Headlight coating options

B

Beelzebot

New member
I`ve been looking around for products I can use to coat my headlights after the sand-polish-wipedown process (off-the-shelf, local).
One intriguing method calls for using "Spar Urethane(Indoor/Outdoor)Clear Gloss mixed with Mineral Spirits," which is said to last several years. At the home stores I can only find it in a quart can for about $19, which is way more than I need for 2 headlights.
Then I found some Spar Urethane at Wally-World in a spray can for $7.
Question: has anyone used this in spray-can form? What were the results?
Or, would it be worthwhile to use a clear spray gloss with UV protection from Krylon, Rustoleum, etc?
I`ve read over time that those dedicated headlight resto kits don`t last very long.
 
I`ve never used any headlight specific product on my 2004 Mach 1. I just treat the headlights like paint. I buff them with compound to remove imperfections and then coat them with sealant. Meguiar`s 21 and Finish Kare 1000P. I apply several coats allowing each to cure on the assumption that plastic is more permeable than paint.

I haven`t had any yellowing issues yet. My experience tells me you`ll do just fine by correcting the imperfections and keeping them coated with sealant. I probably reapply one coat 21 or 1000P once a month and compund the headlights once a year.
 
I`ve wetsanded the plastic, then buffed with Meg`s Polish. That will last a few months.
But what I`m looking for is a coating that will last about a year until it needs reapplying.
A portion of the plastic is recessed by the hood and bumper cover, so it`d be a pain to remove them for a thorough process several times a year.
 
I`ve never seen anyone try the aerosol version, but I imagine it`d be very similar to the stuff sold in quarts. Give it a shot and let us know!
 
The Megs stuff does look like a clear coat, similar to what would be applied to paint. I have the kit, for about a year, but haven`t had to use it.

Have a potential candidate, but not sure if she`s willing to pay for the service.

My own headlights are still not bad enough for me to open up the package. Been waiting...and waiting....and...
 
The Ultimate Clarity kit`s awesome, cheap, easy to use and looks great. And unlike many products, based off what Meg says my kit should be gone. But I still have enough for another probably 2 car. The spray`s magical, my headlights looked like hell after I used the compound, 1 coat of their clear coat they look a lot better. After the 2nd? wow. I`ve never used another headlight restoration kit so I don`t know how it compares. But this is so easy to use even I didn`t mess it up.
 
I think I will try the aerosol version of the Spar Urethane on one car, and theMeguiars Perfect Clarity on another and see how they last over time.
 
I`d rather spend a little more money and do it correctly. David Sylican of Innovative Detailing is arguably one of the most knowledgeable guys out there when it comes to headlight restorations and there is a good reason people from all over the US ship their expensive headlights to him for refinishing. He sells everything you need to do the job right and offers training classes too, I suggest giving him a call.


Just my $.02
 
RaskyR1 said:
I`d rather spend a little more money and do it correctly. David Sylican of Innovative Detailing is arguably one of the most knowledgeable guys out there when it comes to headlight restorations and there is a good reason people from all over the US ship their expensive headlights to him for refinishing. He sells everything you need to do the job right and offers training classes too, I suggest giving him a call.


Just my $.02
Click to expand...
+1... David is probably the best. Porsche guys send him headlights on the regular and he knocks them out like crazy.
 
XxBoostinxX said:
+1... David is probably the best. Porsche guys send him headlights on the regular and he knocks them out like crazy.
Click to expand...
+3 on David
If you want something through here, cheapest would be McKee 37 ceramic coating and possibly most durable being Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light.

I`ll be trying/comparing some new UV coatings soon,possibley under UV lighting soon

Both may be Addison clear wave HC-5619
But plan. To try Innovate detailing headlight sealant and
Lens Bright Headlight restorer

I was gonna try 4everbright, but some reviews say it yellowed..I don`t care if it works if it yellows...
 
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