Fix peeling film on head lights

How can I remove/renew this film that is peeling?

 

Is that inside or outside?? Who installed the film?

 

Its on the outside. I got these head lights off ebay a couple years ago, but I have a guy who works for VW and he said OEM headlights will do that too

 

I dont even care if I just remove it. I dont need to replace it. I dont even know what the purpose of it is. The area where no film is anymore looks the same.

 

My passenger side headlight is doing the same thing. My buffer took most of it off and blended it with the rest of the headlight.

 

It's probably a clear protective coating to prevent damage/fading on the actual plastic of the light.
Not sure what the best way to get that off is tho. Maybe try a headlight restoring kit??

 

I would guess those have some sort clear on them, and it looks it is flaking off. I would wet sand them with 2000 grit, and then buff them back to pretty. IMO

 

Just buff it off, don't sand it off..

 

x2 it's a protective coating it happened to my moms car. You can buy a headlight restore kit or just buy sand paper 500 grit 1000,1500 & 2000 wet sand it it starting with the 500 with a sanding block. Once you have sanded with all grits and the surface is smooth buff with a fine grit rubbing compound & polish and your headlights will look like new. After you buff and polish clean the light and shoot it with a clear coat. That's what I did and her lights look brand new!

 

Awesome..this video came up when i searched headlight restoration kit and it looks pretty good. Also most of the comments are positive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t1RBw0IGXA

 

yup the 3M is some great stuff!

 

Hello- I’ve got this same peeling on my 02 Tacoma, and I’d like to try this buffing technique. I have access to a buffer, but what pad should I use to buff this out? Thanks in advance for your time

 

Things have changed in the market in the 13 years since this thread was created.

I just used a CeraKote headlight restore kit on my RAV. Works well. So I've ordered one for my Tacoma.

You can watch a video on their site of the 'how to' part.

 

Thanks so much. I’m gonna look into that!

 

How long has it been on your RAV4 and hows it holding up? Curious if this coating has the same lifespan as most headlight coatings. Eventually I'm gonna wear through the damn plastic lense from polishing off the hazing so often lol

 

Not long, so I can't speak to durability yet.

But I've cleaned lots of headlights with various methods and refinish techniques, and I can say the is the most dramatic result I've had, due to the secret sauce of the last step.

Hopefully it lasts well.

 

Well Clearwater Bill, I took your advice and did the CeraKote yesterday and the end result was amazing! Thanks again! They look brand new. Here’s a before and after: