How to Restore Faded Plastic Headlights Using Clear Coat

Video tutorial on how to refinished hazy/foggy plastic headlights by applying clear coat. This is intended to be a long term method compared to the other two methods which I have done in the past that was the wet sanding/polishing method and the method using strictly toothpaste. The headlights do not need to be removed from the vehicle or disassembled as I have shown the in the vehicle. Removing the headlights from the vehicle does help to eliminate the chance of any over spray from the clear coat or adhesion promoter landing on the paint which would need to be cleaned afterwards. This particular video was done on a 1997 BMW 540i E39 body style.

Amazon links for various products used in the video for both USA and Canada:
USA:
800 grit sandpaper: https://amzn.to/3wvmv4p
1000 grit sandpaper: https://amzn.to/2YkJzmq
Isopropyl alcohol: https://amzn.to/2O82mQe
Painter’s tape: https://amzn.to/3jlUB4H
Clear adhesion promotor: https://amzn.to/3sXrZTh
1k clear coat: https://amzn.to/3dAZLHr
2k clear coat: https://amzn.to/31MI1TV
Canada:
800 grit sandpaper: https://amzn.to/3dRYOef
1000 grit sandpaper: https://amzn.to/36e2fZs
Isopropyl alcohol: https://amzn.to/36LY5bz
Painter’s tape: https://amzn.to/36JqIpS
Clear adhesion promotor: https://amzn.to/2Q0xhip
1k clear coat: https://amzn.to/3dDUZsF
2k clear coat: https://amzn.to/31MnHSV

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Wet sanding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBENX1uvZak
BMW E39 headlight removal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D60DftLpFwc
BMW E39 headlight lens removal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMsHtTFpW_U
Headlight polishing with toothpaste: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD0EcKrfA7M
Headlight polishing by wet sanding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo6KnlZnFAw

Tools/Supplies Needed:
-800 grit wet/dry sandpaper
-1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper
-bucket of soapy water
-rubbing/isopropyl alcohol
-clean lint free cloth
-tape
-paper
-adhesion promoter
-lacquer/clear coat

Procedure:
-if you decided to remove your headlights, start with that step first
-headlight removal processes vary between makes and models of vehicles
-wash the headlights thoroughly to ensure no contaminants will get into the wet sanding process
-tape off around the perimeter of the headlight lens or vehicles paint to protect it (optional)
-ensure the lens is always well lubricated during the wet sanding process using the soap water
-if your headlights are severely hazy/foggy, wet sand starting with 800 grit sandpaper and finish with 1000 grit
-if headlights are mildly hazy/foggy, start and finish wet sanding with 1000 grit sand paper
-once satisfied, wash the headlight again to ensure there are no contaminants which would affect the lacquer/clear coat
-ensure the headlights are dry, wipe them down with rubbing alcohol
-tape off the areas you do not want any lacquer/clear coat on
-wipe headlight lens down again with isopropyl/rubbing alcohol
-do not touch the lens with your hands as oil from your skin can cause imperfections when apply the lacquer/clear coat
-use the adhesion promoter to ensure there will be maximum adhesion when applying the lacquer/clear coat
-once adhesion promoter has setup, then go ahead and apply the lacquer/clear coat
-lacquer/clear coat can be applied in 2 coats if you are not planning on wet sanding afterwards
-if you are planning on wet sanding to a polish afterwards, apply 3 coats to ensure there is enough material for the next process
-be sure to remove any paper or tape after about an hour of setup time
-let the headlight fully harden in the sun for at least 24 hours before the wet sanding and polishing stage

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