Toothpaste Headlight Restoration

Frankh21 · 08-20-2012, 10:08 PM

I probably should have posted this here, my bad:

OK so I've been wanting to restore the dull look to my headlights and was looking at the various products (ie 3M, Meguirs, Turtle Wax, etc.) to see what works best. Mind you, my headlights weren't horrible but they were starting to get the yellow oxidation and I tried using some cleaner wax and it didn't work so great so while searching on youtube I found people have been using toothpaste(since it's mildly gritty sorta like fine grade sandpaper)!

I decided to give it a shot since my headlights weren't too bad and worst case scenario I would just buy a restoration kit if necessary.

Here are some before and after pics of the toothpaste method. Oh, first wash the headlights before proceeding.

Before Pics (top):

front

Mask painted area:

Toothpaste, I used a .85 oz tube and used all of it. I split the amount between the two headlights and rubbed in a circular motion for about 2-3 minutes for each side
:

I then rinsed off the area with water, dried them off, and applied a coat of wax and then a coat of sealer glaze. I've used Klasse for about the last 10 years with great results. This stuff is awesome!! Here are the final results:

left:

right:

Both:

It took me a total of about 20-30 minutes to complete the task and I'm happy with the results.

Tomster16 · 08-20-2012, 10:50 PM

Nicely done! What do u rub the headlights with beside the toothpaste? Like a bush or something?

Frankh21 · 08-20-2012, 10:54 PM

I just used a cotton terry towel and used some firm pressure.

DJ_Panda · 08-21-2012, 10:30 AM

How does it work long term? I know they sell the headlight restoration kit at autozone and I've seen it personally work pretty well, I've actually used toothpaste on a LCD screen due to getting crayon on it.

Frankh21 · 08-21-2012, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ_Panda

How does it work long term? I know they sell the headlight restoration kit at autozone and I've seen it personally work pretty well, I've actually used toothpaste on a LCD screen due to getting crayon on it.

Not sure, this is my first time trying this so we'll see. I know the wax and sealant glaze I use is good stuff.

halokilller · 08-21-2012, 10:36 AM

i use plastx, it was only 6 dollars and it works great and lasts

csullivan · 08-21-2012, 01:07 PM

You're doing the same thing as using any mild polish.

Uncle Scotty · 08-21-2012, 08:53 PM

it usually last mine a month or so.....when i get the time, ill clean them up good and hit them with some ratte can clear coat and be done

08-20-2012, 10:08 PM	#1
Frankh21 Scooby Newbie Member#: 295776 Join Date: Sep 2011 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: California Vehicle: 2005 SAAB 9-2x Aero	Toothpaste Headlight Restoration I probably should have posted this here, my bad: OK so I've been wanting to restore the dull look to my headlights and was looking at the various products (ie 3M, Meguirs, Turtle Wax, etc.) to see what works best. Mind you, my headlights weren't horrible but they were starting to get the yellow oxidation and I tried using some cleaner wax and it didn't work so great so while searching on youtube I found people have been using toothpaste(since it's mildly gritty sorta like fine grade sandpaper)! I decided to give it a shot since my headlights weren't too bad and worst case scenario I would just buy a restoration kit if necessary. Here are some before and after pics of the toothpaste method. Oh, first wash the headlights before proceeding. Before Pics (top): front Mask painted area: Toothpaste, I used a .85 oz tube and used all of it. I split the amount between the two headlights and rubbed in a circular motion for about 2-3 minutes for each side : I then rinsed off the area with water, dried them off, and applied a coat of wax and then a coat of sealer glaze. I've used Klasse for about the last 10 years with great results. This stuff is awesome!! Here are the final results: left: right: Both: It took me a total of about 20-30 minutes to complete the task and I'm happy with the results.

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08-20-2012, 10:50 PM	#2
Tomster16 Scooby Newbie Member#: 291738 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: 22105 Vehicle: 2005 wrx blue	Nicely done! What do u rub the headlights with beside the toothpaste? Like a bush or something?

08-20-2012, 10:54 PM	#3
Frankh21 Scooby Newbie Member#: 295776 Join Date: Sep 2011 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: California Vehicle: 2005 SAAB 9-2x Aero	I just used a cotton terry towel and used some firm pressure.

08-21-2012, 10:30 AM	#4
DJ_Panda Scooby Newbie Member#: 329774 Join Date: Aug 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: New Jersey Vehicle: 2009 Mazda 6 Silver	How does it work long term? I know they sell the headlight restoration kit at autozone and I've seen it personally work pretty well, I've actually used toothpaste on a LCD screen due to getting crayon on it.

08-21-2012, 10:36 AM	#6
halokilller Scooby Specialist Member#: 278870 Join Date: Apr 2011 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Laguna Niguel Vehicle: 2005 Stage 2 WRX Obsidian Black Pearl	i use plastx, it was only 6 dollars and it works great and lasts

08-21-2012, 01:07 PM	#7
csullivan Scooby Newbie Member#: 111653 Join Date: Apr 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Maryland Vehicle: 2011 WRX STi SWP	You're doing the same thing as using any mild polish.

08-21-2012, 08:53 PM	#8
Uncle Scotty NASIOC Supporter Member#: 16200 Join Date: Mar 2002 Vehicle: OK Houston we have an Uncle	it usually last mine a month or so.....when i get the time, ill clean them up good and hit them with some ratte can clear coat and be done