headlight restoration with 1500, 2000, PLastX
#242
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Optimum is soon releasing a new product specifically designed as a headlight coating. Not too much out as far as the details go, but from my understanding it will be like Opti Coat 2.0 but with alot more UV protection aimed at sealing headlight and protecting them for a very long time.
I want to do my LS headlights but looking for a product like this to seal them to hopefully keep from having to redo them every 6 months.
#243
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If you have new or undamaged headlights and apply VaporWax apc (acrylic paint conditioner) to your headlights at least once a month and they will never yellow. If they are already yellow from surface oxidation deoxidize them first.
If they have been sanded previously, you got a situation that can only get worse, once you alter the surface from it's factory specs you should start saving for a replacement pair, down the line you will need to replace them eventually no matter what you do to seal them. There is no known process that repairs UV damage (yellowing of the actual lens).
Old damaged headlights can benefit from polishing but sanding an acrylic headlight is the beginnning of the end for it. There is no aftermarket product that is as tough or resistant to break down as the original factory surface. Sanding that surface away is a big mistake.
If they have been sanded previously, you got a situation that can only get worse, once you alter the surface from it's factory specs you should start saving for a replacement pair, down the line you will need to replace them eventually no matter what you do to seal them. There is no known process that repairs UV damage (yellowing of the actual lens).
Old damaged headlights can benefit from polishing but sanding an acrylic headlight is the beginnning of the end for it. There is no aftermarket product that is as tough or resistant to break down as the original factory surface. Sanding that surface away is a big mistake.
#244
Great results...I have been meaning to take care of the headlights on my RX. They're starting to be really hazy and a tad yellow. You can also use some wax on top after to protect the lenses and slow down the yellowing (caused by UV)
#246
Lexus Fanatic
If you have new or undamaged headlights and apply VaporWax apc (acrylic paint conditioner) to your headlights at least once a month and they will never yellow. If they are already yellow from surface oxidation deoxidize them first.
If they have been sanded previously, you got a situation that can only get worse, once you alter the surface from it's factory specs you should start saving for a replacement pair, down the line you will need to replace them eventually no matter what you do to seal them. There is no known process that repairs UV damage (yellowing of the actual lens).
Old damaged headlights can benefit from polishing but sanding an acrylic headlight is the beginnning of the end for it. There is no aftermarket product that is as tough or resistant to break down as the original factory surface. Sanding that surface away is a big mistake.
If they have been sanded previously, you got a situation that can only get worse, once you alter the surface from it's factory specs you should start saving for a replacement pair, down the line you will need to replace them eventually no matter what you do to seal them. There is no known process that repairs UV damage (yellowing of the actual lens).
Old damaged headlights can benefit from polishing but sanding an acrylic headlight is the beginnning of the end for it. There is no aftermarket product that is as tough or resistant to break down as the original factory surface. Sanding that surface away is a big mistake.
Also that Vapormax you are recommending/trying to sell is very suspect and has got terrible reviews along with accusations of spam/phishing.
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...x-warning.html
#248
Driver School Candidate
3M's Resto Kit Works Great
My brother-in-law's Chevy Silverado had the worst lights I had ever seen. Sanded with180 then 320 grit, then used a drill with the 3M headlight resto attachment that has Velcro for the sanding (500, 800, & 3000 grit) and polishing. They look brand new now. I didn't use the 3M rubbing compound, I used McGuiars instead. I have since tried the 3M rubbing compound and it is really good stuff.
Last edited by 7tisix; 05-12-14 at 04:32 PM. Reason: Clarifications
#249
Thanks for the write up! At first I thought my IS350 was getting oxidation from the inside the headlight, but my headlights looks very similar to yours; I am excited to give it a try!
I did pick up some Blue Magic headlight sealant from O'reilly, let's see how it holds up.
I did pick up some Blue Magic headlight sealant from O'reilly, let's see how it holds up.
#250
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[QUOTE=UDel;8125640]Totally disagree, after a few years when most plastic/polycarbonate headlights are exposed to too much sunlight the surface protection breaks down too much and simply can not be repaired without wet sanding. [/QUOTEp]
I have never heard of a plastic that breaks down in a few years.
From my understanding plastic is one of the top pollutants, due mainly to It's resistance to decomposition.
Oxidation is not a result of plastic breaking down.
Plastic break down is due to friction and abrasive contact.
Oxidation is a build up on the Surface of the plastic.
Where do you get your information from?
I have never heard of a plastic that breaks down in a few years.
From my understanding plastic is one of the top pollutants, due mainly to It's resistance to decomposition.
Oxidation is not a result of plastic breaking down.
Plastic break down is due to friction and abrasive contact.
Oxidation is a build up on the Surface of the plastic.
Where do you get your information from?
Last edited by Badmittn; 12-27-13 at 06:11 AM.
#251
Lead Lap
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[QUOTE=Badmittn;8297835]
From what I have seen and have dealt with in my past and working with plastics, composites, and paint and coatings in the jobs I have had in the past have come to learn that everything has it's krytonite substances. You would be amazed at what the UV rays of sunlight can do to stuff, especially plastic. Just because it clogs up landfills and takes hundreds of years to break down in the dumps, but place the same plastic part in continuous direct sunlight and watch it go bad. The UV rays destroy the plastic, sometimes quickly and sometimes it will take a while. That is why they put the protective coating on the headlights to prevent scratches and UV damage but it will eventually wear off. If you examine the plastic headlight you can see where the protective coating is and where the worn out faded sections are especially if you are sanding it with very fine sand paper.
Totally disagree, after a few years when most plastic/polycarbonate headlights are exposed to too much sunlight the surface protection breaks down too much and simply can not be repaired without wet sanding. [/QUOTEp]
I have never heard of a plastic that breaks down in a few years.
From my understanding plastic is one of the top pollutants, due mainly to It's resistance to decomposition.
Oxidation is not a result of plastic breaking down.
Plastic break down is due to friction and abrasive contact.
Oxidation is a build up on the Surface of the plastic.
Where do you get your information from?
I have never heard of a plastic that breaks down in a few years.
From my understanding plastic is one of the top pollutants, due mainly to It's resistance to decomposition.
Oxidation is not a result of plastic breaking down.
Plastic break down is due to friction and abrasive contact.
Oxidation is a build up on the Surface of the plastic.
Where do you get your information from?