Another Headlight Sealant thread--hopefully this one will generate some answers

Thank you accumulator! Would you recommend dampening the microfiber with plain water, or would a spray on wax like mother's be a good choice? According to most videos I have seen it is good to use a slightly soapy water while wetsanding the headlights which is why I ask.
 
turbovation said:
Thank you accumulator! Would you recommend dampening the microfiber with plain water, or would a spray on wax like mother's be a good choice? According to most videos I have seen it is good to use a slightly soapy water while wetsanding the headlights which is why I ask.
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With KAIO I dampen the applicator with water. With KSG I only have KSG on the applicator, no water/QD/anything else.



The soapy water when wetsanding keps the sandpaper/pad soft and piable, provides lubrication, and helps flush away sanding debris. No such needs with most any other processes.
 
So I took on a 740 IL today. I managed to get the passengers side headlight spotless, but the drivers side is slightly tougher. There was a little yellow discoloration which I pretty much was able to sand out, but remains a tiny bit on the drivers side.



I hit it with 1000 grit, then 1500, then 2500. I think I need something heavier, and I want to try 600 grit 3M because I can't find any meguiars 600 grit wet/dry.



My first question is, is 600 TOO abrasive?



Second question is 3M as good as meguiars? My local autozone has 3M, but I like the "unigrit" aspect of the meguiars.



Thanks!
 
turbovation said:
I have researched virtually every form of headlight sealant:


wolfgang plastik sealant

opti-seal

pb wheel sealant

plexis

fk 1000p

ultima paint guard plus

dp plex-all

doublehorn clear protective coating

sem products

klasse aio/sg

rejex

303 UV protection

Minwax Spar-Urethane 40% mineral spirits 60%

21013 - SOLARAY UV HEADLIGHT REPAIR

21109 - SOLARAY UV CURING LAMP


Most of them seem to be very similar, with longevity depending on storage of automobile, amount driven, weather, and general use. Generally ranging from a claimed 2 months of protection all the way up to a year. They are all relatively similar in price as well, but don't offer the protection I think you could get from a real long-term sealant.


The Minwax spar urethane and mineral spirit concoction seems to be very promising for those of us on a budget, but as my dad mentioned, spar urethane tends to amber over time. He has been painting contractor for 32 years so I trust his judgement. However, he did say that there is a possibility that the 60% mineral spirit dillutes the urethane enough to limit this ambering. He still seems concerned that such a thin coat could lift over a short period of time.


The SEM solaray product seems to be the only Legitimate one available right now, but it requires UV light for drying. At ~$30.00 for a 7.8 ounce can it is REALLY expensive. And the UV light is $200.00 (probably insanely overpriced for suckers). I don't want to charge people for a half-assed service that only lasts 3 months. I want their restoration to last as long as possible.


I guess I have three specific questions for the forum:


How many headlights could be coated with 8 ounces of Solaray?


Where can I find a UV curing light for much cheaper? Can I just buy a clamp-light and a bulb at wal-mart?


Am I going to have to be the one who invents a quick drying driveway application UV protected spray that is both affordable and designed specifically for application on headlights? I feel like I will make a lot of money if I do!
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So you feel the Solaray os better than the Opti-Lens and more effective than a good 2k clear?


 


Those are the three choices I have it down to.
 
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