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  1. R

    How low of a grit sandpaper have you used on a headlight restoration?

    It looks like all of the original factory coating was not removed. As to choosing which grit to start with, that's a difficult question to answer. The rougher the grit, the faster the removal, but the more sanding damage, the longer the repair. Think of it this way: Your first sanding step...
  2. R

    Headlight Restoration-new UV sealant idea

    There's been so much talk about using the spar/MS method we were able to get a sample from one of our out of state dealers (can't buy it in California) and run some tests. Was actually surprised how well it did, but still am concerned with it's projected lifetime. Will follow up with the same...
  3. 1st strip

    1st strip

  4. 180 grit

    180 grit

  5. Water based coating

    Water based coating

  6. 1500 grit

    1500 grit

  7. Solvent based coating

    Solvent based coating

  8. 2500 grit

    2500 grit

  9. 1000 grit

    1000 grit

  10. Before chemical strip

    Before chemical strip

  11. 500 grit

    500 grit

  12. R

    Opti coat over Spar?

    Spar (and most other solvent based coatings) require a 2 step curing process. The first, sometimes called flash or flashing, is the evaporation of the solvents. In the case of spar/MS, it's the MS. This also means the more MS in your mix, the longer the flash time will be and the lower the...
  13. R

    Opti coat over Spar?

    Not sure what you would gain. OptiCoat is a great sealer, but does not block UV. Not having worked directly with the spar method but I would think it seals adequately. The enemy is UV, not moisture in a coated headlight. I think a second coat of spar would probably double the coating lifetime...
  14. R

    Headlight Restoration-new UV sealant idea

    I recommend using sanding aid for all steps. Eliminates dust. Lubricates abrasive and keeps headlight cooler. Makes removed particles float on the surface instead of clogging up abrasive. Lower evaporation rate than water. Speedokote is also a foam so it sticks well to the surface. Downside is...
  15. R

    Headlight Restoration-new UV sealant idea

    When you say fogginess are you talking about being cloudy or from sandpaper scratches? No direct experience with spar/MS method, but I would assume it would fill in any sanding scratches at 3000 unless mixed too thinly. If it's internal, there's not much you can do about it. I'm not wild about...
  16. R

    Protection for new headlights?

    You need to protect the headlight from UV. A good synthetic or carnuba wax will do if you apply it regularly. OptiCoat is a good sealer, but does not block UV. If you maintain a decent coat of wax on your headlights, they'll probably last longer than the car. ray6
  17. R

    Need Help: Major Swirling on Headlights after using 3M Headlight Restoration Kit

    Looks like he used a drill to sand them. Disk became loaded with removed material and caused swirl marks. Redo the sanding starting with 500 grit and use wet sanding with Dawn added to the water. Do not use excessive force. Use lighter pressure and clean the disk often. ray6
  18. R

    Business Plan {(ROUGH DRAFT)}

    Great start, but would suggest you stick with the same tense. For example, would say Pro Auto Detailing provides.... instead of Pro Auto Detailing will provide.... and, personalize it with "I will be working with.... instead of William will be working with.... Eliminate any information that is...
  19. R

    Website is up and running...check it out!

    Beautiful website. Especially like the F.A.Q.s with valuable consumer information. ray6
  20. R

    Headlight restoration 98 BMW 3 series

    Nice job on the headlights! What do you tell your customers when they ask you how long will it last? ray6
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