Oxidized Headlights Solution?

[Simon777]

For fixing yellow headlights I use this: http://images.tcpglobal.com/mmm/3M-HEADLIGHT-KIT.JPG which does an amazing job, but after a year or two, the headlights start to yellow once again.

I want to know if anyone has any solutions to make the restoration last longer so I don't have to keep sanding them every year or so. I was thinking of something along the lines of clear coating them, but I want to hear from someone with experience before going out and shooting my headlights.

[Murr1525]

Re: Oxidized Headlights Solution?

I believe the fellow Innovative Detailing puts a UV coat back over them after he fixes them up.

Could ask him about it perhaps.

[greg0303]

Re: Oxidized Headlights Solution?

Sealant would work if reapplied frequently, but David uses a coating:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48872

[Simon777]

Re: Oxidized Headlights Solution?

Thank you for the responses. What exact product does he use? I like how easy it looks to apply, no having to worry about overspray from a can product.

How long does a UV coating last? I'm guessing it would last about as long as the factory stock coating on a new headlight, right?

[Simon777]

Re: Oxidized Headlights Solution?

After looking around, I've seen a few use a solution of Minwax Helmsman Spar urethane (clear gloss) and mineral spirits in a 50/50 ratio to wipe on to their headlights for protection.

Can anyone here confirm this as a good way to keep your headlights clear for a long time?

[Innovative Detailing]

Re: Oxidized Headlights Solution?

Maybe this can help you.....It's blog post that contains helpful hints and tips that I write for Auto Detailing Network

Here are the steps involved in my Headlight Lens Restoral with a 2 part wipe on UV coating.

The following tools and products were involved.......

• Air Compressor
• Air Sander
• Meguiar's Backing Plate
• Meguiar's Interface pad
• Meguiar's Unigrit resurfacing discs 320>500>800>1000>1500>3000
• 3M blue painters tape or Meguiar's detailing tape
• IPA - Isoprophyl Alcohol
• MF towels
• Kimberly Clark lint free blue towel
• 2 part UV Headlight Coating
• Blow dryer or heat gun

The following steps are performed for this headlight lens restoral....

• Inspect lens
• Clean lens thoroughly with IPA
• Mask all areas that will not get resurfaced to avoid unnecessary sanding
• Attach your pneumatic sander to the airline
• At this point your backing plate should be attached to your sander, and then attach the interface pad
• Depending on the type of lens and the amount of lens failure select your starting disc, either 320 or 500 and attach it to the interface pad. On this lens we used 500 to start the process.
• Begin the process working side to side and up and down keeping your tool flat. You will see the failed coating just dust and fall off.
• After each step wipe off the lens with IPA and a MF to inspect your work.
• Once you have completed the most aggressive step, them move up to the next level which would be 800 grit that we used on this one.
• Using the same systematic process on each step, resurface thoroughly then wipe clean with IPA and inspect.
• Now we move up to the finer steps of restoring the clarity, attach a 1000 grit disc on the tool. This step will be performed in a "wet" method so a light mist of water or Quick Detailer will help.
• A fine slurry will appear, this is normal so continue to resurface in the same fashion as in the above steps. Then wipe clean with IPA and inspect for uniformity and clarity
• Next step will be to attach 1500, and repeat the steps above. In some cases you can go directly to 3000 grit after the 1000 grit, mist the lens a bit to lubricate and finish the resurfacing at this point.
• Wipe off the lens with IPA and perform a complete inspection at this point, no more sanding will be performed. If there are still areas that need correction,you will need to go back in your steps.
• You are now ready for the 2 part UV coating and it's application. You will mix the product 1:1 in a small dixie cup, using a popsicle stick.
• With the Kimberly Clark lint free towel you will fold it in 4th's and dip the folded edge into the cup.
• You will then wipe the coating from one side to the other in a uniform motion. Do not use a lot of product, the liquid will flow on and lay flat.
• Apply the coating to the complete lens and inspect for even coverage, if necessary give the lens a second coat for a perfect application.
• To accelerate cure time use a hair dryer or a heat gun (low temp and not direct w/heat gun - BE CAREFUL!!)