Headlight Restoration-new UV sealant idea

[Cougarstang]

Do cheap ebay aftermarket lights usually have a layer of uv protectant? Is it worth putting a layer of the urethane mix over a new cheap aftermarket set?

[heatgain]

Originally Posted by Cougarstang

Is it worth putting a layer of the urethane mix over a new cheap aftermarket set?

I see no reason why it wouldn't be worth it.

[Vandit]

So I went out to Lowe's and bought the supplies to try this method.

The car was my GF's mom's Grand Marquis. It's one of the most neglected looking cars ever, and the headlights showed it.

My process was:
1. 600 grit wetsand
2. 1000 grit wetsand
3. Meguiar's Ultimate Compound w/ Mother's Powerball (multiple passes)
4. Meguiar's ScratchX w/ Powerball
5. Alcohol cleaning
6. UV Sealant Mix w/ blue shop towel

I would have used 2000 grit in my process but wasn't able to find any at the Autozone.

The results were very positive. The sealant definitely tops it all off, literally. The wet look on the lenses is very nice and the clarity remains great.

Only time will tell if it is up to the task of protecting the lens. The car is in south Texas and lives outside, so it's definitely going to be put to the test.

[kelviiv]

Ok

So what materials should I buy/look for at my local lowes/home depot besides mineral spirits?

Thank you

[Vandit]

Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane (Indoor/Outdoor), Clear Gloss

[kelviiv]

Minwax helsman spar urethane,

Clear gloss? Are there any particular brands.

[Vandit]

Helmsman Spar Urethane - Oil-Based Clear Protective Finishes

I bought a 32oz container of it, along w/ a 32oz of Mineral Spirits.

[kelviiv]

thank you.

[HotRod]

Here are a few more that I worked on using this method.
This is the third brake light on my work van. It was a little overdue, you can see the old UV clear cote flaking off.
Before:



After:



And here is a headlight restoration I did, it was pretty bad, but there is some interior damage as well, so they are not perfect. If you look closely there is a hole in the back of each headlight that is letting dirt and bugs enter the headlight, the hole is non functional too, not sure why its there.
Before:


After:

[HotRod]

In case anybody was curious, here is a pic of the exact UV sealant that I am using, its mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with the mineral spirits.

And also here is my first restoration using this UV sealant, they turned out awesome, I think I may have already posted these, but here they are again.
Before:

After: