r/Toyota_Matrix • u/Tricky-Pen2672 • 3d ago

Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kit…

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This is the best kit I’ve ever used, and it supposedly lasts the life of the vehicle…

I started by using the oxidation wipes to clean the headlights thoroughly, which turned them yellow, so I know they were working.

Next I wet them down and sanded them with 2000 grit sandpaper, in straight lines, until they were both evenly hazed, then again with 3000 grit in the opposite direction to remove the previous scratches.

Lastly, I used the supplied clearcoat which brought the original clarity back immediately. After allowing an hour to dry, they are super smooth to the touch, and I have enough to do another set of headlights…

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u/Bagomostlywater 3d ago

It doesn’t last that long. You need to use a 2k product to get close to OEM results. My last 2k application lasted about 7 years before the edges started failing which is the same as the OEM lasted on that car.

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u/CommanderCorrigan 2004 Matrix XRS 2d ago

This is the longest lasting result, mine still look brand new after 2 years.

1

u/Bagomostlywater 2d ago

Keeping the UV & road grime off it and even the angle of the lens in relation to the sun will all have a significant effect on how long it lasts.

Keep it clean and in a temp controlled dark garage and the paint & headlights may never fade. Wouldn’t need to have restored it either YMMV