Help needed regarding headlight restoration

[Deranged_9n3]

Good morning all AGO members and non-members.

I have tried searching the web but could not find any informative info regarding my request. Don't know if my wording that I used was wrong or what the issue was. I thought that I would turn to the forum to seek help from you guys. I only recently started detailing and I must confess my results thus far is great IMO. All my research thus far is paying off. However there is 1 issue I have atm :(

Headlight restoration is going great , but the curing time kills me. The bad weather we have atm also doesn't help me much. I am using a very similar mix to the helsman spar urethane you guys use , mainly because our products in SA differ from yours. My oldest set of lights is 4 weeks old and still looks superb :dblthumb2:

I got myself a UV light after searching long and hard for one. My aim is to speed up the UV sealant curing process. I would just like to ask if anyone can assist me regarding using this light. ie.
- how far away should it be placed from the headlight
- how long should it be focused on the headlight
Feed back please

When I bought the light I got a massive speech how this light can damage my skin and eyes etc. I really don't want to mess up a clients headlights

Thanx in advance !!

[hernandez.art13]

Hello :) a lot of members can help.

So what you are using to seal in your work that needs a light to help it cure?

Also what is SA (just wondering)

Also this is a good choice, it is also advertised as permanent.

http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-lens-headlight-coating.html

Optimum Opti-Lens Headlight Coating is designed to be applied to headlights that are free of any oxidation or yellowing. If necessary, polish the headlights to restore optical clarity and then wipe them down with a 15% solution of isopropyl alcohol. Apply an ultra thin coat of Opti-Lens and allow to cure for 3-5 minutes. Remove any excess with a clean, dry microfiber towel.

My words:
That is all that is necessary. (3-5 minutes no lights required) if I understood your post

Good luck,

Art

[Calendyr]

Hello :) a lot of members can help.

So what you are using to seal in your work that needs a light to help it cure?

Also what is SA (just wondering)

Also this is a good choice, it is also advertised as permanent.

Optimum Opti-Lens Permanent Headlight Coating, headlight coatings protectants (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-lens-headlight-coating.html)

Optimum Opti-Lens Headlight Coating is designed to be applied to headlights that are free of any oxidation or yellowing. If necessary, polish the headlights to restore optical clarity and then wipe them down with a 15% solution of isopropyl alcohol. Apply an ultra thin coat of Opti-Lens and allow to cure for 3-5 minutes. Remove any excess with a clean, dry microfiber towel.

My words:
That is all that is necessary. (3-5 minutes no lights required) if I understood your post

Good luck,

Art

He is using: helsman spar urethane, not Opti-Lens.

[Hazcat]

He's in San Antonio and hoping his products come close to the helmsman spar urethane others are using. I'd use opti-lens.

[Deranged_9n3]

Sorry if my OP wasn't clear enough. SA is South Africa !! Well like I said I did research on the products I am using compared to the helsman and my results is pretty spot on I'd say. I just saw my first set of headlights again and they still crystal clear. My issue is the 1 day curing time before the light is allowed water again. Hence the reason I want to use a UV light to cure them quicker. I took pics this morning of my 1st restoration and can post them up if you guys want to see them.

[Deranged_9n3]

http://photostand.co.za/images/bqmp0usybj3mq3prlpw6.jpg (http://photostand.co.za/)

http://photostand.co.za/images/mrhni95ojnl5q2zbk9h.jpg (http://photostand.co.za/)

http://photostand.co.za/images/h8ieza9n4nhjz009rqjl.jpg (http://photostand.co.za/)

Took them this morning. 4 weeks after restoration

[jwgreen6]

According to GlasWeld (http://www.glasweld.com/headlight-restoration-kits/), who makes a headlight restoration kit that uses a UV lamp for curing the coating, place the lamp about 3" from the lenses. If the lenses are large, you may have to move the lamp around to ensure full coverage.

I find it ironic that UV is a primary cause to lens degradation but a UV lamp is required to cure the replacement coating.

[Deranged_9n3]

According to GlasWeld (http://www.glasweld.com/headlight-restoration-kits/), who makes a headlight restoration kit that uses a UV lamp for curing the coating, place the lamp about 3" from the lenses. If the lenses are large, you may have to move the lamp around to ensure full coverage.

I find it ironic that UV is a primary cause to lens degradation but a UV lamp is required to cure the replacement coating.

Thanx bud , yeah that is very ironic hahahahaha. 3" away is quite close to the headlight. Any idea for how long the headlight should be exposed to the UV lamp ??

[Calendyr]

I think the best way to know would be to contact the manufacturer of the product you are using. They very likelly have specific instructions for UV light curing.

[Deranged_9n3]

I tried my UV light on Sunday. Had the light directed onto my headlight for 5min and thereafter the headlight was still not dry. Was scared that if I hold it for longer that it would cause damage to the headlight.

Should I hold it for longer or am I doing something wrong here ??

[Deranged_9n3]

BUMP

Does anyone have any info for me regarding this matter ?? I haven't done a set of headlights since to test again however I would like to be prepared for when I get my next set.

[Hazcat]

Your drying paint so some warm air could be helpful.

[aztec1987]

I tend to wash the headlights, clay it, V38 polisher from CG, 3 coats of Jetseal 109 does the trick for me. They have a video on youtube.