Headlight Restoration
Sand, polish, and UV-seal foggy yellowed headlights to clear. Most cars done in under 90 minutes.
Most jobs in this service: $99–$199
Typical duration: 60-90 minutes
What is included
- Tape off paint around the housing
- Wet sand with progressively finer grits (800, 1500, 3000)
- Machine polish to clarity
- UV-stable clear coat sealant applied
How we do it
- Mask: Tape off the paint around the headlight so we never touch it with abrasive.
- Sand: Start at 800 grit if oxidation is heavy, 1500 if moderate. Always finish with 3000.
- Polish: Machine polish with cutting compound, then refining polish.
- Wipe and inspect: Strip any polish oils, confirm clarity.
- Seal: Apply a UV-stable clear coat sealant — this is what makes the restoration last. Without it the headlights yellow again in 6 months.
Recovery time
24 hours before washing the headlights
When this is not the right call
If the inside of the housing is oxidized too (not just the outside lens), restoration only fixes the outside — you would need new headlights for a full fix.
Frequently asked questions
How long does headlight restoration last?
With our UV sealant, 18 months to 3 years. Without the seal, 4-8 months before fog returns.
Why do headlights get foggy?
UV from the sun breaks down the factory clear coat on the headlight lens. Heat and washing accelerate it. The lens itself is fine; only the protective coating degrades.
Can I do this myself with a kit?
Yes, kits work for the sanding and polishing. The thing kits miss is the UV sealant — that is the step that makes the work last. Without it you will be redoing this every 6 months.
What clients say about headlight restoration
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★★★★★
They did an amazing job on my XL SUV! Our dog had an explosive accident and they were able to get it clean. Highly recommend! My SUV looks new.
Kathleen E. · Raleigh -
★★★★★
Great experience! My car had stains all over the interior. Now everything looks like new! We're amazed.
Roxie C. · Raleigh -
★★★★★
Had my wife's car detailed as a gift and she is blown away by how good her car looks (and smells) now! Our toddler had made some pretty serious surface scratches on the driver side and the crew at Mobile…
Devin B. · Raleigh