I was recently approached by the founder of ADN or Auto Detailing network to offer my expertise in the art of Headlight Lens Restoration

http://www.autodetailingnetwork.com/...toration-tips/

Please check out my new column where I will be the editor and moderator of this segment of "Operator Experts"

Please feel free to chime in and ask questions or comments.....

Enjoy!

 

I have a question. My X-Type's headlights are starting to show whitish haze forming. On top of that, someone previously tried to do some touch-up paint jobs on the car and dripped a little bit of paint on the lens. It's hardened and I guess bonded with the lens that it won't come off any further.

So, the question...would the headlight restoration method actually get the paint off as well?

Thanks!

 

WOW, that's terrific
Our friends will be benefited from your tips for sure as usual

 

Let me help you out on this one......Due to the mechanical process of resurfacing the headlight lens, any above surface contaminants and the failed coating would be leveled off. Once this is accomplished using the various resurfacing discs, finishing off with the finest disc which is 3000. I then reapply my UV coating and cure with a UV curing lamp for the finest results. Any and all traces of paint should be eliminated when resurfacing when done properly.

Thank you so much Cadillac, please feel free to throw the link up in any other forums that you participate in....

 

Thanks , I will do for sure

 

My headlights don't look too bad, but there are many tiny little marks from road debris, bugs etc. Will this system remove enough of the surface to make them smooth and pretty? I was looking at the 3M system, but I am open to any others.

Thanks!

*also* Do these systems work for the tail lights too? Mine are a bit scuffed and hazy.

 

Tiny marks, pits and gauges are part of the beating that out headlights take on the road. The 3M system will repair your lenses for the most part, but it lacks one thing......the replacement of the UV coating. Because you have now removed the original failed UV coating, polishing and waxing alone is not enough. When reapplying the UV coating, some of these wear and tear defects do fill in....take a look for yourself, hopefully these photos do justice.

2005 Lexus IS250

 

Thanks Dave, the pics look remarkable! Is the UV coating something that you sell? I see you provide the service, but since I don't live in your state I am looking for the next best thing. Also, can this work on the tail lights as well?

 

Thank you so much Pushing_Tin, yes the UV coating is something that I do distribute as well as the UV curing lamp. This process can be used for tail lights as well, works awesome!

 

+1 on the 3M kit.

Everything you need to get the job done. Only other tool I needed was a drill and some water.

Before:






After:






Not too shabby!

 

vserduchka - Looks great for a DIY kit.....be sure to put a final UV coating on them so not to compromise their life expectancy....Waxes and sealants will only last for so long, then the polycarbonate will begin to oxidize and yellow again resulting in checking and cracking.

 

I've read that after restoring the lenses, that the time before they begin to yellow/fog is only about 6 months or so if the area is like Texas or Florida. Is this because the UV paint coating was not used? If the UV coating is used, how long before the restoration process needs to be repeated?

For instance, if fading begins without UV in 6 months, about how long would it take with the UV coating applied?

Walt

 

Walt....

Thanks for the question, let me give you some info....

In most cases yes the lens will begin to yellow or haze once again. Since the OEM UV coating was removed, the lens is now susceptable to cracking or checking since the polycarbonate is bare, uncoated and exposed.

If a quality UV headlight Coating is used after resurfacing and the prep work was done correctly, depending on which product is used you may get 1-3 years from this recoat. Proper cleaning, care and maintenance definitely will help extend the life of the repair.