Join Today
Results 1 to 1 of 1
  1. #1
    Member
    This user has no status

    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    57
    Thanks
    19
    Thanked 26 Times in 15 Posts

    DIY: Headlight Restoration using Clear Coat



    Video tutorial on how to refinished hazy/foggy plastic headlights by applying clear coat. This is intended to be a long term method compared to the other two methods which I have done in the past that was the wet sanding/polishing method and the method using strictly toothpaste. The headlights do not need to be removed from the vehicle or disassembled as I have shown the in the vehicle. Removing the headlights from the vehicle does help to eliminate the chance of any over spray from the clear coat or adhesion promoter landing on the paint which would need to be cleaned afterwards.

    Tools/Supplies Needed:
    -800 grit wet/dry sandpaper (if your headlights are severe)
    -1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper
    -bucket of soapy water
    -isopropyl/rubbing alcohol
    -clean lint free cloth
    -tape
    -paper
    -adhesion promoter
    -lacquer/clear coat

    Procedure:
    -if you decided to remove your headlights, start with that step first (headlight removal varies between makes/models of vehicles)
    -wash the headlights thoroughly to ensure no contaminants will get into the wet sanding process
    -tape off around the perimeter of the headlight lens or vehicles paint to protect it (optional)
    -ensure the lens is always well lubricated during the wet sanding process using the soap water
    -if your headlights are severely hazy/foggy, wet sand starting with 800 grit and finish with 1000 grit
    -if headlights are mildly hazy/foggy, start and finish wet sanding with 1000 grit sand paper
    -once satisfied, wash the headlight again to ensure there are no contaminants which would affect the lacquer/clear coat
    -once headlight is dry, wipe it down with isopropyl/rubbing alcohol
    -tape off the areas you do not want any lacquer/clear coat on
    -wipe headlight lens down again with isopropyl/rubbing alcohol, do not touch the lens with your hands (oil from your skin can cause imperfections when apply the lacquer/clear coat)
    -use the adhesion promoter to ensure there will be maximum adhesion when applying the lacquer/clear coat
    -once adhesion promoter has setup, then go ahead and apply the lacquer/clear coat
    -lacquer/clear coat can be applied in 2 coats if you are not planning on wet sanding afterwards
    -if you are planning on wet sanding to a polish afterwards, apply 3 coats to ensure there is enough material for the next process
    -be sure to remove any paper or tape after about an hour of setup time
    -let the headlight fully harden in the sun for at least 24 hours before the wet sanding and polishing stage
    1996 Volvo 854 turbo automatic.

  2. The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to ProStreetDriver For This Useful Post:

    jamesy12345 (Monday 14th July 2014),jdavis (Monday 14th July 2014),M-R-P (Monday 14th July 2014),MoleT-5R (Monday 14th July 2014),silverhorse (Wednesday 16th July 2014)


 

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
This website uses cookies
We use cookies to store session information to facilitate remembering your login information, to allow you to save website preferences, to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.
     
ipv6 ready