Author Topic: Headlight hazing - does the toothpaste thing really work?  (Read 1132 times)

Le Poisson

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Headlight hazing - does the toothpaste thing really work?
« on: October 17, 2020, 08:58:45 AM »
Has anyone tried polishing headlights with toothpaste to remove hazing? Did it work? We have an older (2004) sienna, and I'm weighing a day of polishing the existing lenses against the cost of replacement ($250 for both sides). Time is valuable right now, and I don't want to waste a day polishing with no results.

Anyone have other solutions? It's gotten really bad, and out driving the other night I couldn't see lane markings at all. Time to make a fix before I write off the car.

Sandi_k

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Re: Headlight hazing - does the toothpaste thing really work?
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2020, 09:51:57 AM »
My DH did this on a 2001 Ford Focus wagon last year.

He ordered the 3M kit off of Amazon for headlight polishing. It uses an electric drill, but he was very impressed and happy with the results. He says "Just follow the instructions, and be OCD about it."

Once you're done with the polishing, you need to lacquer over it, or the plastic will just oxidize and haze again.

Frankies Girl

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Re: Headlight hazing - does the toothpaste thing really work?
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2020, 10:59:32 AM »
Sort of not really.

You're way better at DIY than I could even dream of being, but from my understanding, using anything that has a bit of grit in it but not actual crazy rough would work to remove the damaged layer, and then the important part is applying a UV protector to slow the yellow/haze effect. I've even seen suggestions to get the super fine sandpaper used for buffing car body clearcoating for the headlights.

I have done the toothpaste but what worked better for me was "barkeeper's friend" cleaner on one of our car's nearly 17 year old headlights, with a bit of elbow grease and they came out much better than toothpaste. I then cleaned them off well, rinsed and buffed dry, and applied a coating of turtlewax and made note to reapply a coating every couple of weeks. While I kept up with that routine, it lasted quite well, but then things got busy and it's been a year and I need to do it again.

You can get a clear spray coat in a can that is a UV coat/protectant and use tape/garbage bags to mask off the light, do several light coats with drying in between and likely just clean and recoat once a year without issue. I just never got around to the mask off/spray UV" part.

You reminded me to go do this, so I'll get it done in the next few hours and post a before/after before the day is out...

Paul der Krake

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Re: Headlight hazing - does the toothpaste thing really work?
« Reply #3 on: October 17, 2020, 11:17:24 AM »
I used a headlight restoration kit years ago and it worked way better than expected, and definitely didn't take all day.

https://www.autozone.com/wash-cleaners-and-exterior-care-products/headlight-lens-restorer/turtle-wax-headlight-lens-restorer-kit/209217_0_0

Frankies Girl

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Re: Headlight hazing - does the toothpaste thing really work?
« Reply #4 on: October 17, 2020, 11:59:48 AM »
Okay just finished and I stopped to get coffee and put things away and wash out my rags... probably a lazy half hour total?


Before is 2004 original headlight, not cleaned or even gone through a car wash in a few years? Oops. Garaged NOW, but for like 13 years - parked in open parking lot in Gulf Coast of TX so OMGZ all the sun/UV in the universe...

After is using Ajax (with bleach which is all I had, so made sure to wear clothing that was okay with bleach spots if I got it on me). I started to use Barkeepers but it's really fine and didn't feel as abrasive as I like and I'm running REALLY low on it, so I got out the other stuff. Honestly, look for abrasive cleansing powder/stuff you'd feel comfortable using on your bathtub and its likely safe. Or just use barkeepers since it is a polisher as well as having better abrasives=more powerful than toothpaste.


Otherwise: several rags, water dish, UV protectant (I have armorall UV spray), then turtlewax if you want a bit more lasting coating but don't feel like doing the UV coating in a can right now.

1. Wet/ring out rag ONE (do not use this after scrubbing part). Add powder/cleaner to the RAG, start making circles on light surface, scrub, reload with a bit of powder until you feel it's getting gritty but still damp enough to get on there. Scrub a few minutes over the whole light surface. Use a rinse rag or lightly spray with water to check progress. Mine took about 5 minutes on each side.

2. RINSE, wipe down and let it dry or use dry rag to wipe down well.

3. Lightly coat/spray with your UV protectant. I used the Armorall I have for rubber/plastic surfaces. Sprayed, let it run down used a the slightly damp drying rag to lightly wipe so the surface spray was evenly distributed. Let it dry a minute or two (do the other side and then go back to the first one). Repeat if you're feeling generous. I usually do 2 coats.

4. Allow drying, then use paste wax as optional final step. I used a lightly dampened clean rag, did the dab/swirl on the lights, waited for it to haze (hot today so took just a few minutes), then buff off. AFTER pic is the finished results.

I include a split screen comparison shot so you can see the difference. Again, took me MAYBE 30 minutes start to finish and I have all the stuff on hand. The lights are going on 17 years old at this point so I don't have a problem with them looking like this - not crystal clear, but they'll do for the driving we do with this vehicle. If I was doing LOTS and LOTS of driving at night, I might spring for the spray coating and do it up using a drill bit polisher and the fancy coating, but I do this version, it lasts months if not longer and I can pop out there and do it pretty fast if it starts hazing up bad in 6 months or a year...
« Last Edit: October 18, 2020, 02:16:50 AM by Frankies Girl »

BECABECA

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Re: Headlight hazing - does the toothpaste thing really work?
« Reply #5 on: October 17, 2020, 06:55:12 PM »
I restored mine with a little bit of Brasso metal polish and then buffed with a clean rag. Took less than 30 minutes and looked about like the photos from  @Frankies Girl (in fact, it looked almost EXACTLY like those photos, wondering if she drives the long lost twin of my gray Scion Xa!)

Frankies Girl

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Re: Headlight hazing - does the toothpaste thing really work?
« Reply #6 on: October 17, 2020, 07:32:11 PM »
@BECABECA

nailed it. :D

It'll be 17 years old next June, still going strong although it's a bit creaky now.


As long as you do some sort of UV protection (the paste wax is more for protecting the coating than anything and it likely should be reapplied every month or so), the haze/yellowing will be slowed down significantly.

Permanently stopping the haze/yellow is actually not that much harder, but I haven't cared as much (or forget) about doing the extra work since I have the UV stuff and wax already.

I liked this guy's take (see youtube link) on the procedure, and the product I'm missing is Rust-Oleum American Accents Gloss Clear for Plastic. I use the abrasive cleanser as the "wet sanding" effect, and just rinse with water and buff dry instead of doing the alcohol cleaner since I'm not doing a permanent spray coat, but my method does last at least a few months if not longer.

I probably will check the next time in a store with a paint stock to see if they have it. Keep meaning to add that in, as it likely wouldn't add more than half an hour to finish it out properly and be done with them for years after.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEJbKLZ7RmM
« Last Edit: October 17, 2020, 07:43:54 PM by Frankies Girl »

APowers

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Re: Headlight hazing - does the toothpaste thing really work?
« Reply #7 on: October 17, 2020, 07:43:03 PM »
@BECABECA

nailed it. :D

It'll be 17 years old next June, still going strong although it's a bit creaky now.


As long as you do some sort of UV protection (the paste wax is more for protecting the coating than anything and it likely should be reapplied every month or so), the haze/yellowing will be slowed down significantly.

Permanently stopping the haze/yellow is actually not that much harder, but I don't care about doing the extra work since I have the UV stuff and wax already.

I liked this guy's take (see youtube link) on the procedure, and the product I'm missing is Rust-Oleum American Accents Gloss Clear for Plastic. I use the abrasive cleanser as the "wet sanding" effect, and just rinse with water and buff dry instead of doing the alcohol cleaner since I'm not doing a permanent spray coat, but my method does last at least a few months if not longer.

I probably will check the next time in a store with a paint stock to see if they have it. Keep meaning to add that in, as it likely wouldn't add more than half an hour to finish it out properly and be done with them for years after.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEJbKLZ7RmM

Saw the thread title, came here to post exactly that video from ChrisFix's channel. I have nothing more to add.

Le Poisson

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Re: Headlight hazing - does the toothpaste thing really work?
« Reply #8 on: October 17, 2020, 08:46:17 PM »
Thanks everyone... I think I'll try tackling this job tomorrow. I was lazy today and just refaced a flight of stairs.

Le Poisson

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Re: Headlight hazing - does the toothpaste thing really work?
« Reply #9 on: October 18, 2020, 12:09:03 PM »
Wow. Stunning results. The headlights look brand-freakin'-new, which is a bit of a problem problem since now it looks like I need to wash/wax the rest of the car (which I do need to do).

Because I am not brave, I spent $30 and bought a kit from Canadian Tire to do the job. Between everyone's instructions here (especially @Frankies Girl ) and what was in that box, here's my advice for others who stumble across this thread. Note that the UV protectant needs to be kept clean and dry for 24 hours after application.

1. (15 min) Mask off the headlight with painter's tape - not included in kit.
2. (10 min) Wash the headlights with soapy water, then dry and wash again with windex - not included in kit.
3. (15 min) Wet sand with 1000 grit on a sponge block (I actually had this in my garage and felt like a fool when I opened the "professional" kit and found it inside) - work across the headlight from left to right for this sanding. Apply water whenever the surface dries or the sandpaper chatters. I used a mist bottle we have for houseplants. Headlight should look evenly hazy when you are done
4. (15 min) Wet sand with 3000 grit on a sponge block (I had this too) - go up and down for this sanding. Same deal with water. Headlight will be less opaque but still hazy when done.
5. (10 min) Use a wool pad on drill and liquid wax to buff. The kit came with both the pad and wax, but it looked like a normal wool pad, and I'm not sure if the "special headlight wax" was at all special. As you go, the haze will clear and the headlight will "pop" into sudden brilliance. Call your wife to admire the headlights.
6. (5 min) Use Windex or other glass cleaner to remove all wax. Be sure that the cleaner leaves no residue. Dry thoroughly. (Not included in kit)
7. Use a sponge (provided) and UV sealant (provided) to spread UV coating evenly over the lens. Allow 3 min to dry, then apply second coat. Dries to  the touch in 15 minutes, but should be kept clean and dry for 24 hours. (5 min)

Total time was about 1-1/2 hours. Difference is day and night. Thanks for the feedback everyone.
« Last Edit: October 18, 2020, 05:37:57 PM by Le Poisson »

Frankies Girl

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Re: Headlight hazing - does the toothpaste thing really work?
« Reply #10 on: October 18, 2020, 03:28:51 PM »
Wow. Stunning results. The headlights look brand-freakin'-new, which is a bit of a problem problem since now it looks like I need to wash/wax the rest of the car (which I do need to do).

Because I am not brave, I spent $30 and bought a kit from Canadian Tire to do the job. Between everyone's instructions here (especially @Frankies Girl ) and what was in that box, here's my advice for others who stumble across this thread. Not that the UV protectant needs to be kept clean and dry for 24 hours after application.

1. (15 min) Mask off the headlight with painter's tape - not included in kit.
2. (10 min) Wash the headlights with soapy water, then dry and wash again with windex - not included in kit.
3. (15 min) Wet sand with 1000 grit on a sponge block (I actually had this in my garage and felt like a fool when I opened the "professional" kit and found it inside) - work across the headlight from left to right for this sanding. Apply water whenever the surface dries or the sandpaper chatters. I used a mist bottle we have for houseplants. Headlight should look evenly hazy when you are done
4. (15 min) Wet sand with 3000 grit on a sponge block (I had this too) - go up and down for this sanding. Same deal with water. Headlight will be less opaque but still hazy when done.
5. (10 min) Use a wool pad on drill and liquid wax to buff. The kit came with both the pad and wax, but it looked like a normal wool pad, and I'm not sure if the "special headlight wax" was at all special. As you go, the haze will clear and the headlight will "pop" into sudden brilliance. Call your wife to admire the headlights.
6. (5 min) Use Windex or other glass cleaner to remove all wax. Be sure that the cleaner leaves no residue. Dry thoroughly. (Not included in kit)
7. Use a sponge (provided) and UV sealant (provided) to spread UV coating evenly over the lens. Allow 3 min to dry, then apply second coat. Dries to  the touch in 15 minutes, but should be kept clean and dry for 24 hours. (5 min)

Total time was about 1-1/2 hours. Difference is day and night. Thanks for the feedback everyone.


And now you know how to do it and have most everything you need on hand, it's going to take you half that time for any other vehicles, and with the fancy UV stuff, you'll likely not have to do it for YEARS.

and lazy in the same sentence referring to you is like... just does not compute. Most non-lazy person I've EVER seen. :D
« Last Edit: October 18, 2020, 03:31:26 PM by Frankies Girl »

 

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