Headlight renovation & detailing

Headlight restoration consists of restoring the transparency and shine of vehicle optics that have become cloudy, yellowed or scratched by UV and bad weather. Automotive detailing brings together a set of professional cleaning, correction and protection techniques for the bodywork, the interior and all elements of the vehicle. These two disciplines aim to give the vehicle a like-new appearance, while protecting it durably. At AGM Vision, we offer a complete range of products and tools to carry out these operations yourself, from polish to polishing pads, including ceramic protections.

Modern headlights are made of polycarbonate, a transparent plastic that degrades under the effect of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The original protective varnish wears out over time, exposing the plastic to oxidation, pollution and micro-scratches caused by projections of sand and gravel. This degradation causes yellowing and progressive clouding. Cloudy headlights reduce light output by 40 to 60 %, compromising night-time safety. Headlight restoration makes it possible to regain up to 95 % of the original transparency in just a few hours.

To get started in automotive detailing, a basic kit includes: a pH-neutral shampoo for washing, a ferrous decontaminant (fallout remover), a clay bar to smooth the surface, a correcting polish to remove micro-scratches, and a protection (wax, sealant, or ceramic coating). For tools: a microfiber wash mitt, drying towels, a sprayer and, ideally, an orbital polisher for paint correction. AGM Vision offers complete packs to get started properly, without excessive investment.

These three products have different levels of abrasiveness. The compound (or polishing paste) is the most abrasive: it removes deep scratches, oxidation marks, and major defects. The polish is moderately abrasive: it corrects micro-scratches (swirl marks) and refines the compound’s work. The glaze is non-abrasive: it fills the last imperfections and provides a deep shine. The order of use is: compound, then polish, then glaze. Each step uses a suitable polishing pad (hard for the compound, soft for the glaze). AGM Vision offers products for each step.

Yes, hand detailing is entirely possible for basic operations: washing, decontamination, applying wax or sealant. However, paint correction (removal of scratches and swirl marks) is much more effective and faster with a dual action polisher. By hand, polish corrects light defects, but cannot eliminate deep scratches. For headlight restoration, sanding can be done manually, but the final polishing will be more uniform by machine. AGM Vision recommends a dual action orbital polisher for beginners: it is effective and without risk of burning the clear coat.

The duration depends on the condition of the vehicle and the level of desired correction. A headlight restoration (sanding + polish + protection) takes about 1 to 2 hours for both lenses. A complete detailing wash (wash, decontamination, drying) lasts 2 to 3 hours. A complete paint correction (compound + polish + protection) requires 6 to 12 hours depending on the size of the vehicle. A ceramic coating requires an application and curing time of 24 to 48 hours. For an optimal result, AGM Vision recommends working out of the sun and on a clean surface.