O.C.Detailing (Lynchburg, VA.) Headlight Resto on 5-Series with Hotrod's Sealant - 3rd Application

[O.C.Detailing]

So this is a record of a set of headlights I did on a 1998 BMW 528i. Once the lights were corrected, I used Hotrod's sealant on them. This is the 3rd set of headlights that I've actually used this particular sealant on. I have noticed that several of the sets of headlights I've done in the past have started to fog up and cloud up a bit, so since Hotrod has shown that 1-year with his first application can keep headlights looking almost new, I will use the Spar Urethan sealant until something better, easier and cheaper comes along.

One modification I've done to Hotrod's instructions is I put a bit more mineral spirits in the urethane to make it a bit more liquid. Makes it lay flatter for me. Tell me what you think:

BEFORES (Obviously...):

Drivers side wasn't too bad:

The passenger's side on the other hand...yeah:

A full-frontal shot for contrast:

Now the AFTERS:

Passenger's side, can you tell it was seriously borked before I touched it?

Driver's side, not so dramatic, but I'll post it anyway:

And here's the full-frontal after:

Constructive comments and criticisms greatly appreciated. Thanks for looking everyone and a VERY special thanks to Hotrod for his very detailed and thorough relay of this great technique and updates to keep us on the ball with the progress and longevity of protection!!

 

[HotRod]

Awesome job Adam! Those were pretty nasty to begin with. But they definitely look new again. Do you agree that the urethane takes the restoration to the next level? Not only does it fill tiny scratches and add gloss but it lasts for at least a year in my experience. And its cheap.
I had a used car dealer tell me that with this method, the headlights look better than new. Not sure why he said that, but I figured I would mention it.

 

[O.C.Detailing]

I'm still in the "learning curve" of the application process, so I'm not totally happy with the turnout, but yes, the sealant definitely fills in some of the sanding scratches that I have a hard time taking out, but with Surbuf pads, I don't really leave anything behind anymore.

I will say though, this is DEFINITELY the next level in headlight repair. I'm looking forward to being able to offer a lifetime warranty for headlight repairs. I will repair any headlights I fix that brown or fog back up for free. I figures it's the least I can do for my customers.

Thanks so much. Without your detailed record, I doubt I would have had the courage to even try this method. You rock man, I'll post more as I get them knocked out. I have a couple of sets lined up that need to be done, but the customers just need to schedule a time for me to do them.

 

[HotRod]

Its a learning process, if anyone has a cheaper, easier and longer lasting method, I am all ears!
Adam, sometimes the humid summer weather affects my application. Not sure what the weather is like in Virginia this time of year, but if the humidity is high, try doing the application in the morning when its not so humid. Maybe the humidity is not the problem with some of your applications. Maybe it just takes time to get comfortable with the method. I know it took me a while to get comfortable. The first set of lights I did was the 98 Grand Marquis in my UV sealant thread, I never practiced, just tried it out and eventually got the hang of it. But I am no expert by any means.

 

[O.C.Detailing]

Hey Hotrod, we should exchange phone numbers. Or a number I can text you at. I've had some questions and didn't have access to a computer at work sometimes.

 

[oldmodman]

Great job!
And yes, compared to what you had to start with they do look like new.

I am going to do a set of lenses on a neighbors car that are absolutely terrible. And I already bought a tiny can of varnish to "clear" them with afterwards. And I am going to experiment with using a really small refillable pressure can to try spraying the varnish on the lenses. I'll try to borrow a camera to let you see the sprayer results.