Headlight restoration is a straightforward service, but the quality of results varies enormously depending on the products used, the technique applied, and whether a UV coating is included. Before you book any service, ask these five questions. The answers will tell you everything you need to know.
1. What UV Coating Do You Apply, and How Long Does It Last?
This is the most important question. A restoration without a quality UV coating will look great for a few months and then fade back to hazy. In Colorado's high-UV environment, uncoated lenses typically start showing oxidation again within 3–6 months.
What a good answer sounds like: "We apply a professional-grade ceramic UV coating that lasts 2–3 years." Bonus points if they can name the specific product.
Red flags: "We use a sealant that comes with the kit." "It should last about 6 months." Any hesitation or vagueness about the coating.
2. What Is Your Sanding Process?
Quality restoration requires wet sanding through multiple grits before polishing. This removes the oxidized layer and prepares the surface for the coating to bond properly. Services that skip straight to polishing or use only one grit of sandpaper will leave micro-scratches that reduce clarity and cause the coating to fail early.
What a good answer sounds like: "We wet sand through multiple grits, typically starting at 400 and working up to 2000, before machine polishing."
Red flags: "We just polish them." "We use a one-step product." No mention of sanding at all.
3. Do You Use a Machine Polisher or Polish by Hand?
Machine polishing with a dual-action orbital polisher produces more consistent results than hand polishing. It applies uniform pressure across the entire lens surface and can handle more aggressive cutting compounds that are necessary for heavily oxidized lenses.
What a good answer sounds like: "We use a dual-action polisher with professional cutting and finishing compounds."
Red flags: Hand polishing only, or no mention of equipment at all.
4. Can I See Before and After Photos of Your Work?
Any reputable service should have a portfolio of real customer results. Look for photos of actual vehicles they have worked on, not stock images or manufacturer photos. Pay attention to the after photos specifically: are the lenses crystal clear, or just less yellow than before?
What a good answer sounds like: Immediate access to a portfolio of real before and after photos, ideally with vehicle makes and models mentioned.
Red flags: Only stock photos, reluctance to show real work, or after photos that still show visible haze.
5. Do You Offer a Guarantee?
A service that is confident in their work will stand behind it. Ask specifically what happens if you are not satisfied with the results, or if the coating fails earlier than expected.
What a good answer sounds like: "If you are not happy with the results, we will come back and make it right."
Red flags: No guarantee, vague language about "doing their best," or a policy that requires you to return to a fixed location for any warranty service.
What We Use at Headlight Boost
To answer our own questions: we wet sand through multiple grits, use a dual-action polisher with professional compounds, and apply a professional-grade UV ceramic coating that lasts 2–3 years. We back every job with a satisfaction guarantee and are happy to show you our work before you book.
If you want to try restoring your own headlights, the Headlight Magic PRO System is the same professional-grade kit we use on every job. It includes the lens prep solution, ceramic coating, and all the tools you need for a quality DIY restoration.
Shop the Headlight Magic PRO System →
Questions? Text us a photo at (720) 720-4910 and we will give you an honest assessment.
