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.

What is the difference between detailing and a DIY kit?

DIY kits use generic abrasives and weak sealants. We match process to lens condition and finish with a professional UV hard coat cured in-shop.

Do you detail the whole car?

Our specialty is optical components, headlights and rear lights. That is where our equipment and coatings are optimised.

How long does the finish last?

With proper UV protection, results typically last years. Every restoration includes our 1-year clarity guarantee.

Auto detailing service

Professional headlight detailing and lens polishing

Book from € 149,00 View pricing

The problem: dull finish and short-lived DIY gloss

Budget kits and hand polishing can add temporary shine but leave micro-scratches or fail within weeks in sun and rain.

Dull lenses make even a clean car look tired and reduce light output when you need it most.

Detailing-grade process for lenses

We treat headlight and rear-light lenses with the same discipline as premium detailing: correct grit sequence, machine polish, and a heat-resistant UV hard coat.

Polish alone is not enough, we seal the surface so transparency lasts, matching how professional detailers protect paint, applied to optical plastic.

What you gain

Showroom-level clarity and depth, ideal before sale, after a purchase, or when you want your car to look its best.

Lasting results with UV protection, not a shine that washes away in the next rain.

Machine headlight polishing
Rear light clarity and colour restoration
UV coating after polish
Pre-sale optical refresh
Mobile detailing visit (headlights on location)

Service area

Detailing workshop in Ingelmunster, Belgium. Mobile headlight service in West Flanders where available. Mail-in units welcome from across Belgium and Europe. Service locations in Belgium

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between detailing and a DIY kit?: DIY kits use generic abrasives and weak sealants. We match process to lens condition and finish with a professional UV hard coat cured in-shop.
Do you detail the whole car?: Our specialty is optical components, headlights and rear lights. That is where our equipment and coatings are optimised.
How long does the finish last?: With proper UV protection, results typically last years. Every restoration includes our 1-year clarity guarantee.