What is involved in professional headlight restoration?

SHINES restores polycarbonate headlight lenses with a multi-step professional process: we inspect each lens, mask surrounding paint, remove the failed factory UV layer (not just surface haze), refine the lens to a smooth coating-ready finish, apply an OEM-grade UV hard coat, and fully cure it in-shop before handover. You see the result before you leave. Step-by-step overview: https://shines.be/headlight-restoration-process.

What types of headlight damage can you fix?

We can remove exterior oxidation, yellowing, cloudiness, haziness, discoloration, and light to moderate scratches on polycarbonate lenses. Deep cracks, chips through the lens, or badly melted plastic may need replacement. We assess every lens honestly before work starts and will recommend new assemblies when restoration is not the safe choice.

Is the foggy look coming from inside the headlight?

Usually no. Most cloudy headlights are caused by UV breakdown and oxidation on the outside of the polycarbonate lens. Internal moisture is rare and often means a broken or worn seal, allowing condensation inside the housing. Headlights have venting; heat from the bulb normally clears minor moisture over time. If we see internal damage during inspection, we will tell you whether restoration or replacement is appropriate.

Are headlight lenses made of glass or plastic?

Most modern car headlights use polycarbonate plastic: lighter, shatter-resistant, and shaped for aerodynamic styling. Older or simpler vehicles (some trucks, vans, and classics) may still use glass. SHINES specialises in professional restoration and UV recoating of polycarbonate lenses, which make up the vast majority of vehicles on Belgian and European roads today.

Do I need to remove my headlights before restoration?

No. Headlights can stay on the vehicle. That is our preferred method. We mask and tape around each lamp to protect your paint. Popping the hood gives us easier access. If your headlights are already removed (for example after bodywork), we can restore them on the bench; just let us know when you book.

How long does headlight restoration take?

At our garage in Ingelmunster, Belgium, Typically, restoration plus full in-shop cure takes about 30–60 minutes per headlight or tail light, or about 45–90 minutes for both headlights depending on size and oxidation severity. The coating is fully hardened before you drive away. Mail-in orders across Europe typically take 3–5 business days plus shipping, plus shipping time each way.

Can I drive home right after restoration?

Yes. Unlike shops that only polish and ask you to wait hours or days for a sealant to dry, SHINES UV-cures every lens on-site before handover. The coating is rock-hard when you leave, with no delicate drive home, no keeping the car in a dust-free garage overnight, and no restriction before rain or washing.

Why choose SHINES over a DIY headlight restoration kit?

DIY kits can help light haze if used carefully, but they are one-size-fits-all: wrong grit or pressure can leave worse scratches, many kits cannot remove severe oxidation, and budget sealants often fail within months. SHINES adjusts sanding, compounds, and coating to each lens based on manufacturer, size, and damage level, with professional tooling, an OEM-grade UV hard coat, and in-shop curing. Every job includes our clarity guarantee, not a generic box warranty.

How much does headlight restoration cost in Belgium?

Transparent pricing from € 149,00 for both headlights (€ 89,00 for a single lens). Mail-in restoration across Europe starts from € 129,00 plus shipping. Final price depends on headlight size, condition severity, and service method (garage visit, mobile, or mail-in). You see the confirmed price before you commit.

Is headlight restoration worth it compared to new headlights?

New OEM headlight assemblies often cost €300–€800 or more per side, plus fitting. When housings, seals, and electronics are still sound, professional restoration restores light output and appearance for a fraction of that cost, with UV protection designed to last years, not weeks.

Will restored headlights pass technical inspection (keuring / contrôle technique)?

Restored headlights can pass inspection when light output and lens clarity meet legal visibility standards. We assess condition before starting and will tell you honestly if replacement is the safer option for safety or inspection.

How long do restored headlights last?

With the failed UV layer removed and a professional hard coat reapplied, results typically last years, not months like quick buff-and-seal jobs. Every SHINES restoration includes our 1-year clarity guarantee.

Do you serve customers outside Belgium?

Yes. Visit our workshop in Ingelmunster, Belgium, book mobile service where available, or use mail-in headlight restoration anywhere in Europe. We guide you through safe packing, inbound shipping, and quoted return delivery.

Can you restore very old or classic headlights?

Yes, mail-in is popular for classics where units are removed for restoration. We assess photos or units before quoting.

How does mail-in restoration work?

Pack and ship to our Ingelmunster, Belgium workshop. Typical turnaround: 3–5 business days plus shipping. Return shipping is quoted to your address.

When is restoration no longer possible?

Deep cracks, internal moisture damage, or delamination may require replacement. We inspect first and recommend the safe option.

Automotive restoration

Technical restoration of aged and oxidised lighting units

Book from € 149,00 View pricing

The problem: severe oxidation and irreplaceable units

Fully yellow or orange lenses have lost their factory UV barrier. Light output can drop dramatically; classic and discontinued units may be impossible to source new.

Surface-only polishing cannot fix deep degradation, the damaged layer must be properly removed and rebuilt.

Full restoration, not a quick polish

We strip failed UV layers with a controlled industrial sand-and-polish sequence, then rebuild protection with a durable UV hard coat.

Mail-in service lets owners across Europe send removable units, ideal for classics, exclusives, and projects where the original lens must be preserved.

What you gain

Preserve original units and authenticity on classics and limited models.

Restore near-factory light output and appearance, protecting safety and vehicle value.

Heavy yellow / orange lens restoration
Mail-in headlight restoration (Europe)
Classic and vintage lighting units
Front and rear light combined restoration
Failed DIY deep correction

Service area

Restoration workshop in Ingelmunster, Belgium, Belgium. Mail-in service across Europe. Local garage visits by appointment in West Flanders. Service locations in Belgium

Frequently asked questions

Can you restore very old or classic headlights?: Yes, mail-in is popular for classics where units are removed for restoration. We assess photos or units before quoting.
How does mail-in restoration work?: Pack and ship to our Ingelmunster, Belgium workshop. Typical turnaround: 3–5 business days plus shipping. Return shipping is quoted to your address.
When is restoration no longer possible?: Deep cracks, internal moisture damage, or delamination may require replacement. We inspect first and recommend the safe option.