Merlin
11-12-2011, 06:22 AM
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,
I purchased both items at Home Depot for about $20-$25. I think the small can of Spar cost me about $15
Wetsand-400, 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000
Buff-System one polish or equivalent with a high speed drill with small wool pad attachment or I personally use a small 3"/4" orange pad via PC with M105.
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.
But here is the "new" part......
UV Sealer-Helmsman Spar Urethane (Indoor/Outdoor) Clear Gloss mixed with Mineral Spirits on a 1:1 ratio.
Mix the urethane and mineral spirits in a plastic disposable cup. Remember the dilution ration- 1 part to 1 part.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc140/merlinhd03/Detail/Spar-Urethane.jpg
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 the method down,
so if you mess up with application, wipe it all off with mineral spirits and start over. On my first try I applied it too thick and had streaks.
This UV sealant dries in 10-20 mins usually and is far superior in gloss and longevity to any average detail product (paint sealant, wax etc...) I have tried.
Longevity-The original "creator" of this method said that he did a headlight restoration with this method about 2 years ago for a customer, and it still looks good.
I have read longevity reports that after a year it still looked almost as good as when it was first applied with only a very slight hazing around the outer edges.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3879070776_c067d2179f.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3878278323_bd20139cc2.jpg
I've recently used this method on a couple of cars with GREAT results.
Supposedly the UV protector is the same as what companies are selling for alot of money,
I purchased both items at Home Depot for about $20-$25. I think the small can of Spar cost me about $15
Wetsand-400, 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000
Buff-System one polish or equivalent with a high speed drill with small wool pad attachment or I personally use a small 3"/4" orange pad via PC with M105.
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.
But here is the "new" part......
UV Sealer-Helmsman Spar Urethane (Indoor/Outdoor) Clear Gloss mixed with Mineral Spirits on a 1:1 ratio.
Mix the urethane and mineral spirits in a plastic disposable cup. Remember the dilution ration- 1 part to 1 part.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc140/merlinhd03/Detail/Spar-Urethane.jpg
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 the method down,
so if you mess up with application, wipe it all off with mineral spirits and start over. On my first try I applied it too thick and had streaks.
This UV sealant dries in 10-20 mins usually and is far superior in gloss and longevity to any average detail product (paint sealant, wax etc...) I have tried.
Longevity-The original "creator" of this method said that he did a headlight restoration with this method about 2 years ago for a customer, and it still looks good.
I have read longevity reports that after a year it still looked almost as good as when it was first applied with only a very slight hazing around the outer edges.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3879070776_c067d2179f.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3878278323_bd20139cc2.jpg
I've recently used this method on a couple of cars with GREAT results.