For this tutorial, you will need: 1.) NextGen Headlight Restoration Kit 2.) Spray bottle of tap water 3.) Masking Tape
Step 1.) Inspect The Headlight
The headlight lens can have all sorts of different issues, from severe oxidation to microcracking. It is very important to know what issue you are going up against prior to restoring. If your headlight has severe microcracking, you may be wasting your time, since these microcracks can be very deep in the lens, and may not be able to be restored. Inspecting also tells you which grit of sandpaper to start with. If your headlight feels textured and scratchy, its best to start with a 400 grit sandpaper to remove this layer. Most brand of headlights have a thin layer of yellowy oxidation, which can usually be restored using only a 600 grit sandpaper, but if you are in that category of severely oxidized headlights, you may need to start with 400. Remember, there is no process more thorough than sanding.
Step 2.) Masking Off the Headlight
Masking off your headlight will prevent any scratching or issues when sanding. Using a course grit of sandpaper can cause some pretty nasty scratches on the body panels and clear coat of the vehicle. While we recommend hand sanding, If you are using a sander, it would be good practice to mask off at least 5-6 inches in every direction in case the sander catches and rolls off to the side.
Step 3.) Sanding The Headlight
Depending on your headlight’s issue, you can either start with 400, or 600. Sand the headlight in a horizontal motion to remove all the yellowing oxidation and scratches. Keep the headlight wet at all times. You will see the water turn yellow as you are sanding, this is the oxidation you are removing. Your objective is to remove all the imperfections from the top layer of the lens, and get to the bare headlight. The bare headlight will be a milky color along the entire lens. If you see any darker spots, it may be the old clear coat. Be sure to sand all of this off.
Step 4.) Dry and Clean The Headlight
Once all the oxidation, old clear coat and other imperfections are removed, dry the headlight very thoroughly with the supplied lint free towel. Don’t forget to wedge the lint free towel in between the panels to capture any trapped water in these crevasses. Using a blower is best for this step since it can blow out any water you can’t get with the towel. Removing trapped water is crucial because using the pressurized aerosol clear coat can dislodge any remaining water within these spots, potentially causing it to fall onto the freshly coated lens. Once the headlight is dry, sanitize the lens with the supplied rubbing alcohol towelettes. This step removes any oils, leftover sanded debris and any other contaminants on the lens. You want absolutely nothing on the lens when applying the clear coat. Lack of sanitizing can lead to poor adhesion of the clear coat, and will result in flaking of the clear coat further down the road.
Step 5.) Mask off the headlight & INspect
Once the headlight is dry and sanitized, its time to mask off the headlight for the clear coat. While masking paper isn’t necessary, you can use the regular tape to mask off the headlight.
Step 6.) Apply NextGen Headlight Solutions Clear Coat
Once your headlight is masked off, you’re ready to apply the clear coat. Do one final inspection on the lens to ensure it is completely milky along the entire lens. Shake the NextGen Headlight Solutions clear coat can for a minimum of 3-4 minutes. Shaking the can not only mixes all the properties in the can, but also builds the pressure in the can. This can prevent any spitting when applying. Its best to imitate the spray patter prior to actually spraying, so you can practice the form. Before applying, do a test spurt on the masking paper to ensure there’s no clogs or spitting. The clear coat sprays in a vertical pattern. Apply the clear coat 4 inches from the headlight with a 50% overlap. Be sure to go with the contour of the lens to ensure a thorough, even coat. After applying the headlight, inspect the lens for any missed areas. If there are, lightly spray over the missed areas. Carefully remove the masking paper/tape. If you get any overspray on the body panels, simply wipe away with the supplied alcohol pads.
*In high humidity conditions, you may experience a “flash off” effect, and the headlight may appear foggy after spraying. This fogginess will clear out as the solvents in the clear coat begin to evaporate.
Enjoy A Fresh Looking Headlight!
The headlight lens will be tack free in 10 minutes, and fully cured in 45 minutes in direct sunlight. Avoid pressure washing for at least 24 hours to be safe.