What is involved in the Headlight Restoration process?

Eugene Headlight Restoration sands the lens using a multi-step process to completely remove the oxidation and physical damage. We then professionally polish the lens to restore optical clarity and apply a chemical clear coat sealant. Refinished lenses have a deep, wet gloss and protection from the elements.

What types of headlight damage can you fix?

Eugene Headlight Restoration can remove 100% of exterior damage such as haziness, cloudiness, discoloration, yellowing, and scratches. More extreme damage like chips and deep cracks cannot be fixed..

Isn’t the foggy appearance of my headlights coming from the inside of the lens cover?

More than likely, no. Only in a small percent of foggy headlights is the cloudy appearance coming from the inside the headlight itself. Oxidation is the likely culprite to the cloudy appearance of a headlight lens. In rare occurrences, however, condensation can build up on the inside of the lens cover. Rain and a broken or faulty headlight seal is mose likely the cause. The good news is that all headlights come with vent holes and when your headlights are on, they generate a lot of heat that evaporates the moisture through the vents.

How long does the headlight restoration take?

Each headlight or tail light takes about 30-60 minutes for restoration depending on their size and oxidation severity. In total we like to keep the vehicle at least 3 hours. Two hours for the restoration process, and one hour for the coating to dry. You can safely drive your vehicle after an hour but try to keep your driving to a minimum for the first 24 hours.

Do I have to take my headlights out for you to restore them?

This is a common question we get and the answer is no. Some of our customers already have their headlights removed. It is not necessary and is in fact, a little more difficult and not recommended. We prefer to restore headlights still on the vehicle. It is helpful if you pop the hood for us. We tape around the entire headlight before starting our headlight restoration process preventing accidental damage to the vehicle’s paint.

Why would I choose your service over doing it myself with a restoration kit?

You can certainly do that…and people can also choose to wash or detail their cars themselves. You will be the one doing the labor plus the cost of the kit, but just know that these kits must be used correctly for optimum results. If used carelessly, they can leave your lights severely scratched and looking even worse. We actually fix this type of damage often. Most kits are not effective in removing severe oxidation and scratches. The kits are a one-size-fits-all product, but the reality is…every headlight is different based on the manufacturer, type, and particular damage.

Eugene Headlight Restoration adjusts to each unique lens based on our knowledge, years of experience, what we see before restoring and what we see during the process. We have more tools and products than a generic kit and are adjust to each headlight accordingly. Additionally, many of the kits don’t provide a sealant to protect a refinished lens. The kits that do, use a really inferior sealant that wears off within months. Our process offers superior results and protection, and we guarantee it unlike the kits.

Are headlight lenses made out of glass or plastic?

Headlights were once made of glass; however, using glass limited car manufacturers to certain sizes and shapes. Advancing technology in the mid 1980’s allowed automakers to began using polycarbonate plastic headlight lenses. Polycarbonate is cheaper, lighter, and can be shaped into the sleek front end styling of  modern cars. Vehicles such as jeeps, certain trucks and vans still use glass with a simple headlight shape. However, most headlight lenses are now made of this hard shatter-resistant polycarbonate plastic.