Headlight Restoration-new UV sealant idea

[barkeater]

OK, doesn't seem to be much activity on this thread as there once was but I am going to do my best to document my project if nothing more than for my own sake.

I had a chance to remove the spar coating from the "bad" headlight and polish it in preparation for another go with the spar/ms mix. This time I purchased a can of liquid spar as referenced in the beginning of the thread instead of trying to use the spray. don't know if this is going to make any difference. Also, using new, clean glass containers to mix up the spar/ms. Finally, bought the blue scott towels.

This morning had a chance to give it a go. Prep'd the surface by wiping down with ipa. Mixed up my spar/ms to a 7:3 ratio. Folded up my scott towel, dipped in and began to apply.

First thing I noticed is that the coating is much more striated than when I previously used the foam brush. My understanding is that these disappear as the coating settles. Striations aside, I was not happy with the evenness of the coating. So much so I wiped it off with scott towel and ms. Just didn't look right.

I still had a clean foam brush so I mixed up some more spar/ms mix and reapplied using the foam brush. The coating was very even and no sign of the milky areas which appeared in my previous attempt. I looked it over to make sure I didn't miss any areas and after a minute or two considered it a coating I was willing to let dry. I post up some pics tomorrow.

[GP49]

If you were using the spray previously, and in cool, damp weather, it is possible that evaporation of the volatile carrier in the spray caused localized lowering of the temperature, causing moisture in the air to condense and cause cloudiness.

[barkeater]

OK, drum roll please...



I am very happy with the results. Absolutely no milky areas and near perfect uniform coating. GP49, you may be right. I may never know exactly why I was getting that milky look but at least now I can move on in my headlight project.

[nycbluelancer]

does it take off swirl marks off too.. my rear and head lights got small swirls on it.

[barkeater]

It will virtually eliminate them

[kewldetail]

So i skimmed through a lot of this thread but I'm stumped. Where can I find solvent based Helmsman Spar Urethane in California, specifically Orange County region? Or does anyone know a reliable site that will sell it by the quart?

Thanks!

[Setec Astronomy]

You probably can't buy that in CA due to VOC restrictions.

[kewldetail]

Which site can I buy it from? I don't wanna order one and has it being water bases aha

[BillE]

I do believe that "Ace Hardware" sells it. At least my local one does. I just noticed 'that' yesterday.

But, if it is a no-no in California, they probably cannot legally sell it, or offer it for sale there.

Maybe Amazon?

Bill

[Part-timer]

So i skimmed through a lot of this thread but I'm stumped. Where can I find solvent based Helmsman Spar Urethane in California, specifically Orange County region? Or does anyone know a reliable site that will sell it by the quart?

Thanks!

Thats so weird!! Here in Florida you can buy the Spar at Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace, Walmart......almost anywhere!!