What's happening with my headlights?

MadMaxBargainRoad on 26/11/2020 - 23:25

Hi all,

First please forgive my lack of knowledge with cars.

Long story short, I recently purchased a set of headlight restoration kit and tried polishing my car's slightly hazy headlights. I went through 600/1000/2000 sanding, some compound rubbing and finally some oily sealent(?).

It all worked as intended until the first rain. Once the lenses are washed by water they seem even hazier than they used to be. However, if I apply the oily sealent again they would become clear…..well until next time it gets in contact with water.

Can someone shed some light please?

Thanks in advance.

Automotive

Comments

  • MadMaxBargainRoad on 26/11/2020 - 23:28

    Would something like Ceramic Spray Wax help?

    • bictory on 26/11/2020 - 23:32
      +1

      I have not personally tried, but some people have used comparisons with wax as the coating layer (which needs to be repeated e.g. quarterly assuming durability) if left uncoated without UV protection, the haze oxidation of the plastic and haze will develop. Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQs8MJH2qwY

  • bictory on 26/11/2020 - 23:30
    +1

    It sounds like the sealant is getting washed off by water. Some people may use some wipes https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B079QL8BYK/ which is likened to a more permanent 2k clear coat spray. It would seem you have done the prep work, just the final layer is not permanent.

    • MadMaxBargainRoad on 26/11/2020 - 23:41

      Thanks bictory. Is it similar to this https://www.repco.com.au/en/car-care-panel/car-care/headligh…?

      • bictory on 26/11/2020 - 23:49

        That spray has the picture and is described for that application, so should work fine; you can get extra discount https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/577885
        Popular youtuber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEJbKLZ7RmM&t=682s has demonstrated use with the Rust-Oleum product which is probably a similar price at bunnings (may not be listed on website), this product may be arguably better https://www.amazon.com/SprayMax-Glamour-Gloss-Aerosol-Clear/… but does not seem as cheap or accessible in Aus. PPE is recommended for safety.

        • MadMaxBargainRoad on 27/11/2020 - 00:01

          Hmmm….now I am bit confused. In the video, he uses the compound to make it clear at the end.

          However, when I finished rubbing mine with compound it was still hazy and I had to used the sealent to clear it.

          I thought the clear coating is just a protective layer?

          • bictory on 27/11/2020 - 00:26
            +1

            @MadMaxBargainRoad: It remains hazy, as you are buffing down the larger scratches from a lower grit to a finer grit. The compound you can consider as a finer grade to the 2000 grit sandpaper, and finer to that would be like a polish. For the clear coat to adhere, the smoothed out scratches not being too fine with create a good bonding surface. Similarly the wax fills in the gaps so the light doesn't scatter and it looks clearer afterwards. But the clear coat is also protective, with a UV inhibitor usually.

            • MadMaxBargainRoad on 27/11/2020 - 00:36

              @bictory: Ah I think I am starting to get it. Gonna buy a bottle of clear coating and try it out.

              Many thanks :)

  • bigticket on 27/11/2020 - 01:01
    +2

    The reason for the haziness is the scratches from the 2000 grit are masked by the oily sealant that washes away with rain.
    This may sound strange, but use brasso and elbow grease. It does a great job at polishing plastic as well.

    • moto on 27/11/2020 - 02:14

      Can Silvo work too? Or do I need to buy another can of Brasso.

      • bigticket on 27/11/2020 - 14:38

        Silvo won't work. Use Brasso. It has very good cutting power, less elbow grease and leaves a nice polished surface.

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