effective and easy without using any power tools. Customers also appreciate the clear instructions and the video instruction guide that provides confidence.
"...It was written in perfect, fluent English; it was not overly verbose so the directions were easy to follow; and it was three simple steps on three..." Read more
"...Other than that, the instructions are straightforward.I masked off the headlight with painters tape, before doing anything else...." Read more
"...This isn't hard work by any definition.The steps are pretty straight forward and simple...." Read more
"...This is a terrific product! Easy to use, great instructions, and a really fine result. I look forward to seeing the longevity of the product." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the auto accessory. They say it's worth the money, it'll last for a few years, and it'd be a good investment. Customers also say the product is capable and easy to apply.
"...It is *so* worth the purchase. I’d highly recommend it, and whenever it wears off, I will certainly be purchasing another kit and doing this again." Read more
"This headlight kit is by far the best for this kind of money and honestly outperforms many kits that are 2, 3 and even 5 times as expensive...." Read more
"...The sanding requires elbow grease but the result is worth it. I can’t believe they are now clear. Thank you Sylvania." Read more
"It’s all hand work, take about an hour but well worth the time, make sure to put the UV blocker on thick and only once." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the clarity of the auto accessory. They mention that it improves the clarity and brightness of the plastic. Some say that the headlights are sparkling clear after using the product.
"...step is essential because the lights dramatically shine and are exceptionally clear after applying this clear coat.)-..." Read more
"...The good:+ Really, really does a great job of restoring clarity and shine to yellowed lenses...." Read more
"...They were crystal clear. After they dried for several hours, they still looked amazing...." Read more
"...hazy lights before you apply the UV treatment - then the lights turn very clear...." Read more
Customers like the brightness of the auto accessory. They mention that the headlights are much brighter, shine vibrant again, and allow more light to project onto the road. They also say that the light transmission is way up and the light diffusion/scattering is way better. Customers also say they have gained over double the visibility at night, and the lights look like new.
"...(this step is essential because the lights dramatically shine and are exceptionally clear after applying this clear..." Read more
"...Even better I've gained over double the visibility at night, which was a huge safety concern before!..." Read more
"...In seconds, the lens goes from cloudy to bright, as shown in the photo.I strongly recommend this product...." Read more
"...The bad:- One year on and the effect has started to fade, mostly in the form of 'flaking' of the new coating, but since it's only at the..." Read more
Customers like the cleaning of the auto accessory. They mention that it does a better job of removing the haze and oxidation than other kits. It also creates a shiny finish and eliminates any sanding fog remaining. Some say that it removes oxidization and surface oils & dirt.
"...But in addition to that, it provides lightly abrasive sandpaper, a stain remover, and a clear coat...." Read more
"My headlights were flaking on the top part. They were not foggy or yellow, just that flaking part was making me mad...." Read more
"...The final UV coating fills the tiny scratches and the surface becomes glassy and stays that way for almost a year, then slowly degrades...." Read more
"...This cleaning process can seem a bit tedious, however, the end result is completely worth it! The headlights look brand new!!!" Read more
Customers are mixed about the color of the auto accessory. Some mention that it's removing any extra yellowing they missed in the cracks, and that it fully clears up their yellowed/fogged headlights. However, others say that their headlight were really yellowet and hazy.
"...The pieces that come in the kit are small and may struggle to remove all the yellowing from very badly faded lights, but sandpaper is cheap and all..." Read more
"...The yellow is completely gone and the plastic is clear. If you stand back you can't even tell it is a old headlight." Read more
"My headlights were really yellow and cloudy!I bought the Sylvania Headlight Restorer,wasn’t really sure it would work!..." Read more
"...The haze/yellowing is mostly around the headlight and not in the center. But still, yellowing/haze headlights are embarassing...." Read more
Customers are not happy with the fogginess of the auto accessory. They mention that the headlights were so foggy that high beams looked no. They also say that the haze was worse than the other lens. Customers also say the headlamps were incredibly cloudy and appeared to have been sanded poorly by the technician. They say that by the 2-1/2 year mark the head lights were clouded again.
"...in strange splotchy patches of buildup and the driver's side was considerably fogged over...." Read more
"...At this point, it looks hazy. The last step is to apply a sealant to the headlight. This step is really wild...." Read more
"...They will look hazy when you’re done but once you wipe on the clear coat they will become crystal clear...." Read more
"...They were incredibly cloudy and appeared to have been sanded poorly by the previous owner, and now they look almost brand new...." Read more
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I read positive reviews on Amazon and looked at the customer’s images before I purchased the kit, but I’m always still slightly skeptical until I see it for myself, or personally know someone who has tried a product from online. But after seeing it for myself, I am now a believer!
I buffed the outside of my headlights. You do not buff the inside, if anyone is curious. I can’t imagine buffing the outside would help if you had condensation build-up on the inside (although I’m sure you could apply to the inside of a clear lense?...just make sure you’re not buffing the tint or colored screen of a light. However, I’m sure the product wouldn’t advertise/recommend using on the interior of the lense due to possible damage it could cause). Most cloudy headlights seem to have sun/weather damage, though. This product will most certainly work great on that kind of wear and tear!
For anyone saying toothpaste does the same thing, that is not correct. I’ve tried toothpaste. It helps but it doesn’t deliver the same results as this. This product has a pumice similar to the texture of toothpaste (but thicker and slightly grittier). But in addition to that, it provides lightly abrasive sandpaper, a stain remover, and a clear coat. So overall, it’s much more adept to ensuring as clean of a result as possible. It puts the toothpaste method to shame.
I have not actually tried this product before, so I honestly have no idea how the durability/lifespan will be. However, if I’m going off how well this product worked, I would hope it holds up for a decent amount of time (months) before requiring another attempt. So I rated that aspect 5 stars until something proves otherwise, and I will update if that changes.
The instruction manual was well-written and easy to read, as well as being intuitive and preempting you to get your other supplies ready and pre-reading the instructions before starting the project. It was written in perfect, fluent English; it was not overly verbose so the directions were easy to follow; and it was three simple steps on three small pages so it didn’t take a lot of time to read through the instructions.
Things you will need in addition to the kit:
- Water source (I used a hose, but you could use a large pitcher of water. You just need to be able to keep your sandpaper and lights consistently wet while sanding, and be able to rinse the lenses when the directions call for it).
- Masking tape is optional though I’d recommend it. (The kit says the products will not strip the clear coat or ruin your paint job, but it suggests taping off your lights out of precaution. As long as the paint on someone’s car isn’t stripped of the clear coat or rusting/chipping before taping, then I’d definitely suggest taping off the lights with masking tape.)
- Extra non-latex glove (if you want to wear one on both hands — because the box only includes one glove... I didn’t want anything on my hands, especially the chemicals, so I wore gloves the whole time).
- Have a garbage can, nearby, for waste
- Extra paper towels and/or a shammy for drying (I would have used a car shammy, but I had some soft, blue car-paper towels and those worked well.)
The kit includes:
-A spray that strips stains off the lenses
- 3 soft paper towels that are used for drying, for rubbing pumice, and for applying the clear coat
- 3 different sandpaper strips that you split in half and use one-half on each light (400 grit, 1000 grit, and 2000 grit— you work your way up from coarsest to smoothest grit).
- Gritty pumice to polish the lenses after wet-sanding
- And a UV Protectant Clear Coat to use at the last step (this step is essential because the lights dramatically shine and are exceptionally clear after applying this clear coat.)
- I also kept my phone nearby so I could time my sanding/buffing. It recommends 5 minutes for each step, per light.
Here’s what you need to know:
- This particular kit is only good for 2 lights. My headlights were the main problem, but now that I see how well this works, I’ll probably do this to my taillights as well.
- You need to set aside at least 1 hour for this project. Even 2 hours would be ideal but more than that isn’t needed. And you need to be willing to put some elbow grease into it with all of the sanding. (I’m sure you could use a small sanding buffer too...but people tend to buff too hard with a buffer if they’re not familiar with using one, so I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. The product does not suggest to use one, but if you’re familiar with a buffer and have one on-hand, I could see how it could expedite the process. Just make sure to keep your headlights and the sandpaper wet while sanding.)
- You are not to touch the headlights for at least one hour after applying the clear coat
- You are advised not to drive the car or leave it in rainy conditions for 4-6 hours after applying the clear coat until the coating cures. (So set aside time to do this when you don’t have to drive somewhere; and make sure to do it on a sunny and/or dry cloudy day, although avoid direct sunlight and freezing cold temperatures).
Seriously though, for $20, it makes it look like you basically have a brand new pair of lights! It is *so* worth the purchase. I’d highly recommend it, and whenever it wears off, I will certainly be purchasing another kit and doing this again.
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2019
I read positive reviews on Amazon and looked at the customer’s images before I purchased the kit, but I’m always still slightly skeptical until I see it for myself, or personally know someone who has tried a product from online. But after seeing it for myself, I am now a believer!
I buffed the outside of my headlights. You do not buff the inside, if anyone is curious. I can’t imagine buffing the outside would help if you had condensation build-up on the inside (although I’m sure you could apply to the inside of a clear lense?...just make sure you’re not buffing the tint or colored screen of a light. However, I’m sure the product wouldn’t advertise/recommend using on the interior of the lense due to possible damage it could cause). Most cloudy headlights seem to have sun/weather damage, though. This product will most certainly work great on that kind of wear and tear!
For anyone saying toothpaste does the same thing, that is not correct. I’ve tried toothpaste. It helps but it doesn’t deliver the same results as this. This product has a pumice similar to the texture of toothpaste (but thicker and slightly grittier). But in addition to that, it provides lightly abrasive sandpaper, a stain remover, and a clear coat. So overall, it’s much more adept to ensuring as clean of a result as possible. It puts the toothpaste method to shame.
I have not actually tried this product before, so I honestly have no idea how the durability/lifespan will be. However, if I’m going off how well this product worked, I would hope it holds up for a decent amount of time (months) before requiring another attempt. So I rated that aspect 5 stars until something proves otherwise, and I will update if that changes.
The instruction manual was well-written and easy to read, as well as being intuitive and preempting you to get your other supplies ready and pre-reading the instructions before starting the project. It was written in perfect, fluent English; it was not overly verbose so the directions were easy to follow; and it was three simple steps on three small pages so it didn’t take a lot of time to read through the instructions.
Things you will need in addition to the kit:
- Water source (I used a hose, but you could use a large pitcher of water. You just need to be able to keep your sandpaper and lights consistently wet while sanding, and be able to rinse the lenses when the directions call for it).
- Masking tape is optional though I’d recommend it. (The kit says the products will not strip the clear coat or ruin your paint job, but it suggests taping off your lights out of precaution. As long as the paint on someone’s car isn’t stripped of the clear coat or rusting/chipping before taping, then I’d definitely suggest taping off the lights with masking tape.)
- Extra non-latex glove (if you want to wear one on both hands — because the box only includes one glove... I didn’t want anything on my hands, especially the chemicals, so I wore gloves the whole time).
- Have a garbage can, nearby, for waste
- Extra paper towels and/or a shammy for drying (I would have used a car shammy, but I had some soft, blue car-paper towels and those worked well.)
The kit includes:
-A spray that strips stains off the lenses
- 3 soft paper towels that are used for drying, for rubbing pumice, and for applying the clear coat
- 3 different sandpaper strips that you split in half and use one-half on each light (400 grit, 1000 grit, and 2000 grit— you work your way up from coarsest to smoothest grit).
- Gritty pumice to polish the lenses after wet-sanding
- And a UV Protectant Clear Coat to use at the last step (this step is essential because the lights dramatically shine and are exceptionally clear after applying this clear coat.)
- I also kept my phone nearby so I could time my sanding/buffing. It recommends 5 minutes for each step, per light.
Here’s what you need to know:
- This particular kit is only good for 2 lights. My headlights were the main problem, but now that I see how well this works, I’ll probably do this to my taillights as well.
- You need to set aside at least 1 hour for this project. Even 2 hours would be ideal but more than that isn’t needed. And you need to be willing to put some elbow grease into it with all of the sanding. (I’m sure you could use a small sanding buffer too...but people tend to buff too hard with a buffer if they’re not familiar with using one, so I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. The product does not suggest to use one, but if you’re familiar with a buffer and have one on-hand, I could see how it could expedite the process. Just make sure to keep your headlights and the sandpaper wet while sanding.)
- You are not to touch the headlights for at least one hour after applying the clear coat
- You are advised not to drive the car or leave it in rainy conditions for 4-6 hours after applying the clear coat until the coating cures. (So set aside time to do this when you don’t have to drive somewhere; and make sure to do it on a sunny and/or dry cloudy day, although avoid direct sunlight and freezing cold temperatures).
Seriously though, for $20, it makes it look like you basically have a brand new pair of lights! It is *so* worth the purchase. I’d highly recommend it, and whenever it wears off, I will certainly be purchasing another kit and doing this again.
This is a bit more involved than just wiping away the years from your headlights- But it does include everything you need (no extra tools required) and will take the average DIYer about an hour to complete both headlights. Keep in mind that, while anyone can do this project, your results will vary depending on how strictly you follow the instructions and if you have an previous experience with restoration or wet sanding. Yes, I said sanding.
+ I suggest you also have on hand before starting- painters tape, lots of shop rags, a bowl of water and a bucket of water, an extra glove, a face mask, a marker to label the back of your sandpaper halves, and something to sit on.
+ Work in a well aerated area, in the shade- away from any natural or artificial wind.
Begin by taping off the liner and paint immediately surrounding your headlight with a durable painter's tape. The kit claims that the materials used will not harm paint- but the instructions suggest taping- and I certainly would for 2 reasons: 1.) We noticed the first solution we used took the color off our shop rags, so it seemed to have some sort of acid or bleach in it, 2.) You will eventually be sanding right up against your car's paint- not point in risking anything there. You will also want to start with a clean car.
Next, treat the headlight surface with the Step 1 Activator, generously spraying, and allow it to sit about 30 seconds before washing away. Here's what we noticed about this process- 1.) The spray is very aromatic in a chemical sense- you will need to step back for air, and you should always be working in an open, well aerated, shady area. I highly suggest wearing a simple paper face mask to help diffuse fumes, and that you keep your face as far back from the solution/mist as possible. 2.) You will be using this bottle a total of 4 times, 2 treatments each headlight, so you should expect to use about 1/4 of the bottle each time. 3.) Given the nature of the product and spray we suggest you wear gloves and wipe the solution off with a wet rag to clean the lens before continuing- rather than use a hose which may send the solution flying onto your car and other surfaces.
Once the Activator solution has been cleaned off the lens, and the lens has been dried, it will quickly begin to cloud. This is normal and you will see this after every step from here until the final UV coat.
Now you're ready to begin sanding- the kit includes 3 sheets, 1 each of 2000, 1000, and 400 grit wet sanding paper. You should tear them in half and make note of which is which with a written indicator on the back since you will be using half a sheet for each lens
My father and I had some disagreement as to whether a mask should be worn through the sanding process- since this is a wet sanding procedure. I am going to suggest you do since we did see quite a bit of kickback debris on clothing and even in his ear after the sanding process.
To wet sand you will want a small bowl of clean water nearby, and a clean cloth (to wipe up any drips that may make their way onto your car's paint. Wet the lens with the wet cloth, and submerge the sanding paper into the water. Begin sanding (you'll start with the 400 grit for the first step) in circular motions from the top corner of the headlight inward. You should expect to continue sanding for approximately 5 minutes- though cars with less build up may require less time. You will be able to tell you are done when the headlight has reached a uniform, smooth, texture, and there are no clear sections visible.
Rinse your headlight and continue with the repeating the above process of sanding, using the 1000 grit sandpaper. Sand in circular motions with a wet lens and sandpaper for approximately 5 minutes, clean, then repeat with the 2000 grit. When you are done sanding you should have a clean, dry, foggy lens.
Next you will apply the Clarifying Compound, which we closely attribute to a sort of buffing wax. Wet your lens with a clean wet rag and apply half of the compound to the provided white towel. Starting at the lower corner of the headlight, in sweeping circular motions, buff the clarifying compound into the lens for approximately 5 minutes.
We were worried this compound would dry out during a 5 minute buff, but it actually seemed to break down and glide even more the longer we worked it into the lens. Once you are done clean and dry the lens. You will begin to notice the lens will maintain a glossy 'wet' look as though it is holding water along the surface.
Now you'll treat with the activator once more- spraying evenly, approximately 1/4 of the original bottle fill. Allow the solution to sit on the surface of the lens for 30 seconds then clean thoroughly and dry. It's important after this step that you remove the tape, and any residue, and dry the lens, and surrounding rubber gasket. The lend and surrounding surfaces should be entirely dry before moving on to the final step.
It's important to note that all of the steps up to this point should be completed on BOTH headlights before moving onto the final step as to ensure one headlight is not disturbed while curing, etc.
You're provided one glove for the final step, the UV treatment- both of us agree you'll want 2 gloves if possible. This UV Block Clear Coat sets really quick and feels like superglue nail polish as it tacks to your skin- be sure to avoid contact with your fingers, and have a damp, clean, rag on hand to wipe up any drips that might get into your car's paint surface.
For this final step you really can't 'go back' and add a second layer, or adjust it after the fact. The UV coat dries rapidly, so you'll want to try and get as much of the solution onto the provided shammy as possible so you can really drench the lens and apply in as minimal strokes as possible. Going back and 'swiping' through after even 30 seconds can leave tacky streaks and impurities in the final coating. It's also important to note you will not want to drive your car, or touch the headlights for a minimum of 4-6 hours- the surface of my headlights was still 'tacky' at around 4, so I suggest going the full 6.
Throughout this process you really don't have a proper idea of the final impact until that last UV treatment reveal- it truly does instantly clarify. I'll admit, the thought of sanding my headlights to make them clearer was initially unnerving, but it really makes a lot of sense! There's no arguing my headlights look practically new to the naked eye, and the kit's manufacturer guarantees the new UV coating will last the life of my car. Even better I've gained over double the visibility at night, which was a huge safety concern before! I would definitely do this again on other vehicles, and recommend it to friends and family!
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2016
This is a bit more involved than just wiping away the years from your headlights- But it does include everything you need (no extra tools required) and will take the average DIYer about an hour to complete both headlights. Keep in mind that, while anyone can do this project, your results will vary depending on how strictly you follow the instructions and if you have an previous experience with restoration or wet sanding. Yes, I said sanding.
+ I suggest you also have on hand before starting- painters tape, lots of shop rags, a bowl of water and a bucket of water, an extra glove, a face mask, a marker to label the back of your sandpaper halves, and something to sit on.
+ Work in a well aerated area, in the shade- away from any natural or artificial wind.
Begin by taping off the liner and paint immediately surrounding your headlight with a durable painter's tape. The kit claims that the materials used will not harm paint- but the instructions suggest taping- and I certainly would for 2 reasons: 1.) We noticed the first solution we used took the color off our shop rags, so it seemed to have some sort of acid or bleach in it, 2.) You will eventually be sanding right up against your car's paint- not point in risking anything there. You will also want to start with a clean car.
Next, treat the headlight surface with the Step 1 Activator, generously spraying, and allow it to sit about 30 seconds before washing away. Here's what we noticed about this process- 1.) The spray is very aromatic in a chemical sense- you will need to step back for air, and you should always be working in an open, well aerated, shady area. I highly suggest wearing a simple paper face mask to help diffuse fumes, and that you keep your face as far back from the solution/mist as possible. 2.) You will be using this bottle a total of 4 times, 2 treatments each headlight, so you should expect to use about 1/4 of the bottle each time. 3.) Given the nature of the product and spray we suggest you wear gloves and wipe the solution off with a wet rag to clean the lens before continuing- rather than use a hose which may send the solution flying onto your car and other surfaces.
Once the Activator solution has been cleaned off the lens, and the lens has been dried, it will quickly begin to cloud. This is normal and you will see this after every step from here until the final UV coat.
Now you're ready to begin sanding- the kit includes 3 sheets, 1 each of 2000, 1000, and 400 grit wet sanding paper. You should tear them in half and make note of which is which with a written indicator on the back since you will be using half a sheet for each lens
My father and I had some disagreement as to whether a mask should be worn through the sanding process- since this is a wet sanding procedure. I am going to suggest you do since we did see quite a bit of kickback debris on clothing and even in his ear after the sanding process.
To wet sand you will want a small bowl of clean water nearby, and a clean cloth (to wipe up any drips that may make their way onto your car's paint. Wet the lens with the wet cloth, and submerge the sanding paper into the water. Begin sanding (you'll start with the 400 grit for the first step) in circular motions from the top corner of the headlight inward. You should expect to continue sanding for approximately 5 minutes- though cars with less build up may require less time. You will be able to tell you are done when the headlight has reached a uniform, smooth, texture, and there are no clear sections visible.
Rinse your headlight and continue with the repeating the above process of sanding, using the 1000 grit sandpaper. Sand in circular motions with a wet lens and sandpaper for approximately 5 minutes, clean, then repeat with the 2000 grit. When you are done sanding you should have a clean, dry, foggy lens.
Next you will apply the Clarifying Compound, which we closely attribute to a sort of buffing wax. Wet your lens with a clean wet rag and apply half of the compound to the provided white towel. Starting at the lower corner of the headlight, in sweeping circular motions, buff the clarifying compound into the lens for approximately 5 minutes.
We were worried this compound would dry out during a 5 minute buff, but it actually seemed to break down and glide even more the longer we worked it into the lens. Once you are done clean and dry the lens. You will begin to notice the lens will maintain a glossy 'wet' look as though it is holding water along the surface.
Now you'll treat with the activator once more- spraying evenly, approximately 1/4 of the original bottle fill. Allow the solution to sit on the surface of the lens for 30 seconds then clean thoroughly and dry. It's important after this step that you remove the tape, and any residue, and dry the lens, and surrounding rubber gasket. The lend and surrounding surfaces should be entirely dry before moving on to the final step.
It's important to note that all of the steps up to this point should be completed on BOTH headlights before moving onto the final step as to ensure one headlight is not disturbed while curing, etc.
You're provided one glove for the final step, the UV treatment- both of us agree you'll want 2 gloves if possible. This UV Block Clear Coat sets really quick and feels like superglue nail polish as it tacks to your skin- be sure to avoid contact with your fingers, and have a damp, clean, rag on hand to wipe up any drips that might get into your car's paint surface.
For this final step you really can't 'go back' and add a second layer, or adjust it after the fact. The UV coat dries rapidly, so you'll want to try and get as much of the solution onto the provided shammy as possible so you can really drench the lens and apply in as minimal strokes as possible. Going back and 'swiping' through after even 30 seconds can leave tacky streaks and impurities in the final coating. It's also important to note you will not want to drive your car, or touch the headlights for a minimum of 4-6 hours- the surface of my headlights was still 'tacky' at around 4, so I suggest going the full 6.
Throughout this process you really don't have a proper idea of the final impact until that last UV treatment reveal- it truly does instantly clarify. I'll admit, the thought of sanding my headlights to make them clearer was initially unnerving, but it really makes a lot of sense! There's no arguing my headlights look practically new to the naked eye, and the kit's manufacturer guarantees the new UV coating will last the life of my car. Even better I've gained over double the visibility at night, which was a huge safety concern before! I would definitely do this again on other vehicles, and recommend it to friends and family!
Top reviews from other countries
Simple application. Although used some sandpaper I had as the provided was small and wore away.
Has held up with the UV coat and not reverted to its previously worn state.
Reviewed in Australia on January 30, 2024
Simple application. Although used some sandpaper I had as the provided was small and wore away.
Has held up with the UV coat and not reverted to its previously worn state.