Author Topic: Refinishing Headlights - pictures added  (Read 1512 times)

JRHPNG

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Refinishing Headlights - pictures added
« on: November 13, 2019, 01:55:59 AM »
After 300,000km our headlights are little worse for wear, though not as bad as I would expect.

I have purchased some wet and dry sand paper along with some aerosol UV clear coat, will post before and after pictures later today - Cannot part with $300 (NZD) each for aftermarket items!

Cheers
« Last Edit: November 13, 2019, 02:22:24 PM by JRHPNG »
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richardfrost

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Re: Refinishing Headlights - Anyone done?
« Reply #1 on: November 13, 2019, 09:01:59 AM »
Would be interested to see how this turns out. My Mk1 could do with some attention. I have been told that certain brands of toothpaste can do a half decent job too.

As you know, replacing the UV protection afterwards is key to avoid it returning.

sparky Paul

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Re: Refinishing Headlights - Anyone done?
« Reply #2 on: November 13, 2019, 01:36:39 PM »
I've done a few without any problems, look like new afterwards if you take your time.

1500 grit wet and dry, and copious amounts of soapy water until you have an even fog over the lens - it will look terrible at this point. Then move onto 3000 grit, then 4000. Then use a cutting compound, then a final polish, followed by some UV protection for headlights.

It takes a bit of nerve, as they look a lot worse before they get better. I can't stress enough about the soapy water - keep washing the wet & dry, and the headlamp, or you will end up with scratches.

You could always get an old headllamp to practice on first.

guest4871

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Re: Refinishing Headlights - pictures added
« Reply #3 on: November 13, 2019, 07:37:50 PM »
What UV protection product would you use for headlights?


sparky Paul

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Re: Refinishing Headlights - pictures added
« Reply #5 on: November 13, 2019, 10:08:40 PM »
What UV protection product would you use for headlights?

Personally, I just put a good quality wax on them afterwards, most contain UV protection.

I've seen the Meguiar's Headlight Protectant recommended elsewhere. If you want a more permanent solution, you can buy a UV blocking clear coat aerosol specifically for headlights.

JRHPNG

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Re: Refinishing Headlights - pictures added
« Reply #6 on: November 13, 2019, 11:10:07 PM »
What UV protection product would you use for headlights?

Personally, I just put a good quality wax on them afterwards, most contain UV protection.

I've seen the Meguiar's Headlight Protectant recommended elsewhere. If you want a more permanent solution, you can buy a UV blocking clear coat aerosol specifically for headlights.

I've used a UV clear coat for this job
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JRHPNG

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Jocko

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Re: Refinishing Headlights - pictures added
« Reply #8 on: November 14, 2019, 08:55:04 AM »
I've seen the Meguiar's Headlight Protectant recommended elsewhere. If you want a more permanent solution, you can buy a UV blocking clear coat aerosol specifically for headlights.
The Meguiar's link is a UV blocking clear coat aerosol specifically for headlights. The pack I linked to also has the cleaning compound.

guest4871

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Re: Refinishing Headlights - pictures added
« Reply #9 on: November 14, 2019, 11:08:56 AM »
I think I might try this:

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Quick-Headlight-Clear-Coat-Wipes/?N=5002385+3290574556&preselect=8710800&rt=rud

3M products are always extremely good.

This seems to be the same thing but without the abrasive pad:

https://www.armorall.eu/en/products/wipes/headlight-restorer-wipes-kit

I never realised that there is such a huge range of products to chose from!

This is the Auto Express 2019 Product Review for Best Headlight Restorers.

What a wonderful world we live in.

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