Headlights restoration done the right way.

I would suggest trying to get it in a way to be sprayed with an air brush or detail gun.. Its a day and night diference compared to rattle can.
 
RaskyR1 said:
That Barry character viewing this thread has a lot of experience restoring headlights too. :D
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He sure does!



hotrod66paul said:
This is the info straight from the SEM site. Was told this is available thru NAPA and other body shop supply stores. Hope this answers any of you questions.



SEM Products :: Solaray UV Headlight Repair
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The issue with this stuff is that it the tips clogs very easily after the first set you use! Its a waste after that. Here is what I use, you need a little bit more tools like a spraygun and such. Its so far the best results that have held up! No issues at all once you get the system and the spray down.



Private Label Products Automotive Products Cumberland Products



Here is a link to the procedure, Except now Im sanding to 800 grit then spraying!



Understanding Headlight Repair an article by Barry Theal of Lancaster PA. Car detailing at its best in Pennsylvania. | Presidential Details



The issue with headlights is that there polycarbonite and once you sand the UV Coating off it must be reapplied. It must be a true UV Coating and not some wax or sealent. There are several on the market that Im aware of. Dave from Innovative Detailing in California has probally the most experiance experimenting with all the coatings.
 
After being out at SEMA and seeing Presta's offering I decided to pick up a kit locally. Just waiting on the UVA cure light to come in (I do all my work at night in my garage). I hope it comes in early next week so I can try it out over thanksgiving break.



Barry, thanks for the link above. It was also nice to meet you in person at the HD booth!
 
I heard presta's kit is nice! Ken great meeting you as well. Your close we need to get hang out some time and talk shop or detail something toegether!
 
Barry Theal said:
I heard presta's kit is nice! Ken great meeting you as well. Your close we need to get hang out some time and talk shop or detail something toegether!
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Sounds like a great idea! Even if it is to grab a "cool beverage" sometime.
 
I currently use the SEM stuff and it's a PITA if you don't spray it correctly. I'm no painter, but I get aggravated with it sometimes. Also, the UV light curing process is annoying...not for someone with ADD, that's for sure. I've left them out in the sun to see if they could cure "naturally"...nope, you need the light for good results. I've had to redo lights that came out with heavy orange peel. Mainly user error, but it's such a costly thing that "practicing" gets expensive.



I haven't had issues with the tip clogging, but I can see how that is an issue. I would recommend as ^^ and Barry stated, get something that can be sprayed through a proper gun.





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You can see the orange peel on my old M3. From a few feet away it's not an issue, but I pulled offering this service until I can test the new Opti-Lens stuff. I have no plans of buying the stuff to do it with an air gun any time soon.



2012-02-26110353.jpg






The good thing is how well it can fill scratches and other issues. This is my girlfriend's light before:



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You have to get really close up to see all the cracks and deep scratches. From 3 feet away it looks like a brand new light...



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It's been on her car for just about a year now and still going strong. No signs of fading whatsoever. I'm waiting for the Opti-Lens stuff to do the next set of lights, because this stuff isn't convenient either (since I am mobile and don't always have a garage/controlled area to work in).
 
Don't wanna hi-jack the thread, but I made a video for this stuff a long time ago. I just reposted it without me talking, I get irritated hearing my own voice...



 
Presta Products also makes a headlight sealant that cures with UV light in 10 minutes. Its tested and approved by Ford to last a minimum of 3 year under Tropical UV conditions. its's available in a 6.5 oz aerosol spray can. it can also be cured using sunlight (also takes approx 10 minutes in full sun). It's available at Presta website (prestaproducts.com) or most automotive paint stores across the country. it's called Renulite.
 
All of the replies show there is more than one way to skin a cat. Looks as if more and more companies are addressing this problem. Has anyone tried a product that didn't work so that we can stay clear of ?
 
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