Headlight Restoration-new UV sealant idea

Figure out your operating cost (materials, gas, etc) and find out how much volume you will be doing. What is the least amount of profit you want to walk away with? Try offering a certain price for 5 or 10 cars and an even lower price for anything over that, like a bulk discount.
 
Longevity test- 1.5 years after restoration

Well its been a little over a year and a half and the sealant for the most part is still keeping the lights clear. Along the top edge is a little "thin" (slightly fogged) as reported in the last update, does not show up well in pictures. But the rest of the lights are still crystal clear and look pretty good. Its nowhere ready for a complete restoration yet. I am guessing it will look good still at the 2 year anniversary in June, but anything is possible. To remind anyone reading this, this test vehicle is never garaged, sits outside all year long, and is barely washed. In fact it had a layer of road salt before I wiped them clean and took the recent pictures. So it does hold up to road salt, from a recent snow storm.
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Wow. I started reading this thread then I realized it was 27 pages and over a year old! LOL. Glad to see this held up. Are you still using this method?
 
M.P. Cobra Fan said:
Wow. I started reading this thread then I realized it was 27 pages and over a year old! LOL. Glad to see this held up. Are you still using this method?
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Yeah, I am still using this method because I have not found anything cheaper to use yet with the same results. However, a member here gave me a tip about priming the lights right after the wet sanding/polishing process with mineral spirits and it helps to apply the UV mixture much easier and smoother.
In my opinion, this sealant takes the restorations to the next level, it adds glossy finish to the lights, fills in or improves minor imperfections, and last but not least makes the restoration last for a year and half, and I think it should hit the 2 year mark with no problems.
 
I agree, thanks for the update and the spirits priming tip...that makes sense. Do you think it would 'water down' or dilute the sealant mix at all with spirits being applied as a primer?
 
Wills.WindowsAndWheels said:
I agree, thanks for the update and the spirits priming tip...that makes sense. Do you think it would 'water down' or dilute the sealant mix at all with spirits being applied as a primer?
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When I prime it with mineral spirits, I allow it to evaporate before I apply the sealant, and it makes the application process smoother for some reason. But, not sure if it dilutes the sealant any, I guess you could mix the urethane a little stronger to offset that problem.
 
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:
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Could you tell me the specific name of mineral spirits and urethane you use for this procedure??
 
The mineral spirits brand is Kleen Strip and it is an odorless. The spar urethane brand is Helmsman Spar urethane, it is indoor/outdoor clear gloss. Both can be found at Home Depot. These are the brands that I use, not sure what others are using.
 
HotRod said:
The mineral spirits brand is Kleen Strip and it is an odorless. The spar urethane brand is Helmsman Spar urethane, it is indoor/outdoor clear gloss. Both can be found at Home Depot. These are the brands that I use, not sure what others are using.
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Thank you very much! i really admire your courage to reply to everyone in this thread... we need more people like you in this planet! thanks alot buddy!
 
Hey HotRod, how many miles do you think you've put on that car since you did the sealant?
 
g35_coupe said:
Hey HotRod, how many miles do you think you've put on that car since you did the sealant?
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Actually its my sister's car. I am guessing under 8,000 miles since I did the restoration.
 
has any one clean foglights in tight area on car like pt crusier,toyota or any car what the best way to do it if you cant get a drill to it
 
Just a question, is the OP using the solvent based?

I have looked at home depot and only found the water based helmsman urethane. I have been able to track down the solvent based online but will they even ship it to california if the solvent based is banned in some areas?

I thought I read somewhere the water based urethane does not last as long. Anybody been able to find the solvent based urethane online? Thanks.
 
Well, you sold me...I'll be trying this ASAP. Thanks for sharing! Awesome trick!:dblthumb2:
 
fishnugget said:
Just a question, is the OP using the solvent based?

I have looked at home depot and only found the water based helmsman urethane. I have been able to track down the solvent based online but will they even ship it to california if the solvent based is banned in some areas?

I thought I read somewhere the water based urethane does not last as long. Anybody been able to find the solvent based urethane online? Thanks.
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The limited availability issue has been discussed in this thread a couple of pages back. Did you confirm with a store worker it is not available in your area and see what their recommendation is to get some?
 
g35_coupe said:
The limited availability issue has been discussed in this thread a couple of pages back. Did you confirm with a store worker it is not available in your area and see what their recommendation is to get some?
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Most people I talked to seemed clueless about it and I just have not seen it in my area (hardware stores). So...I went online and found it on some websites.
 
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