Auto Geek Online Car Detailing and Car Care Products Discussion Forum. Learn tips and tricks on how to polish, car wax, remove swirls and more.

HotRod · 06-24-2009, 02:36 PM

This is a method that I got from someone from another car related forum. Supposedly the UV protector is the same as what companies are selling for alot of money, but you can run down to home depot/hardware store to pick up everything you need for about $20-$25.

My process is basically already well known:

Wetsand-400, 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000
Buff-System one polish or equivalent with a high speed drill with small wool pad attachment
But here is the "new" part......
UV Sealer-Helmsman Spar Urethane(Indoor/Outdoor)Clear Gloss mixed with Mineral Spirits(1part urethane to 1 part mineral spirits.

After you buff the lights out with your polisher, you wipe down the headlight with denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (to eliminate any compound residue.
Mix the urethane and mineral spirits in a plastic disposable cup. Remember the dilution ration- 1 part to 1 part.
Then, take a blue 'scott' shop rag and fold it up into a 1 inch x 1 inch square. Then dip the rag into the mixture and wipe it on the headlight. Dont use too much or it might run, but start at the top of the light and work side to side. It took me a few times to get my method down, so if you mess up with application, wipe it off with mineral spirits and start over.
This UV sealant dries in 10-20 mins usually and is far superior to any average detail product(paint sealant, wax etc.......)
Its like a clear cote, but you dont spray it, not as messy.
Longevity-The original "creator" of this method told me that he did a headlight restoration with this method about 2 years ago for a customer, and he said it still looks good.
This is my first "how to" thread, so any questions are welcome.

killrwheels@autogeek · 06-24-2009, 03:11 PM

I had mine clearcoated ... seems to be working as had a couple small chips in top initially. I use Plexus weekly which also offers some additional UV protection too.

Harleyguy · 06-24-2009, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRod

This is a method that I got from someone from another car related forum. Supposedly the UV protector is the same as what companies are selling for alot of money, but you can run down to home depot/hardware store to pick up everything you need for about $20-$25.

My process is basically already well known:

Wetsand-400, 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000
Buff-System one polish or equivalent with a high speed drill with small wool pad attachment
But here is the "new" part......
UV Sealer-Helmsman Spar Urethane(Indoor/Outdoor)Clear Gloss mixed with Mineral Spirits(1part urethane to 1 part mineral spirits.

After you buff the lights out with your polisher, you wipe down the headlight with denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (to eliminate any compound residue.
Mix the urethane and mineral spirits in a plastic disposable cup. Remember the dilution ration- 1 part to 1 part.
Then, take a blue 'scott' shop rag and fold it up into a 1 inch x 1 inch square. Then dip the rag into the mixture and wipe it on the headlight. Dont use too much or it might run, but start at the top of the light and work side to side. It took me a few times to get my method down, so if you mess up with application, wipe it off with mineral spirits and start over.
This UV sealant dries in 10-20 mins usually and is far superior to any average detail product(paint sealant, wax etc.......)
Its like a clear cote, but you dont spray it, not as messy.
Longevity-The original "creator" of this method told me that he did a headlight restoration with this method about 2 years ago for a customer, and he said it still looks good.
This is my first "how to" thread, so any questions are welcome.

Looks great would like to try that on some spare headlamps.This is a guess is the car you posted pictures of a 960 or a S90 Volvo ??

HotRod · 06-24-2009, 08:18 PM

Clearcoat or this type of UV sealer is the way to go if you want the restoration to last. I encourage any detailer doing this for a living to consider this method, the restoration will last longer. There is a company selling this stuff for $75 for about 16 ounces of the product. So, this method will save you alot of money.
For really nasty yellow headlights there is another "home remedy". Mix about 3 parts Westley Bleach White Wall Tire Cleaner and 1 part Mean Green Household Cleaner. I guess this mixture pulls the yellow out of the light and helps dissolve the old factory UV Sealant. But I have not needed to try this yet. So be careful, as it may stain paint if not rinsed off. Its used as a precleaner, then you do the normal process.
Not sure if this helps anyone, I just thought it would be helpful, and wanted to share with everyone here. Its one of the best tips I have learned to help my business.

HotRod · 06-24-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harleyguy

Looks great would like to try that on some spare headlamps.This is a guess is the car you posted pictures of a 960 or a S90 Volvo ??

Its actually my sisters 98 Mercury Grand Marquis. Its in need of a major detailing. Gee, I wonder who she can find to do that for her?????

heatgain · 06-24-2009, 09:28 PM

Hotrod,
How long after applying your sealant mixture were those after pics taken?

HotRod · 06-24-2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heatgain

Hotrod,
How long after applying your sealant mixture were those after pics taken?

I would say atleast 25-30 mins. They were already dry to the touch. The hotter the air temperature the quicker they dry. They still have a nice wet look to them. I would assume that the gloss level will diminish over time. But even after 24 hours of curing time in 100 degree weather, they still have a high gloss.

HotRod · 07-05-2009, 04:32 PM

I tried this method on some brake lights on my van, and it turned out pretty good. They were not horrible to begin with, just a little hazy. It will definitely get a longevity test, its a work van that is exposed to the elements 24/7 in the Kansas weather. I used the Klasse Twins about 4 months ago on these same lights, and it did not last as long as I thought it would. Hopefully this new UV sealer will do the trick.

The first 2 pics are before pics, and the rest are after pics.

HotRod · 07-10-2009, 11:41 AM

Here are a few restorations that I did this morning with this new UV sealant. It turned out pretty good. This technique takes a little time to get used to.
Here are some before and after pictures.

heatgain · 07-10-2009, 02:28 PM

Nice.
My interest is in the longevity of the sealant. Would you keep us updated?