Ceramic headlight restoration kit

[Tony H]

The headlights on 2 of my older (2000,2003) cars had become quite foggy even though always garaged. Cost of replacement was not that expensive but quite time consuming to replace. I thought the restoration kits were a joke but thought I would give it a try. The kit was for 1 vehicle but there was a lot of product so I prepped both vehicles. It took about 1.5hrs to do both vehicles. I was totally blown away by the results. They looked like jewels. The lense was so clear I could hardly see it. There was a little deeper pitting the kit did not remove but only visible when headlight on.

[INSIDIOUS]

Which brand?

[Tony H]

Here you go:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084RQKLV8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Takes a bit of elbow grease to do it correctly. If you are cautious with the sanding disks you can skip masking off painted areas. I used the disks by hand in a few compound curved areas.

[INSIDIOUS]

OK, CERAKOTE brand. I always wondered what it might do for a hazy/pitted windshield. No abrasive, just clean & coat. Can you try it on a small area?

[tbomachines]

I have used quite a few headlight kits over the years. They are usually good for a few months or so then cloud back up. Some simply restore oils that have been destroyed by UV (dont ask me on the chemistry there, no idea) similar to how armor all shines up plastic trim. The ceramic coating ones add a layer of protection, but I have not seen it last.

My best and ONLY lasting option with headlights was to sand off all of the damaged clearcoat, prep then respray with 2k clearcoat. One of my cars has NLA headlights so restoration was the only option. It has held up for 3 summers in the sun so far with no damage. Can't find my before/after pics on this new phone.

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk

[INSIDIOUS]

Originally Posted by tbomachines

I have used quite a few headlight kits over the years. They are usually good for a few months or so then cloud back up. Some simply restore oils that have been destroyed by UV (dont ask me on the chemistry there, no idea) similar to how armor all shines up plastic trim. The ceramic coating ones add a layer of protection, but I have not seen it last.

My best and ONLY lasting option with headlights was to sand off all of the damaged clearcoat, prep then respray with 2k clearcoat. One of my cars has NLA headlights so restoration was the only option. It has held up for 3 summers in the sun so far with no damage. Can't find my before/after pics on this new phone.

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk

2k clearcoat I find more than one brand or type. which? Ever tried it on glass?

[tbomachines]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS

2k clearcoat I find more than one brand or type. which? Ever tried it on glass?

I used spraymax, I can't comment on whether it is better or worse than other brands but it is very commonly used. Sand off the old clearoat with 400, then refine with 800 (no finer than 1000). Clean clean clean, and make sure the 400 grit grooves/pits are all smoothed off before spraying.

My experience is with plastic (I am assuming polycarbonate) lenses, not glass, which are the vast majority of headlights in the last 20 years. I dont think glass would have any clouding issues as it wouldnt get damaged by UV? Sealed beam units would be better off just replacing.

[INSIDIOUS]

Originally Posted by tbomachines

I used spraymax, I can't comment on whether it is better or worse than other brands but it is very commonly used. Sand off the old clearoat with 400, then refine with 800 (no finer than 1000). Clean clean clean, and make sure the 400 grit grooves/pits are all smoothed off before spraying.

My experience is with plastic (I am assuming polycarbonate) lenses, not glass, which are the vast majority of headlights in the last 20 years. I dont think glass would have any clouding issues as it wouldnt get damaged by UV? Sealed beam units would be better off just replacing.

I am still hung up on micro scratched windshields. I made a thread a ways back, no joy

[Tony H]

If the restoration doesn't last I will replace them. The kit was inexpensive. New headlights are not that expensive but the bumper cover needs to be removed to replace them. No big deal, I have plenty of clips from a recent job.
The original tinted windshield on my W111 3.5 Coupe is pretty pitted as well and I'm concerned about the quality of replacements. Have not spent much time researching a solution.

[Tony H]

I used all the kit up on the headlights.

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS

OK, CERAKOTE brand. I always wondered what it might do for a hazy/pitted windshield. No abrasive, just clean & coat. Can you try it on a small area?