What's included
Our headlight restoration covers both front headlights. We mask the surrounding paint, sand away the oxidised outer layer in stages, polish the lens until it's clear, then seal it. The sealing step matters most, because a polished lens without UV protection goes cloudy again quickly.
| Step | What we do |
|---|---|
| Inspect | Check for cracks, chips and moisture inside the lens |
| Mask | Tape surrounding paint and trim |
| Wet-sand | Remove yellowing and oxidation in progressively finer grades |
| Polish | Machine polish the lens back to clarity |
| Seal | Apply a UV-resistant protective sealant |
| Clean-up | Remove tape and residue from surrounding panels |
Why headlights go cloudy
Modern headlight lenses are made from polycarbonate plastic with a factory UV coating. Queensland sun breaks that coating down over the years. Once it's gone, the plastic oxidises and turns yellow, hazy or chalky. That's why cars parked outside in Brisbane often have cloudy headlights earlier than garaged ones.
Who it suits
Car headlight restoration suits any car with yellow or foggy lenses. It's a cosmetic improvement, and it can also improve light output at night, since cloudy plastic scatters the beam.
It's worth booking when:
- the headlights look yellow or milky compared with the rest of the car
- night driving feels dimmer than it used to
- you're about to sell. Clear lenses make a car look younger, which is why it's a popular add-on to our Pre-Sale Detail
- you've had a cut and polish and the headlights now look worse than the paint
It won't fix cracks, chips, internal condensation or damage inside the housing. If moisture is getting inside the lens, the seal or housing likely needs replacing. We'll tell you if we see it.
How a mobile visit works
Headlight polishing is one of our quickest services. We can do it on its own or add it to another booking so it's done while we're already there. A driveway, carport or office car park all work.
- Book online and choose headlight restoration, or add it to a package.
- We inspect the lenses and let you know what result to expect.
- Sand, polish and seal both headlights.
- Let it cure. Avoid washing the headlights with harsh chemicals for a few days.
We arrive self-sufficient where access allows, and we'll confirm water and power needs when you book.
Keeping them clear
Parking undercover helps a lot. Washing with a gentle car shampoo, rather than harsh degreasers, also helps the sealant last. If the car lives outside, the lenses will eventually weather again, so check them every year or two.
Pricing (from)
Headlight restoration is from $XX for a pair of standard headlights. Vehicle size matters less here than on our other services, because the work depends on the lenses rather than the body. A small car and a 4WD with similar headlights take similar time.
Very large lenses, heavily damaged lenses or extra lights (like fog lights) may cost more. Adding it to a package means we do it in the same visit, without a separate trip. See our pricing page for details. Fog lights or tail lights too? Call 0402 723 464 for a price.
Insured to $20 million
We mask carefully, but sanding still happens next to your paint. Every headlight restoration is covered by public liability insurance up to $20 million, and we've been trading for 8 years.
- Insured to $20 millionPublic liability cover on every service
- We come to youHome, work or unit complex
- 8 years tradingBrisbane-based, Moorooka head office
- Book onlinePick a service and a time
Before & after
Headlights before and after restoration, from real cars around Brisbane.
Our before-and-after photos are being added. Check back soon, or book a detail and see the difference yourself.
More are in our before and after gallery.
Areas we cover
If you're searching for headlight restoration near me in greater Brisbane, we cover the northside, southside, inner city, bayside, westside and Logan from Moorooka. See the full list on our service areas page.
FAQs
What is headlight restoration?
Headlight restoration is the process of removing the oxidised, yellowed outer layer of plastic headlight lenses by sanding and polishing, then sealing them with a UV-resistant coating. It restores clarity and improves how the car looks, and can improve light output at night.
How long does headlight restoration last?
It depends on how much sun the car gets and how it's washed. The UV sealant is what makes it last. Cars parked undercover keep clear lenses longer than cars parked outside. Without a sealant, polished lenses can go cloudy again quickly.
Is headlight restoration better than toothpaste or a DIY kit?
Toothpaste and quick DIY wipes polish the surface but don't remove deep oxidation or reseal the lens, so the haze returns fast. A proper restoration sands the damage away and seals the lens with UV protection.
Will restored headlights pass a roadworthy?
A roadworthy inspection looks at whether lights work and aren't damaged. Clearer lenses help, but we can't guarantee an inspection result. Cracks, moisture inside the housing or failed bulbs need fixing separately.
Can you restore other plastic lights?
Fog lights and some tail lights can often be restored the same way. Let us know at booking and we'll confirm.
Book your detail
Book Headlight Restoration online, add it to any package, or call 0402 723 464. Want the paint to match? Ask about a cut and polish or exterior detailing.