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If you're going to use mineral spirits, be aware that there are 2 flavors; mineral spirits (paint thinner) and oderless mineral spirits. The difference between the 2 is that odorles mineral spirits are distilled multiple times to remove odor causing solvents so it is much purer than regular MS...

It will but you must be careful to use low heat. Air flow will do most of the work by evaporating the slovents. Turning on the headlights will also help. ray6

There's not too much difference in the polycarbonate itself, except for extreme curves or thickness the mix might be slightly different. The main differences you will see are due to: The protective coating formulas, primer vs. no primer, how it's applied (dipped, sprayed, electrostatic...

Acetone will dissolve the polycarbonate. Wouldn't recommend it. I use pure alcohol because it dries quickly and adsorbs any water. ray6

Nice job. You're absolutely right. Polyurethane easily fills in 3000 grit scratches. I believe any refining past this point is counter productive because you want a rough surface for the poly to stick. ray6

Hey Sully- Great looking restore. I would suggest you apply a permanent replacement coating so you could warrant them for 2 years. ray6

For headlight restoration we charge $20-40 for "commercial" restorations with a 1 year warranty. "Consumer restorations are 30-60 with a 2 year warranty. Detail "like new" restorations are 40-80 with a 3 year warranty. This is on the west coast. For mobile you could probably charge more. Rates...

It's a product manufactured for us. It disolves the original protective coating which is wiped off with a pad. Most of our "commercial" restorations only need to be stripped, washed with alcohol, then coated. I don't think I can post any product information since we sell to other service...

Buffing before spar is probably O.K., as long as you clean the headlight well before applying the spar. Use propanol or alcohol (not rubbing alcohol, contains water). Scrub twice with a blue lint free towel. We finish with 3000 grit polishing pads and use sanding aid. We can usually get 3 to...

You might consider raising your prices slightly. Most customers will think you do a better job because you charge more. ray6

On the west coast we charge the following: For headlight restoration we charge $20-40 for "commercial" restorations with a 1 year warranty. This would be multiple jobs at 1 location like a used car lot or taxi garage. Takes about 10 min. per car and costs $1-3/car in materials. "Consumer...

If you're going to include headlight restoration- For headlight restoration we charge $20-40 for "commercial" restorations with a 1 year warranty. "Consumer restorations are 30-60 with a 2 year warranty. Detail "like new" restorations are 40-80 with a 3 year warranty. This is on the west coast...

For headlight restoration we charge $20-40 for "commercial" restorations with a 1 year warranty. "Consumer restorations are 30-60 with a 2 year warranty. Detail "like new" restorations are 40-80 with a 3 year warranty. This is on the west coast. For mobile you could probably charge more...

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Minwax is a solvent based polyurethane (poly meaning many) consisting of different ingredients in a mineral spirits carrier. Additives are to block UV, flowout, moisture sealing, etc. Unfortunately, due to the high percentage of VOCs (volitle organic concentration) it is illegal to sell in...

It's a water based chemically cured coating consisting of the base coat (4 parts) and activator (1 part). Cures in about 5 min. Only available in bulk, about $90 fro 20 oz. One oz. would do about 10-15 headlights. Cannot name without violating forum rules because it's not carried by AG. ray6

Hi Murph- We don't use any pads other than disposable 3000 grit foam backed for our final prep, so I can't help you there. However, here are a few ideas to consider: If you're going to do this professionally, get a decent DA sander such as the Groit or Metabo 3". You need a small size for...

If you have any charities like Goodwill or others that take automobile donations near you, you can restore their headlights without risk as you develop your technique. You can also deduct your normal fee as a deductable contribution on your taxes. ray6

The spar varnish method works, but the coating doesn't last long. Most headlights will show deterioration in less than 12 months. Also, if it's not banned in your area now, it will be soon due to VOC regulations. If you do use this technique, after all stripping and sanding, polish the...