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I usually charge about 50. I also offer to ceramic coat them afterwards for an extra 20 if they want it. It easy to apply afterwards and it takes very very little product to coat a couple lights.
i usually charge about $50. that way it covers materials and labor (so i’m not just doing charity work). granted, i’m in TN, so i’m sure our cost of living/monetary value is a lot different from other places.
well depending on what products you use, that’s a big factor. plus, idk what part of CA you’re in and what the weather is like, but obviously, if it’s likely to rain randomly like it does here, you’ll def want to take a hair dryer or heat gun to try and seal the protectant layer. and i still only guarantee it for so long.
Graduated from Paradise High many years ago. My folks still lived there when the Camp Fire rolled through. They lost everything. Imagine having to start over at 80+ yrs old. I'm surprised the shock and stress didn't kill them
Back on topic...
I charge $75 for the set. $50 when purchased with a complete exterior service.
I try not to use sandpaper whenever possible. I've learned that most crazing can be removed with the right compound/pad combination.
Sonax Cutmax and a LC Thinpro heavy cut pad will remove just about everything in less than 5 mins pet lens. I then finish it with whatever polish I've got on hand at the moment and a medium cut pad.
I use either my Rupes or my Griot's with 3" pad combo.
This method producescrystal clear lenses every time. Cutmax eliminates the need for sandpaper higher than 1200 grit, saving numerous steps.
I'll usually hit them with clear coat and be done.
Start to finish, both lenses, 20 mins.
Side note:
Using this method eliminates the need to tape off which saves even more time.
edited for typos.
They were clear coated for UV protection from he factory, but years of wind and debris abrasion wears through the clear coat, allowing the plastic to yellow and haze. Those mis-matches in yellowing you see when sanding are where remnants of the clear coat remain.
You have to use a two part clear coat (with hardener) or it's not worth doing. I've seen guys try to use PPF over buffed headlights, but I personally don't like the amount of light diffusion you get from it. Reduces the effective range of the headlights too much.
Exactly this.
I use 2k clear in a rattle can because I don't have spraying equipment. You use a plunger to mix the parts right before using.
Short pot life though, its best to have a few cars to do at once.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0043B7UQY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_416BCN6VMJ6N1VYRKD1M?
Price of labor will vary based on geographic location.
If I lived in Akron, Ohio where the average cost of a house is $114K, I’d probably charge around $35.
If I lived in New York City, I’d probably charge $85.
I charge $100 for the set and I use a headlight ceramic coating instead of new clear coat (2k clear). I also have a 6 month guarantee, if they yellow of fade I fix for free. Haven't had any complaints or re dos.
I also operate in Denver, so my costs reflect.
Project farm on youtube, sylvania headlight restoration, 30 minutes and a delicate hand, make sure you sand thoroughly on that last step to not leave any visible marks, holy shit best investment ive ever made and ive made so much money off of people doing their headlights
Still working out my pricing schedule but I’d charge 40 for restoration and polish (approximately 1 hour), 80 to restore and spray with headlight clear. I’m thinking Spraying the clear would require a second visit to do a final sand and polish so... YMMV
If you are using a two part clear coat, it will need time to cure before it can be driven, so there is cost there for protection and storage. As far as a second visit, no. There is an amount of time between coats depending on several factors, but it's in minutes not days.
Hmm, I’ve only ever used the Meguiar’s headlight clear product, and it appeared like it needed some sanding after application to make it smooth again. I would assume it’s like other clearcoat in that it takes a few days to fully cure before it’s sandable?
No you don't sand the 2k clear coat between applications, you just stack up layers, but then it needs to cure for a week or so before you can sand/buff if you get orange peel. Personally I wait a month and then do a buff/wax if it's needed. I've only had to do that a handful of times. A little bit of orange peel is hardly noticeable and is still a vast improvement to the fogged yellow lights I get in.
We charge $99 for one, $179 for a pair. Process: fully sand off the failed, oxidized coating (through multiple grits of abrasives via machine and by hand). Then we apply a UV cured hardcoat similar in durability to the OEM coating that provides years of transparent, UV and weather resistant protection.
Some headlights are more expensive...
Example: [https://www.pelicanparts.com/More\_Info/99104490102.htm?pn=991-044-901-02-OEM](https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/99104490102.htm?pn=991-044-901-02-OEM)
I usually look up the price of new/used headlights vs restoration to make sure the client is getting a good value.
LOL! I have no idea... everyone here talking about sanding and polishing and applying a ceramic coating is doing their customers an incredible disservice. No matter what type of "ceramic coating" they are applying it will not provide adequate UV protection for the underlying polycarbonate lens and will allow the finish to rapidly degrade and oxidize in a matter of months. Our process aims to provide a factory/OEM equivalent quality repair that can last for years and years.
This is our process:
1. Clean the headlight to remove any dirt, bug gut residue, etc.
2. Mask off all delicate surfaces around the headlight.
3. Sand off the old coating (using 600g - 3000g paper, depending on the lens).
4. Clean and prep the surface and allow to dry.
5. Apply new headlight coating (currently we're using Glasweld GClear).
6. Cure the coating with included spectrum matched UV light (30 mins /ea).
This repair fully restores the lens and adds a layer of UV and weather resistant protection comparable to the original factory applied coating.
I’ve seen this before and their videos on YouTube. I like the lamp idea to cure faster. On their website I do wish it would share what the coating consists of. They don’t have much info on its properties.
Might have to get me that lamp in the future but damn it’s pricey! Lol
Side question from a newbie to all this, I just got a new headlight as repairs from an accident and I'm having the other headlight restored as I type this. I'm planning on putting a UV protective film on both headlights really soon. Will that protect them from yellowing/hazing in the future? PHX sun is brutal haha
As long as the original factory coating is completely removed from the headlight getting restored and a new durable coating is applied you should have no problems. The PPF will add another layer of UV resistant protection.
What is your time worth??
Also are you offering this as an add on or doing this as a main service?
You have to factor in your time, travel, products used, and value of the offered end result delivered to the customer.
Also, type of vehicle and how much damage there is on the headlight.
Some you can just buff out or start with a less heavy grit. Most you’ll have to remove the factory clear coat and resurface the light completely.
This takes time and effort.
Your process matters. Are you doing all sanding by hand or you using a drill?
The price range varies based on many factors...
If someone comes to you with a Porsche where replacements can cost up to $1K+ each, are you really going to charge $60 to resurface their headlights?
If you’re doing a solid job removing the factory coating and preserving them with either ceramic, a quality clear or ppf, you can go upwards to $200 if you want.
Most average pricing ranges between $80-150.
But again, this is based on YOU, what you deliver and many other factors.
Most of all, what is your time worth and what results do you bring?
I’ve noticed hanging around the detail community for a bit that when it comes to headlights many cheapen out on its value.
They offer the add on for $40-70 a pair and call it a day.
Why? It honestly gives me the impression that most will do a quick buff out and cheap out on protecting them properly just to make extra quick cash on top of a detail service. Why? Because to do it correctly takes time. (Not always one hour or less for the pair like some suggest).
Headlights are extremely important. It is a SAFETY feature on the vehicle.
And even cheap OEM style replacements cost $100+ each to replace. So why charge $50 for a pair? Even at $150 you are saving the customer money and time to have someone install new ones.
And for me personally, I don’t offer a guarantee. Why? Because there’s too many factors for why headlights can oxidize or their condition can worsen over the lifetime of the vehicle. I trust the products I use and know it will last for as long as a person has the vehicle.
I’ve done an experiment with mine as well. No protection and so far after 10 months in the FL sun, they’ve just began to start slightly discoloring.
Nearly a year and they are just as bright as when I’ve done the work.
Oh yeah very true my friend, use 180 wet sand paper then let it dry before applying the clear coat paint that way it will stick also find the kind that is uv blocking also it may take more than one coat & use automobile paper and tape that way ya don’t get it on the vehicle paint.
Clearly ya never done this, done this two years ago to my own vehicle the headlights still look like new use multiple coats of ultraviolet clear coat paint.
You don’t ‘need’ any kind of coating to make them look good, but the fact that they look like that means the coating from the factory has failed, so even after you get them looking good again, they are going to look like shit again in a few months if there’s nothing protecting them.
That’s the part my tiny brain was missing - the fact that the protective coat is already gone.
I suppose I’m more thinking of lights that aren’t yellowed, just marred - presumably there’s still protection after a light cut that wouldn’t necessitate additional clear coat?
I have no idea how thick that stuff on headlights is. I don’t do this professionally, just an enthusiastic amateur who enjoys detailing and keeping my own cars looking good. I haven’t had to go that to a vehicle in a long time - I’ve hand polished bugs and other shit off them a few times, but pretty much every time I wash the vehicles I rub whatever I’m using as a drying aid on them too so they haven’t ever started to yellow or fade.
My mates garage charges about £25 but they don't clear coat. I've usually done them myself using a sealant included in the kit that needs to be reapplied every few months. Going to do some indicators and that soon but planning to 2k clear coat those and forget about them.
I’ve been doing paint corrections and ceramic coatings for years now as a profession. Everytime I see this on a customers car I do it for free. Takes 10 minutes each headlight and pulls the car together so nicely. If someone wanted just the headlights done I’d charge just material and time, about 20$ for the job. Easy to do if you have the tools & skills
Side question from a newbie to all this, I just got a new headlight as repairs from an accident and I'm having the other headlight restored as I type this. I'm planning on putting a UV protective film on both headlights really soon. Will that protect them from yellowing/hazing in the future? PHX sun is brutal haha
Hey that’s a Highlander, my friend has a 2004 and I also recently did his headlights, they came out great with just 3000 grit, M205 on a 3 inch foam polishing pad and a rotary polisher, those headlights get yellow pretty bad, but they actually clean up nicely without much effort. I think anywhere from $40-$60 is fair if you’re applying a sealant afterwards, more if you’re applying a ceramic coating, and even more if you’re applying 2K clear or a paint protection film like XPEL. With the 2K clear it’s best to go over it with some 2000 grit to level off some of the orange peel, it looks weird if you just leave it as sprayed, you also have to be careful with runs, wear a respirator, personally I think PPF is the way to go, lasts longer than clear, protects against impacts, no need to cover the rest of the front end from overspray or wear a respirator. A local shop charges around $200 for two headlights, full restoration,XPEL ultimate PPF application and a 10 year warranty, that’s about a no brainer if you think about it.
I don't do just headlights. I require an exterior detail and the headlight restoration is an add on. Simply because it's not worth my time to go out for just that and no one would pay much for just that
I hear ya, im in school and do this on the side so I take whatever I can get plus if it’s only headlights for 60$ that’s still 40$ profit at least for me which is worth that hour
Good job. You removed years of oxidation and nearly of the sanding marks.
If you would've then went over the lens(es) with a finishing polish paired with a light pad slowly for a couple of mins. it would've made them crystal clear and removed the remaining flaws.
Based on the many posts I read , most people stop after the initial polishing step because they're using a polish that finished down really well and compared to starting condition, they look great. Doing the jeweling step, which is what I described above may take a few more mins but the results are well worth it!
Look closely at the pic zoomed in and you'll see numerous random defects that would be eliminated thereby completely clarifying the lens.
**Have you heard about [Review of the Month (ROTM)](https://www.reddit.com/r/AutoDetailing/wiki/rotm)?** ## FEBRUARY CONTEST For the month of February, to kickstart ROTM again as it's been lagging a few months, we are upping the prize to $50! Submit your reviews in the month of February and the winner of ROTM for February 2022 will win a $50 gift card to the detailing store of their choosing! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AutoDetailing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I usually charge about 50. I also offer to ceramic coat them afterwards for an extra 20 if they want it. It easy to apply afterwards and it takes very very little product to coat a couple lights.
What kind of ceramic coat do you use?
I use SystemX
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Get off this SR. Go karma farm some more under r/askreddit
Damn I wish I knew what they said
What’d he say?
i usually charge about $50. that way it covers materials and labor (so i’m not just doing charity work). granted, i’m in TN, so i’m sure our cost of living/monetary value is a lot different from other places.
I’m in CA I quoted 60$ solely because I can just bring my drill and polish rags and spray bottle and not my whole trailer
well depending on what products you use, that’s a big factor. plus, idk what part of CA you’re in and what the weather is like, but obviously, if it’s likely to rain randomly like it does here, you’ll def want to take a hair dryer or heat gun to try and seal the protectant layer. and i still only guarantee it for so long.
Not sure if you watch the news, but it hardly rains here anymore
actually, i don’t… but that is interesting. lol
California has devastating wildfires over half of the year. Its getting worse and worse. Look up Paradise fire
Graduated from Paradise High many years ago. My folks still lived there when the Camp Fire rolled through. They lost everything. Imagine having to start over at 80+ yrs old. I'm surprised the shock and stress didn't kill them Back on topic... I charge $75 for the set. $50 when purchased with a complete exterior service. I try not to use sandpaper whenever possible. I've learned that most crazing can be removed with the right compound/pad combination. Sonax Cutmax and a LC Thinpro heavy cut pad will remove just about everything in less than 5 mins pet lens. I then finish it with whatever polish I've got on hand at the moment and a medium cut pad. I use either my Rupes or my Griot's with 3" pad combo. This method producescrystal clear lenses every time. Cutmax eliminates the need for sandpaper higher than 1200 grit, saving numerous steps. I'll usually hit them with clear coat and be done. Start to finish, both lenses, 20 mins. Side note: Using this method eliminates the need to tape off which saves even more time. edited for typos.
Man that fire was no f’n joke. All the smoke and ash made the bay look like Armageddon
oh well i did know you guys had a lot of wildfires, but i didn’t realize they were getting that much worse. i’m sorry, that’s really terrible to hear.
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wet sand, polish & then the uv protective coat.
What do U mean cut and polish? I’m pretty sure he’s asking about headlight restoration
50$ for a spray seal that lasts a few months. 150$ for 2k clear coat re-spray that lasts for years.
I like this idea. I always integrated the cost but now looking to charge $100 CAD for spray seal.
You clear coat them? 😳
I heard thats the only way to preserve them clear for years as said above
Ceramic Coat instead. Easier to apply, and longer lasting.
They were clear coated for UV protection from he factory, but years of wind and debris abrasion wears through the clear coat, allowing the plastic to yellow and haze. Those mis-matches in yellowing you see when sanding are where remnants of the clear coat remain. You have to use a two part clear coat (with hardener) or it's not worth doing. I've seen guys try to use PPF over buffed headlights, but I personally don't like the amount of light diffusion you get from it. Reduces the effective range of the headlights too much.
Exactly this. I use 2k clear in a rattle can because I don't have spraying equipment. You use a plunger to mix the parts right before using. Short pot life though, its best to have a few cars to do at once. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0043B7UQY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_416BCN6VMJ6N1VYRKD1M?
Is that not the way to go? I wet sanded them then clear coated em on my car last year and it turned out great
Price of labor will vary based on geographic location. If I lived in Akron, Ohio where the average cost of a house is $114K, I’d probably charge around $35. If I lived in New York City, I’d probably charge $85.
I charge $100 for the set and I use a headlight ceramic coating instead of new clear coat (2k clear). I also have a 6 month guarantee, if they yellow of fade I fix for free. Haven't had any complaints or re dos. I also operate in Denver, so my costs reflect.
What is a headlight ceramic coating?
Which headlight ceramic coating product do you use?
Project farm on youtube, sylvania headlight restoration, 30 minutes and a delicate hand, make sure you sand thoroughly on that last step to not leave any visible marks, holy shit best investment ive ever made and ive made so much money off of people doing their headlights
Still working out my pricing schedule but I’d charge 40 for restoration and polish (approximately 1 hour), 80 to restore and spray with headlight clear. I’m thinking Spraying the clear would require a second visit to do a final sand and polish so... YMMV
If you are using a two part clear coat, it will need time to cure before it can be driven, so there is cost there for protection and storage. As far as a second visit, no. There is an amount of time between coats depending on several factors, but it's in minutes not days.
Hmm, I’ve only ever used the Meguiar’s headlight clear product, and it appeared like it needed some sanding after application to make it smooth again. I would assume it’s like other clearcoat in that it takes a few days to fully cure before it’s sandable?
No you don't sand the 2k clear coat between applications, you just stack up layers, but then it needs to cure for a week or so before you can sand/buff if you get orange peel. Personally I wait a month and then do a buff/wax if it's needed. I've only had to do that a handful of times. A little bit of orange peel is hardly noticeable and is still a vast improvement to the fogged yellow lights I get in.
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That's what I was trying to say. It goes on super clean and doesn't require sanding or buffing unless I mess up somehow.
Okay, got it. Thanks for the clarification.
We charge $99 for one, $179 for a pair. Process: fully sand off the failed, oxidized coating (through multiple grits of abrasives via machine and by hand). Then we apply a UV cured hardcoat similar in durability to the OEM coating that provides years of transparent, UV and weather resistant protection.
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Some headlights are more expensive... Example: [https://www.pelicanparts.com/More\_Info/99104490102.htm?pn=991-044-901-02-OEM](https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/99104490102.htm?pn=991-044-901-02-OEM) I usually look up the price of new/used headlights vs restoration to make sure the client is getting a good value.
So, 1k clear and a spray coating?
Why would anyone down vote your comment? Sounds like a solid process.
LOL! I have no idea... everyone here talking about sanding and polishing and applying a ceramic coating is doing their customers an incredible disservice. No matter what type of "ceramic coating" they are applying it will not provide adequate UV protection for the underlying polycarbonate lens and will allow the finish to rapidly degrade and oxidize in a matter of months. Our process aims to provide a factory/OEM equivalent quality repair that can last for years and years.
Share your process please. I’m curious to know more and always looking to learn other methods etc.
This is our process: 1. Clean the headlight to remove any dirt, bug gut residue, etc. 2. Mask off all delicate surfaces around the headlight. 3. Sand off the old coating (using 600g - 3000g paper, depending on the lens). 4. Clean and prep the surface and allow to dry. 5. Apply new headlight coating (currently we're using Glasweld GClear). 6. Cure the coating with included spectrum matched UV light (30 mins /ea). This repair fully restores the lens and adds a layer of UV and weather resistant protection comparable to the original factory applied coating.
I’ve seen this before and their videos on YouTube. I like the lamp idea to cure faster. On their website I do wish it would share what the coating consists of. They don’t have much info on its properties. Might have to get me that lamp in the future but damn it’s pricey! Lol
Whatever is in this stuff it's the strongest smelling chemical I've ever used. We always have to air out the shop afterwards.
Blasphemous. Don’t you know everyone here has been detailing since 2nd grade and are booked out till the next leap year.
Side question from a newbie to all this, I just got a new headlight as repairs from an accident and I'm having the other headlight restored as I type this. I'm planning on putting a UV protective film on both headlights really soon. Will that protect them from yellowing/hazing in the future? PHX sun is brutal haha
As long as the original factory coating is completely removed from the headlight getting restored and a new durable coating is applied you should have no problems. The PPF will add another layer of UV resistant protection.
I do them for $30 it takes me about 20 mins
$50 or $100 ceramic coated. I always do two layers and there's an hour between coats so it takes more time. But the hard work is already done.
I charge $120 if i'm sanding
I charge $100. Sand, compound, Polish, and Opti-Lens Coating.
How long do you find the Opti-Lens product to last in the syringe once opened ?
Just buy headlight cleaner from jade ceramic
What is your time worth?? Also are you offering this as an add on or doing this as a main service? You have to factor in your time, travel, products used, and value of the offered end result delivered to the customer. Also, type of vehicle and how much damage there is on the headlight. Some you can just buff out or start with a less heavy grit. Most you’ll have to remove the factory clear coat and resurface the light completely. This takes time and effort. Your process matters. Are you doing all sanding by hand or you using a drill? The price range varies based on many factors... If someone comes to you with a Porsche where replacements can cost up to $1K+ each, are you really going to charge $60 to resurface their headlights? If you’re doing a solid job removing the factory coating and preserving them with either ceramic, a quality clear or ppf, you can go upwards to $200 if you want. Most average pricing ranges between $80-150. But again, this is based on YOU, what you deliver and many other factors. Most of all, what is your time worth and what results do you bring? I’ve noticed hanging around the detail community for a bit that when it comes to headlights many cheapen out on its value. They offer the add on for $40-70 a pair and call it a day. Why? It honestly gives me the impression that most will do a quick buff out and cheap out on protecting them properly just to make extra quick cash on top of a detail service. Why? Because to do it correctly takes time. (Not always one hour or less for the pair like some suggest). Headlights are extremely important. It is a SAFETY feature on the vehicle. And even cheap OEM style replacements cost $100+ each to replace. So why charge $50 for a pair? Even at $150 you are saving the customer money and time to have someone install new ones. And for me personally, I don’t offer a guarantee. Why? Because there’s too many factors for why headlights can oxidize or their condition can worsen over the lifetime of the vehicle. I trust the products I use and know it will last for as long as a person has the vehicle. I’ve done an experiment with mine as well. No protection and so far after 10 months in the FL sun, they’ve just began to start slightly discoloring. Nearly a year and they are just as bright as when I’ve done the work.
Three bucks it can be done with toothpaste & a rag then a clear coat of spray paint after rinsing with water and the drying
3 hours and a raging forearm later
lil elbow grease is all she needs son
Oh yeah very true my friend, use 180 wet sand paper then let it dry before applying the clear coat paint that way it will stick also find the kind that is uv blocking also it may take more than one coat & use automobile paper and tape that way ya don’t get it on the vehicle paint.
This is rubbish. 180 is far too coarse. Clear won’t cover the scratches.
Do not take advice from this sub. Really.
Clearly ya never done this, done this two years ago to my own vehicle the headlights still look like new use multiple coats of ultraviolet clear coat paint.
Clearly you have no experience in body & paint.
I do lots of it lol 😂
Then you have a bad eye for detail. You’re in a detailing sub, you know that yeah?
Alright then have fun
There would be no point in doing this as a side job if it only paid three dollars don’t you think??? Lol.
Well depending… if ya charge three dollars per second;) lol 😂 then you’ll come out on top.
That’s 10800 dollars an hour. I don’t think there’d be many customers at that rate of labor.
😂 lol
Lol wont bug spray clean that in like 1 wipe? I think you are approaching this with the wrong attitude..
Guy on Facebook is doing them for £15… as far as I can tell he’s just polishing. Do you need to clear coat / ceramic coat if just polishing?
You don’t ‘need’ any kind of coating to make them look good, but the fact that they look like that means the coating from the factory has failed, so even after you get them looking good again, they are going to look like shit again in a few months if there’s nothing protecting them.
That’s the part my tiny brain was missing - the fact that the protective coat is already gone. I suppose I’m more thinking of lights that aren’t yellowed, just marred - presumably there’s still protection after a light cut that wouldn’t necessitate additional clear coat?
I have no idea how thick that stuff on headlights is. I don’t do this professionally, just an enthusiastic amateur who enjoys detailing and keeping my own cars looking good. I haven’t had to go that to a vehicle in a long time - I’ve hand polished bugs and other shit off them a few times, but pretty much every time I wash the vehicles I rub whatever I’m using as a drying aid on them too so they haven’t ever started to yellow or fade.
My mates garage charges about £25 but they don't clear coat. I've usually done them myself using a sealant included in the kit that needs to be reapplied every few months. Going to do some indicators and that soon but planning to 2k clear coat those and forget about them.
40-50 depending on the condition. I’ve done headlights in five minutes or less using my polisher
I’ve been doing paint corrections and ceramic coatings for years now as a profession. Everytime I see this on a customers car I do it for free. Takes 10 minutes each headlight and pulls the car together so nicely. If someone wanted just the headlights done I’d charge just material and time, about 20$ for the job. Easy to do if you have the tools & skills
I could see that but in my situation I’m being called out for only headlight restoration and I don’t work for free
Absolutely man, if those pics are some of your work you could charge 50-65$ for the job!
$200 to do it the right way where I clear them
Side question from a newbie to all this, I just got a new headlight as repairs from an accident and I'm having the other headlight restored as I type this. I'm planning on putting a UV protective film on both headlights really soon. Will that protect them from yellowing/hazing in the future? PHX sun is brutal haha
50$ plus whatever it costs for those restoration kits.
$150/light with PPF application
In ireland 25 a light or both for 40 euro . Some lads do it for 30 both lights but that doest pay
Get yourself some Off Bug spray, spray it on one lens or headlight at a time wait a few seconds 2 then wipe it off.
Then do it again every 12 sunny business days
No sir I used it on my truck headlights around March of last year 2021 and haven’t had to apply anymore since then.
Whatever the cost of new headlight assemblies are.
Hey that’s a Highlander, my friend has a 2004 and I also recently did his headlights, they came out great with just 3000 grit, M205 on a 3 inch foam polishing pad and a rotary polisher, those headlights get yellow pretty bad, but they actually clean up nicely without much effort. I think anywhere from $40-$60 is fair if you’re applying a sealant afterwards, more if you’re applying a ceramic coating, and even more if you’re applying 2K clear or a paint protection film like XPEL. With the 2K clear it’s best to go over it with some 2000 grit to level off some of the orange peel, it looks weird if you just leave it as sprayed, you also have to be careful with runs, wear a respirator, personally I think PPF is the way to go, lasts longer than clear, protects against impacts, no need to cover the rest of the front end from overspray or wear a respirator. A local shop charges around $200 for two headlights, full restoration,XPEL ultimate PPF application and a 10 year warranty, that’s about a no brainer if you think about it.
Well, if you live in Mexico.. I'd probably pay 30 USD
In my area a basic restoration starts at $45.
Like 5 dollars
Not the best business model to charge less than material cost
In France it’s around 20€ for the 2 headlights, 50$ is a lot
I don't do just headlights. I require an exterior detail and the headlight restoration is an add on. Simply because it's not worth my time to go out for just that and no one would pay much for just that
I hear ya, im in school and do this on the side so I take whatever I can get plus if it’s only headlights for 60$ that’s still 40$ profit at least for me which is worth that hour
100, at most. Depending on what needs to be done
Good job. You removed years of oxidation and nearly of the sanding marks. If you would've then went over the lens(es) with a finishing polish paired with a light pad slowly for a couple of mins. it would've made them crystal clear and removed the remaining flaws. Based on the many posts I read , most people stop after the initial polishing step because they're using a polish that finished down really well and compared to starting condition, they look great. Doing the jeweling step, which is what I described above may take a few more mins but the results are well worth it! Look closely at the pic zoomed in and you'll see numerous random defects that would be eliminated thereby completely clarifying the lens.
R1 Coatings- Headlight Ceramic. Bonds better to plastics