I recently bought a 2005 ES330 and the headlights are yellow and could really use restoration. I went on Amazon to look at various headlight restoration kits. Its very confusing because all of them get some one-star reviews. I would like to know what LEXUS owners are using for restoration kits that work and have some lasting results.

 

I used CRC Headlight Doctor on my car and it worked miracles. Completely removed the haze and left the headlights clear, apart from a slightly yellow tinge. Honestly, I'd strongly recvomended it. No need for sand paper or anything. Wash headlight. Apply CRC, use given sponge to buff it. Done!

It's been a couple months now and the headlight looks good as new.

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...eadlights.html
See post #4 for solution.

 

The only kit worthy of getting that will last is the latest Meguiars headlight restoration kit that comes with a small can of clearcoat. If you can, just do the wetsand/clearcoat as the link above shows if you are comfortable doing so.

 

A buffing wheel on a drill and rubbing compound will to a good job. Finish with a plastic polish and Aerospace 303. It will look new.

 

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. After watching 2 different videos on You Tube, I'm going to use the WET SANDING method using water, 3 grades of fine sandpaper, alcohol and UV Clear Coat. I read all the one-star reviews on McGuires, Mother's, Sylvania etc. and they all pointed out that the results only last for several months. IF you believe the 2 videos on using 3 grades of sandpaper and UV coat, it just seems to make more sense.

 

If you have a drill, any of the ones that have a drill accessory work well. I personally have used the 3M kit with success. But they all follow the same concept: you need to polish off the hazed, oxidized surface. Sometimes that can be achieved with just a polish, while other times it requires sanding. My advice is to follow the mantra to use the least aggressive method possible. First get a polish like M105 or Ultimate compound and use that first. If that clears it up, awesome. If not, go to the sandpaper method and finish it off with the polish to get the tiny scratches out.

Finally, the most important step is to seal the headlights, otherwise the UV rays will simply yellow the headlights again. This is the reason many people complain, because they do not apply a sealant that protects the headlights from UV. This can be achieved with a 1:1 mix of mineral spirits and UV spar urethane. It's the most cost-effective and works very well. Here's a huge thread detailing its success: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...lant-idea.html

Much better than blowing $40+ dollars on the "brand name" stuff. You can also use clear vinyl like 3M Scratchgard or Xpel.

 

After wetsanding, I recommend polishing the surface before applying clearcoat.

 

If you're truly applying a clear coat finish... not just a sealant or coating or wax... then there is no need to polish. Simply sand, finishing with a fine grit, and then paint. The paint will fill the scratches and level the surface.