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There are many kits available for headlight lens restoration. A great many are focused on addressing the yellowing of the plastic (polycarbonate?). That's usually just an oxidation layer that can be easily stripped off with little effort. The greater challenge is when a lens has a patina of micro nicks all across it. That has been the case on my 17 year old A3 8P.
I decided to give the Sylvania Headlight Restoration kit a try. I did have one apprehension -- the sandpaper grit is limited. 400, 1000, and 2000. I was hoping there would be 3000. And I contemplated getting some of that, perhaps even a 3200 micromesh. But, I don't know if the UV treatment relies upon a slightly matte surface, versus gloss polished. In fact, if highly polished, the substance might just roll off rather than adhering. The basic steps of the kit are as follows:
It's not perfect, but way better than it was. Having gone through this with one headlight, the next will be easier. If there's still enough kit materials left, I'll redo the right side.
I decided to give the Sylvania Headlight Restoration kit a try. I did have one apprehension -- the sandpaper grit is limited. 400, 1000, and 2000. I was hoping there would be 3000. And I contemplated getting some of that, perhaps even a 3200 micromesh. But, I don't know if the UV treatment relies upon a slightly matte surface, versus gloss polished. In fact, if highly polished, the substance might just roll off rather than adhering. The basic steps of the kit are as follows:
- Thoroughly clean headlight lens.
- Apply the activator across the lens surface (spray bottle) and let work for about 30 seconds.
- Rinse off the activator residue.
- Begin wet sanding with 400 grit, medium pressure, apply thorough coverage wetting as necessary
- Repeat again with 1000 grit, for about 5~10 minutes.
- Repeat again with 2000 grit, for about 5~10 minutes.
- Apply activator across the lens and let work for about 30 seconds.
- Rinse off the activator residue, leaving the lens wet.
- Apply rubbing compound, work in well across the entire surface.
- Thoroughly rinse off and then dry completely.
- Apply UV clear coat across lens using blue cloth, fully saturated up to 1/2" in from fold.
- Do not retrace previous application. One continuous motion from side to side with each pass, going from top to bottom.
- Allow 60 minutes to dry before touching. Do not drive car or let lens get wet for 4 to 6 hours to fully cure.
It's not perfect, but way better than it was. Having gone through this with one headlight, the next will be easier. If there's still enough kit materials left, I'll redo the right side.
