2005 CHEAP & MORE PERMANENT- Refurbished Headlights

OK, for those wanting to cheaply and MORE permanently extend the life of their headlights, look no further. This is a pretty straight forward process. The prep is suggested to be conducted in direct sunlight, while spraying should be done and cured indirectly in sunlight or shade.

*BEFORE.


1. CLEAN HEADLIGHTS. First hose it down nice and clean with soap and water. Let dry.

2. BLUE TAPE AND PREP AREA. Blue tape over masking works best for easy removal. Seems the sticky glue of masking under harsh sunlight may complicate removal even 2 hours after usage.

3. WET SAND--GRIT. I used a 4x4 piece strip of sandpaper at grain rating of 800. Use an ample amount of water from bucket to douse and scrape at headlights. Sand in multiple directions (up down; side to side, diagonally) in order to level the plastic surface. All dirt should have been cleaned away; thus aim to smoothen all dings and chips. I repeated all angles twice. I’ve read that sand weights don't largely matter as long as you have both a gritty grain to shape away and a finer finishing grain.

4. WET SAND--- FINE. Now I immediately went to wet sanding with grain rating 2000. Quick water down rinse. Similar sanding in multiple directions (up down; side to side, diagonally) and done twice.
5. PREP FOR SPRAY. I used masking tape here as blue tape is not that good in sticking to itself. Cut up plastic trash bags would work, but I used this large white plastic I had laying around the house.
6. FINAL CLEAN FOR SPRAY-- DENATURED ALCOHOL. With a clean rag (pref microfiber) I used denatured alcohol to clean-prepare the headlights prior to spray. This should remove all unwanted oils and such just prior to spraying.

7. 1st SPRAY CLEAR COAT. Shake clear coat can for a good +1minute. Spray 2 layers: side ways once, then up and down. Let dry/cure for about 30mins in indirect sunlight; otherwise risk orange peeling or worse. Be careful of any dripping from possible spray can liquid buildup in the neck area.

8. 2nd SPRAY CLEAR COAT. Same-same. Let dry again in indirect/shaded area. Then remove all plastic bag, prepping material.
9. PROTECT WITH WAX. I applied one layer of Turtle wax to protect from damaging affects of sunlight and nicks. Whoala.


* You can alternatively perform this procedure by fully removing both the headlights. Its more of a hassle in removing the front bumper, but you would avoid the need for taping and spray prepping. Also washing, cleaning, sanding and drying would be fully unencumbered.

 

TY it was a rather quick process; i actually had some smaller issues with dripping and orange peel. But i will sand that out when next i need a headlight refresher.

 

Pmanipole, Great context, to remind folks of their options. Thanks.