When I ordered this restoration kit, I was skeptical, to say the least. Between the time I ordered it and it arrived, I watched videos on YouTube about the basic use of it and how other systems worked. Even so, I didn't expect the end result.
This neat little kit has almost everything you need to get started on your headlights. The missing item is water, which can be free or you can purchase it. It takes very little effort do restore a headlight, and only twice as much for two. At the time, I have lateral epicondylitis which limits my ability to use my arm as well as I would like. Even so, it was no problem. This isn't hard work by any definition.
The steps are pretty straight forward and simple. If you can apply wax to a car, you can do this. The chemical activator sprays on and then rinses off. After this, you do some very light sanding and then apply a polish/buffing substance before spraying it again and rinsing it. At this point, it looks hazy. The last step is to apply a sealant to the headlight. This step is really wild. The haze disappears and you're left with a clear lens that only needs to dry. Basically, if you can spray a pump aerosol bottle, apply and remove car wax, and then wipe the sealant/protector on with a soaked cloth (provided), you're good.
The result? Wow. I started with two 10 year old headlight lenses that were horrible. I didn't think they would pass inspection and they ruined the look of the vehicle. They actually looked better, halfway through, with the lens sanded and hazy. When I completed the last step, wiping on the sealant that has to dry for four (4) hours, I was amazed. They actually looked like I had spent $200 for a new pair of headlight lenses. They were crystal clear. After they dried for several hours, they still looked amazing. The only difference, and it was 100% my fault, is that there were very, very fine scratches on the lens that I didn't get out in the later sanding stages. Now, mind you, you can only see them if you hold the lens a certain way and the light reflects off it. If I had been able to take more time and sand better, they wouldn't be seen on inspection. As with anything, the more time and effort you put into it, the better it looks. As it is, comparing my vehicle to a new one, you can't tell these lenses are even a year old. They really do look brand new.
There are other kits on the market and you can do this at home with spray Clear Coat. Honestly, they have got to be harder to do. The Clear Coat spray is going to be harder than just wiping on this sealant because you have to apply the spray two or more times. This kit uses a cream that you just apply heavily and let dry. And, where I am, the spray Clear Coat costs almost as much as this neat little kit does. If you add in the cost of a rubber glove, sand paper in different grits, and the towels, you'll have more money than this kit costs, and without the warranty that you can register for at the Sylvania site. Honestly, I think this is a little much. At this point, I'm more than happy with the results even if they don't last all that long.
How long did this take? All in all, 12 hours. Now, before you go into shock, that was removing the headlights from the vehicle, cleaning them up, starting with the kit, allowing them to cure overnight (indoors and out of any contact with moisture), and then reinstalling them in the vehicle. Since I had to replace the headlight bulbs too, it was just easier for me to remove the assembly. It also turned out to be a plus since you need to let them dry and cure somewhere away from rain and dew. Since it's September, dew sets after dark and this could have messed it up. Just doing the headlights with the kit only took about two hours, stopping to rest my arm and let it dry off some before starting the next step. If I had worked hard, or used a power tool, I could possibly have done both in an hour and been ready for them to cure.
One kit easily did a set of headlights with a little to spare. I have more than enough of the activator and sealant to spare, but only a little of the compound left. Maybe enough for one more headlight.
If you do this with the headlights in your vehicle, you will want to protect the area around them with tape or something to keep the spray and sealant off it.
This kit saved me over $300 for the parts and only took a little time that I had to kill. If you do this in one hour, it's saving you a good bit given the cost of replacing the parts and having to do it (or pay to have it done). If I need to do my other vehicles, I'm getting more of these kits and not stressing over it.
J. Leach
Alester Buckman
