Headlight Restoration-new UV sealant idea

HotRod

HotRod

New member
Joined
May 14, 2008
Messages
247
Reaction score
0
This is a method that I got from someone from another car related forum. Supposedly the UV protector is the same as what companies are selling for alot of money, but you can run down to home depot/hardware store to pick up everything you need for about $20-$25.

My process is basically already well known:

Wetsand-400, 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000
Buff-System one polish or equivalent with a high speed drill with small wool pad attachment
But here is the "new" part......
UV Sealer-Helmsman Spar Urethane(Indoor/Outdoor)Clear Gloss mixed with Mineral Spirits(1part urethane to 1 part mineral spirits.

After you buff the lights out with your polisher, you wipe down the headlight with denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (to eliminate any compound residue.
Mix the urethane and mineral spirits in a plastic disposable cup. Remember the dilution ration- 1 part to 1 part.
Then, take a blue 'scott' shop rag and fold it up into a 1 inch x 1 inch square. Then dip the rag into the mixture and wipe it on the headlight. Dont use too much or it might run, but start at the top of the light and work side to side. It took me a few times to get my method down, so if you mess up with application, wipe it off with mineral spirits and start over.
This UV sealant dries in 10-20 mins usually and is far superior to any average detail product(paint sealant, wax etc.......)
Its like a clear cote, but you dont spray it, not as messy.
Longevity-The original "creator" of this method told me that he did a headlight restoration with this method about 2 years ago for a customer, and he said it still looks good.
This is my first "how to" thread, so any questions are welcome.:cheers:
Before Pics
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2652.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2657.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2656.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2654.JPG
After Pics
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2671.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2678.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2681.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2670.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2680.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2666.JPG
I wasn't sure how to just post the pics, so I just posted the links, sorry.:confused:
IMG_2652.JPG
 
I had mine clearcoated ... seems to be working as had a couple small chips in top initially. I use Plexus weekly which also offers some additional UV protection too.
 
HotRod said:
This is a method that I got from someone from another car related forum. Supposedly the UV protector is the same as what companies are selling for alot of money, but you can run down to home depot/hardware store to pick up everything you need for about $20-$25.

My process is basically already well known:

Wetsand-400, 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000
Buff-System one polish or equivalent with a high speed drill with small wool pad attachment
But here is the "new" part......
UV Sealer-Helmsman Spar Urethane(Indoor/Outdoor)Clear Gloss mixed with Mineral Spirits(1part urethane to 1 part mineral spirits.

After you buff the lights out with your polisher, you wipe down the headlight with denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (to eliminate any compound residue.
Mix the urethane and mineral spirits in a plastic disposable cup. Remember the dilution ration- 1 part to 1 part.
Then, take a blue 'scott' shop rag and fold it up into a 1 inch x 1 inch square. Then dip the rag into the mixture and wipe it on the headlight. Dont use too much or it might run, but start at the top of the light and work side to side. It took me a few times to get my method down, so if you mess up with application, wipe it off with mineral spirits and start over.
This UV sealant dries in 10-20 mins usually and is far superior to any average detail product(paint sealant, wax etc.......)
Its like a clear cote, but you dont spray it, not as messy.
Longevity-The original "creator" of this method told me that he did a headlight restoration with this method about 2 years ago for a customer, and he said it still looks good.
This is my first "how to" thread, so any questions are welcome.:cheers:
Before Pics
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2652.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2657.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2656.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2654.JPG
After Pics
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2671.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2678.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2681.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2670.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2680.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_2666.JPG
I wasn't sure how to just post the pics, so I just posted the links, sorry.:confused:
IMG_2652.JPG
Click to expand...
Looks great would like to try that on some spare headlamps.This is a guess is the car you posted pictures of a 960 or a S90 Volvo ??
 
Clearcoat or this type of UV sealer is the way to go if you want the restoration to last. I encourage any detailer doing this for a living to consider this method, the restoration will last longer. There is a company selling this stuff for $75 for about 16 ounces of the product. So, this method will save you alot of money.
For really nasty yellow headlights there is another "home remedy". Mix about 3 parts Westley Bleach White Wall Tire Cleaner and 1 part Mean Green Household Cleaner. I guess this mixture pulls the yellow out of the light and helps dissolve the old factory UV Sealant. But I have not needed to try this yet. So be careful, as it may stain paint if not rinsed off. Its used as a precleaner, then you do the normal process.
Not sure if this helps anyone, I just thought it would be helpful, and wanted to share with everyone here. Its one of the best tips I have learned to help my business.
 
Harleyguy said:
Looks great would like to try that on some spare headlamps.This is a guess is the car you posted pictures of a 960 or a S90 Volvo ??
Click to expand...
Its actually my sisters 98 Mercury Grand Marquis. Its in need of a major detailing. Gee, I wonder who she can find to do that for her?????:buffing:
 
Hotrod,
How long after applying your sealant mixture were those after pics taken?
 
heatgain said:
Hotrod,
How long after applying your sealant mixture were those after pics taken?
Click to expand...
I would say atleast 25-30 mins. They were already dry to the touch. The hotter the air temperature the quicker they dry. They still have a nice wet look to them. I would assume that the gloss level will diminish over time. But even after 24 hours of curing time in 100 degree weather, they still have a high gloss.
 
I tried this method on some brake lights on my van, and it turned out pretty good. They were not horrible to begin with, just a little hazy. It will definitely get a longevity test, its a work van that is exposed to the elements 24/7 in the Kansas weather. I used the Klasse Twins about 4 months ago on these same lights, and it did not last as long as I thought it would. Hopefully this new UV sealer will do the trick.

The first 2 pics are before pics, and the rest are after pics.
 
Here are a few restorations that I did this morning with this new UV sealant. It turned out pretty good. This technique takes a little time to get used to.
Here are some before and after pictures.
 
Nice.
My interest is in the longevity of the sealant. Would you keep us updated?
 
heatgain said:
Nice.
My interest is in the longevity of the sealant. Would you keep us updated?
Click to expand...
Yeah, I can do that. I might need reminding once in a while, send me a pm maybe every 6 months. All lights on my work van are now sealed with this sealant. So I will know first hand if it lasts. I have no doubt it will outlast the klasse twins that I was using.
 
Here is another tip that I have found. Its a precleaner that helps cut the crud and pull most of the yellowing out of the headlights. Its used before wet sanding and buffing, and yes it does work. Here, is a few posts from the guy who shared this system on another forum, describing the pre cleaner, the sealer and application. In his own words:

"Here is the mix.I have used it for over 2 years. Its the same basic chemicals.Works great and you can mix for 5.00 a quart.
about 3 parts Westleys bleach white , white wall cleaner and 1 part Mean Green household cleaner.Its all in Walmart and cheap.Its the same chemicals that Dvelup uses and as is all of their stuff just common off the shelf items .For the sealer just mix Helmspar indoor/outdoor or marine spar urethane and just mix it 1-1 with mineral spirits.It is what they sell you for 75.00 8oz. lol By doing it the smart way its about 8.00 a quart lol....It works the same because it IS the same.
Get a blue Scott paper shop towel and cut in half.Fold 1 part into approximately 1" x1" and use the edge as a wipe.Dip into your Dixie cup that has the sealer mix and just wipe on from top to bottom(always wipe horizontally) and then just do the edges.The sealer will flow out and lay on the lens just as good as spraying and twice as fast.I never have any wipe lines show when cured.I use a heat gun to quick flash them or just turn on the Hi-Beams for a few minutes to set up.
Alcohol is what I use for a final cleaner just before I apply the sealer.Its not caustic enough to clean the crud from some of the real bad damaged lights.The pre-clean mix will draw the yellow and crud right out of the lens.Works real good.
Tim, a foam brush works good too but the Scott towel is much cheaper.JMO"

I use the pre cleaner by spraying the solution on a rag and wiping it on and off to remove the crud. This mixture is probably harmful to paint, so be careful. It basically helps remove the old UV coat sprayed on when it was new. The pic shows how much crud comes off with one wipe with this solution.
 
Wonderful tip. I just put a coat of the urethane/mineral spirit mix on my freshly sanded headlights.

Someone mentioned the use of a foam brush. That was the first application method I tried, and ended up having to start over. The foam brush wouldn't stop forming bubbles as I applied the mixture. I tried the blue shop towel method and it works like a charm. I almost got it perfect, with the exception of some minor wavy areas. Hopefully it won't affect light output too much.

A few questions: Is one coat enough? Has anyone put more than one? Also, what kind of maintenance should be done after the urethane mixture seals it up? Can we still use wax? 303 (or equivalent uv inhibitor)?
 
Cougarstang said:
Wonderful tip. I just put a coat of the urethane/mineral spirit mix on my freshly sanded headlights.

Someone mentioned the use of a foam brush. That was the first application method I tried, and ended up having to start over. The foam brush wouldn't stop forming bubbles as I applied the mixture. I tried the blue shop towel method and it works like a charm. I almost got it perfect, with the exception of some minor wavy areas. Hopefully it won't affect light output too much.

A few questions: Is one coat enough? Has anyone put more than one? Also, what kind of maintenance should be done after the urethane mixture seals it up? Can we still use wax? 303 (or equivalent uv inhibitor)?
Click to expand...

I would guess that the one coat is enough. I am still testing the durability of this protectant. Although I have not added any wax or sealant to my lights since I restored them, it probably would not hurt if you added some extra protection once in a while, but wait until is has fully cured. I tried the foam brush method too, but had better luck with the blue shop rag. I have to apply it just right, or I have to start over again. It cannot be too thin or too thick.
 
So did I miss the method of applying with the blue shop rag so waves or thin spots are not present.
 
I also noticed the headlights are very glossy now, as is to be expected from using clear gloss urethane. They look great. Does this gloss last long?
 
Cougarstang said:
I also noticed the headlights are very glossy now, as is to be expected from using clear gloss urethane. They look great. Does this gloss last long?
Click to expand...

The gloss, so far is still looking good for my lights. But, if they are not kept up with maintenance they will probably fade out like any plastic lens. I doubt this treatment is maintenance free. I would treat them like they were new lights. New lights are made with a UV sealer, I've been told, and they wear out over time if there is no maintenance.
 
id-type-s said:
So did I miss the method of applying with the blue shop rag so waves or thin spots are not present.
Click to expand...
Scroll up towards the top of this page, I have included some posts from the original creator for this method. In his own words he describes everything you need to know. I came upon this method from another forum, and wanted to share it. I have no participation in creating this method, just sharing it and experimenting. If any one has different ideas or tricks on how to make this method work easier, please share. Also, please post some pics!
 
I am definately looking forward to trying this method out on my beater daily driver....The hardcoats that you can purchase are expensive, and I hate to just buff out the headlights on customers cars because they start to yellow again after a few months so I am excited to try an inexpensive way to give the headlights a real hardcoat again that will hopefully last a few years and make my services better than the next guy!
 
Anyone ever try this product the film by xpel? It covers the entire headlight with a plastic film.

I know it is kinda expensive, but for a newer car it should save the headlights from the start.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top