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This may have been asked before, so please don't roast me...
I just finished redoing the lenses on my headlights and I've noticed something. On all three cars that I've done this to there seems to be some kind of finish that has to be sanded through first before getting to the actual lens plastic. I do the refinish the hard way with sand papers and different bobbing and polish compounds from my other hobbies. Any thoughts on this...and is this what is included in the kits? And if so, can you buy just this "refinish sealant" by itself.
Thank you ...
All the major polishing product company's sell a seperate polish for plastic. Most auto parts stores have several brands on hand. I have had good luck with Mothers products
It includes a protectant spray that "Lasts up to a Year".
FWIW and YMMV
BTW-I've done dozens of headlights over the past few years using your time-tested method: sand from 800 thru 3000 and polish. The "layer" you speak of is just that. Either a sprayed-on or a laid-in layer of a tough polycarbonate before the Lexan (a different polycarbonate) is injected into the mold.
Tough stuff, 'eh? Once that layer is damaged, it must be removed. I've never found a way to polish/repair it.
Of course, once it's gone, the regular structural Lexan is exposed to the elements-and UV. Either polish it out every 3-6 months or re-coat it with something like this stuff.
Or XPEL/ Lamin-x films.
And that's all I've got to say about that...
Last edited by maxcichon; Sep 29, 2015 at 11:28 AM.
It includes a protectant spray that "Lasts up to a Year".
FWIW and YMMV
BTW-I've done dozens of headlights over the past few years using your time-tested method: sand from 800 thru 3000 and polish. The "layer" you speak of is just that. Either a sprayed-on or a laid-in layer of a tough polycarbonate before the Lexan (a different polycarbonate) is injected into the mold.
Tough stuff, 'eh? Once that layer is damaged, it must be removed. I've never found a way to polish/repair it.
Of course, once it's gone, the regular structural Lexan is exposed to the elements-and UV. Either polish it out every 3-6 months or re-coat it with something like this stuff.
Or XPEL/ Lamin-x films.
And that's all I've got to say about that...
Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for...the re-sealer part.
I use PlastX from Walmart. Just spray on and wipe off like detail wax. Simple to use.
James
James? That's a polishing compound. Just applying and removing doesn't work.
From Meguiar's website:
Product Features:
Microscopic Diminishing Abrasive™ technology helps remove light oxidation, chemical degradation, surface contamination, stains and light surface scratches
Gel formula is designed to restore optical clarity to both rigid and flexible clear plastics
Water-resistant polymers provide long-lasting, durable protection to keep plastics clear
For best results, apply with a Meguiar's® High Tech Applicator Pad or Ultra Plush Super Terry (both sold separately) and use an Ultra Plush Super Terry or a Supreme Shine® Microfiber (both sold separately) for the final wipe-off
well... I found Pasticsx is great for maintaining good lenses but you really need something more abrasive to repair them
3m make a good kit with pads and polish ,you just need a drill and patience.
What your sanding thru is a clear coat that protects the plastic lens. You would be amazed at some of the headlights i've repaired over the years. sand and polish all you want but the lens needs a clear coat for a long lasting repair.
This may have been asked before, so please don't roast me...
I just finished redoing the lenses on my headlights and I've noticed something. On all three cars that I've done this to there seems to be some kind of finish that has to be sanded through first before getting to the actual lens plastic. I do the refinish the hard way with sand papers and different bobbing and polish compounds from my other hobbies. Any thoughts on this...and is this what is included in the kits? And if so, can you buy just this "refinish sealant" by itself.
Thank you ...
thats normal. If u don't want, it won't work or last! I just finished doing all 5 of my cars about 6 months ago and they still look brand new!
thats normal. If u don't want, it won't work or last! I just finished doing all 5 of my cars about 6 months ago and they still look brand new!
The coating you are sanding thru is a clearcoat that protects the plastic from ultra violet rays. Without it you would have to constantly repolish your nicely restored lenses. The lens can be sanded with very fine sandpaper and clearcoated with a high quality two part clear for a factory like appearance. There are plastic adhesion promoters that can aid adhesion but some may cause a cloudy film between the lens and clear.
The coating you are sanding thru is a clearcoat that protects the plastic from ultra violet rays. Without it you would have to constantly repolish your nicely restored lenses. The lens can be sanded with very fine sandpaper and clearcoated with a high quality two part clear for a factory like appearance. There are plastic adhesion promoters that can aid adhesion but some may cause a cloudy film between the lens and clear.
Here is what I bought from Amazon. It comes with everything u need including the Clear Coat!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072FQMY3Z?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_pd_title
Sam's club will do them for about $40. Five year guarantee. Come out near perfect. Had them redone for free after four years due to a very minor fogging. No questions asked.
Headlight Restoration Question...
