DIY: Restoring Headlights with New UV coating
#101
anyone have a problem with the uv coating having a hard time drying? Took almost 3 hours for my car to dry to the touch in 70 degree weather here in Hawaii. The lights look great but its been 6 months later and I can tell the uv coating is gone on some spots. I'm going to try several coats this next time I redo the lights but waiting hours between each coat is going to take forever. Any accelerator additives I can try or tips on drying?
#102
I was wondering the same thing. Some brake clean splashed onto my headlights, and they spider/stress cracked pretty bad... Anyway, bought some Depo lights to jack the lenses, and I have read that they oxidize rather quickly, so I would like to apply this UV coating. I have also noticed since having them, the lenses aren't very durable and can scratch kind of easily. So I was thinking about putting a LaminX protective vinyl covers over this coating. Would there be an issue with this?
#105
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Great DIY project and get write up. I did this to my new to me 2005 roadster. The original owner had been in a small accident that took out the passenger headlight so that was replaced a couple of years ago. That one still looks new and the driver side one was starting to fog up/look bad. Well I followed the instructions on here and it looks better than the one that was replaced. I did use too much coating on the rag and it ran a little. I will be the only one that would ever see it so I am going to leave it for now and see how long it lasts. I can always do it over any time later that I want if it bugs me too much. Again, great write up and this is a great forum.
#106
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Is there an alternative UV sealant to the UV Sealer-Helmsman Spar Urethane(Indoor/Outdoor)Clear Gloss. I live in CA and can not get it? I did notice they have a water based one but not sure if that will work. Thanks
#107
New Member
Thanks for the tips, used the same procedure and tools, I used small foam brushes for the UV coat.Took about 30-40 minutes to dry.Found crazing on my lights unfortunately,but came out great.
Did my daughters G20 as well, 13 year old lights that looked like a clouded scratched mess look as good as new.
Will update, only did one coat on each set, see how long it last...I wash my car at least 3 times a week.
Did my daughters G20 as well, 13 year old lights that looked like a clouded scratched mess look as good as new.
Will update, only did one coat on each set, see how long it last...I wash my car at least 3 times a week.
#108
successfully tried helsman uv
I resurfaced my headlights 2 years ago and used a quality spray clear coat. I never loved it and after 1 year it turned yellow, started peeling and flaking, and generally shamed me. So, finally taped, wet
sanded with 4 levels of grit, used a plastic polisher with drill attachment, cleaned with alcohol, applied the 50/50 solution of Helsman and mineral spirits....all like yall said to do on this thread...and am amazed, pleased, and generally so proud of the results I point out to everyone "LOOK at my headlights!!" Now I have to do my mom's headlights, the neighbor's headlights......
sanded with 4 levels of grit, used a plastic polisher with drill attachment, cleaned with alcohol, applied the 50/50 solution of Helsman and mineral spirits....all like yall said to do on this thread...and am amazed, pleased, and generally so proud of the results I point out to everyone "LOOK at my headlights!!" Now I have to do my mom's headlights, the neighbor's headlights......
#109
New Member
iTrader: (13)
I gave up after 2 refinishes over the last few years. Went on Amazon and bought aftermarket de headlights to pull the lens. They fit perfectly on 06+ headlights, this time I wrapped it with 3m clear paint protection film. Just have to peel and replace it in a few years instead of sanding and buffing. Btw dead thread bounce.
#111
6 inch cawk is my fave!
iTrader: (3)
I used uv resistant clear coat on mine, it worked well for about a year then started flaking off, last year they looked horrible, this year the clear has mostly all flaked off and they are not that horrible.
I won't bother with clear coat again, ill check out that headlight coating next time my motivation gets up.
I won't bother with clear coat again, ill check out that headlight coating next time my motivation gets up.
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