Headlight Restoration The Only PERMANENT Method!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 лис 2023
- The products I used can be found on my Amazon store linked below.
Amazon.com/shop/modernvehicle...
This method has been tried and tested for the past 8 years! If you decide to attempt this please keep the following in mind. Wear a mask even if painting outdoors! 2k clear coat is toxic! Only attempt this job if the weather is dry and sunny. Too much moisture in the air and the clear coat will not cure properly. This method applies for all headlights on any kind of car. Hit the like and subscribe for more diy detailing content like this!
Located in CT, NY, NJ, MA, RI? Book an appointment online!
www.modernvehiclecare.com/boo...
#headlightrestoration #detailing #cars #bmw #7series #german #permanent #viral #trending #foryou #fyp #crazy #car #automobile #auto #2k - Авто та транспорт
Finally someone doing it proper. All these "headlight restoration" guys claiming 2k clear is bad and won't last. I've done numerous headlights using Tamco 30 min high impact clear and it lasts. Never had one peel, yellow, fade nada. I've tried the 3m kit to test it, total junk as there's zero uv protection, just polished raw plastic. Cerakote was easy, but lasted 6-8 months before it began yellowing. My bmw is done now, did it 2 years ago and still as crystal clear today. Great video!
Thank you! So much misinformation out there it’s insane lol
Some of this misinformation came from people who used 2X rust-oleum gloss clear, which has nothing to do with 2k clear coat. Not to mention that most people don't know how to properly apply 2k clear, they overspray and they results are horrible.
It's only a matter of time before it starts cracking. Headlight clear doesn't need a hardner in it. Just like you shouldn't double layer the clear. A single, heavy coat is more than enough.
When you apply solvents to polycarbonate, you run the risk of crazing. 2k clear is full of solvents. 3M and other companies have done research and released papers on this phenomenon. It doesn’t always happen, so consider yourself lucky. Who’s spreading misinformation now?
It hasn’t happened in the thousands of cars I’ve serviced lol
Just a guy restoring headlights. No commercials, no unnecesary bs, just putting in work. Love it
I appreciate that!
A++. Everything was done properly. He wore a mask and covered the areas that will not be sprayed. Excellent work!
Thank you
Agreed! Gorgeous car too. I wish he was in my area.
@@modernvehiclecareSuperb work! Maybe you should add gloves to your protection, but your work ist wonderful! How much do you charge for a job like that?
I have tried to restore headlights so many times by now, never got it right. This video helped me understand what I should be doing with sanding, what to look for and how to do it. Tried it today, had some terible headlights and they really turned out line new. I am blown away! Thank you so much for making this video and showing us how to do it properly!
As an Audi enthusiast myself, I really appreciate this comment! I’m glad they came out great!
I just followed this guy step-by-step way to refinish headlights. I did a 2007 Toyota forerunner I wish I had taken it before picture because these things look absolutely stunning nothing less than brand new for 25$ thank you for the video. It was absolutely the best way to go, and I would assume it should be the only way people do their headlights not a difficult process at all.
I didn’t have his heat so I use the sun applying the first coat just like him looked slightly foggy the second coat. Everything was crystal clear
I’m happy to read this! Thanks for the comment!
That’s my car…. Buddy did a awesome job!!!!
I appreciate it bro! 🫡
How does it look now?
I appreciate his attention to detail, even the edge of the scissor is masked to avoid scratches...❤
Great job 🎉
Thank you!
Doing proper work here from start to finish - no short cuts!
Well done!
Thanks!
Dzięki Twoim filmom naprawiłem już lampy w sześciu firmowych autach. Szef powiedział, że to magia. Dziękuję z całego ❤ .
Thanks for the watching 🤙
Great tutorial! Thanks, Man!
I appreciate the support bro!
Absolutely brilliant work.
Thank you
I misunderstood. I didn't have a space heater, so I threw the can in a bonfire. Waay too hot people. Learn from my mistake.😁
😂😂😂
You speak like a gentleman ! A1 work ! Good luck
Thank you I appreciate it!
Great video, dude! After watching a ton of headlight restoration videos on UA-cam, your method is the one that I will be using. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you enjoyed it bro! Thanks for commenting!
Excellent job, I will be trying out this method on my car and then a few family members.
Thanks! Give it a shot I’m sure it will come out great
Looks good. I've tried this before, but my headlight wasnt chipped, just yellowed and had some tiny scratches, so I started with 800 grit all the way to 1500, which is probably not needed as you showed in this video. I used normal clear coat, not 2k clear though. It's been 2-3 years, and the headlights still look good. I have tried meguiars, sonax, etc and had pretty good experience with them too, but this clear coat method is just easier, cheaper, and should last longer.
Beautiful job!
I need to do the headlights of my 2017 focus ST.
Thanks, go for it!
All the right detail included. Thank you for making such a helpful video.
Glad it was helpful!
You are the best ! Thank you very much
Hey bro, Prospect CT
well done. ive done this for many vehicles same process and tools. saves customers a lot of money not having to buy new lights💪
🫡
straight and to the point. love the video
🤙
Literally the only good tutorial on yt 🎉
Appreciate that!
Awesome bro 👌🏼
Thank you bro!
When does the factory coding not fail? Never seen it, looks like you do excellent work
Amazing! Good job. Bro
Thanks bro!
Great video. Ordering my 2K today.
Thanks man! Have fun with it!
About to do this on my car. Wish me luck!🍀🤞
You got this!
Excellent video.! Job well done.
Thanks I appreciate it
This tutorial is brilliant. Followed step by step for my e39 and results are superb 👌 👍
That’s awesome!
A mighty fine job, sir!
Thank you man
Fantastic work man! I felt the results on this BMW to come out better than on your previous video with the Lexus GS. Do you attribute that to leaving the top 10% of the headlight with 800 grit?
Thank you bro! I attribute it to the quality of the rubber seal that holds the lens to the assembly. Typically German headlights have a stronger seal than Japanese headlights. The Lexus headlights were stained so bad on the inside
@@modernvehiclecare Thanks man. That makes sense. What 2k product do you use? Can't wait to try this!
Thanks
You’re welcome!
Lovely video, bro. Straight to the point. I really liked it. Could you please tell me the name of the 2K clearcoat used? Thank you.
I did my headlights 2 years ago when I first got it, put mcquires clear coat and my headlights look exactly the same, I did 800,1000,2000 grit to sand and looks exactly the same, I’m going to try again real soon instead of buying new set of headlights for $450
Perfect one!
Thank you
How much of the can of the clear does a set average use? And once you activate the can is it trash unless you have some more to do that day? Thanks
With 1000 grit have you had.....nvm your video just answered my question I was about to ask with 1000g in mind lol. I was about to ask if you've had any adhesion failures due to using 1000?
Results speak for themselves!
Can you show a video of how to remove the red cap and prep the can?
I’ll include it in the next one!
Work looks great. What are your thoughts between dry sanding vs wet sanding? Any situations you would recommend one over the other, or both, or? Also, how long does the 2K clear usually last? I’m still trying to decide what I think about the videos out there showing/saying 2K clear causes problems down the road. Thanks
Thanks! I never dry sand as I see no benefit to it when compared to wet sanding. 2k can last from 3-6 years on headlights. The people that criticize 2K are too scared to try it and I don’t blame them lol it takes time and experience to apply it at a high level. They also like to bash it claiming it ruins headlights which is literally impossible as it’s just a top coating lol when it fails it can be removed with 400 grit easily
At what temperature do you bake the lights if you end up with peel? And at what temp do you warm the can if high humidity?
Nice! There isn’t no need of any rotary polishing ? Just curious since other videos show you do need it 🤔
Thanks! For this method you don’t need to polish at all. Just wet sand and clear coat
Dude, your work looks amazing! I have been debating about 2k clear on polycarbonate headlights. How long do you think it would last, say, in a hot sunny climate before you would need to do it all over again? Seems better than the ceramic coating stuff..
Thanks bro. You should be able to get a few years out of it in any climate
@@modernvehiclecareIf it is only expected to last a few years, what makes it "permanent"?
@@massgrave8x Calm down man... Life itself is temporary... Use one of the half assed quick fix methods to 'restore' a headlight and you'll find out what makes this method 'permanent'.
@justinblackett 🫡
@@massgrave8x thing is a ceramic coating for paint doesn’t have chemical properties to bond with polycarbonate headlight lenses… though it’s made for paintwork but even on paint it doesn’t necessarily last years on every car/every condition. It’s “permanent” on paint vs wax/sealant. Same thing on headlights with 2k clear, which actually bonds with proper prep. It will depend on for both paint+ceramic and headlights + 2k clear if you park indoors or outdoors more, harsh weather, washing frequency, overall care and conditions
recommendations on removing orange peel afterwards? products/instructions etc.
If you spray with a warm can the orange peel will barely be visible but if it’s there I would go 1500,2000,3000,5000 and polish
@@modernvehiclecare what polish do you recommend? what about the kind of pad/polisher?
@@thejohnnymoe can’t go wrong using Rupes system
What does it mean if the headlight get cracks in it
I’ve seen another headlight restorer on here saying putting 2k clear on headlights is wrong and will peel. I’ve done headlights on and off for 10 years and have sanded and buffed, and sanded and put 1k clear and 2k clear on. I’ve never had an issue with it peeling if it’s sanded properly. Just curious for your thoughts man. I think you do the best work I’ve seen on here.
Thanks man and yes it’s hilarious how many fake detailers and product promoters there are on UA-cam lol no track record of anything yet giving people advice 😂 2K is the strongest clear coat you can put on headlights, even if it peels in 3-6 years, it will still last longer than anything else hands down
They just want you to buy that product or pay for their services, its temporary so you keep coming back. 2K is best.
Great work ....would you recommend using
upol 0796 1k clear it says uv resistant or stick to 2k clear
2K
Interesting. I see your final grit is only 1000, and was intentional to have some roughness for the 2K clear coat to grab on to. And you're counting on the clear coat to self-level / self-flatten via heavy coat wetting.
In my headlight restoration about a year ago, I went all the way to 4000 grit on sand paper, and then switched to 3M lapping film and stepped all the way down to 1 micron grit size (equivalent of 25,400 grit), followed by McGuire's polisher.
The sanding & polish process got my lens cover to a mirror-like finish; literally could not see the sanding scratch mark anymore.
The final/finishing coating was using a pre-soaked wipe. I forgot the brand/product I used, but it definitely was not a 2-component curing material. (Might have being Cerakote)
The next time I do another restoration, will try your method. I imagine this would save me a lot of grit-steps from 1000 out to 25K.
How much do you charge because i want to figure out how much to charge when i start my service? Also, what do you mean by test the cans spray pattern?
I have pricing on my website! I’m testing the cans performance before applying it to the headlight. You only get 1 shot to get it right and if the can is not spraying perfectly then the results will not be great
Bom trabalho, ficou show, Amigo este produto é um verniz para acrílico? que produto é esse? Pode usar outro verniz sem ser este do vídeo? Valeu muito obrigado. Good job, it was great, friend, is this product an acrylic varnish? what product is this? Can you use another nail polish other than the one in the video? Thanks a lot.
Thanks bro! Check my Amazon link for all the products I use!
Super Ergebnis!!! Top!!! 👍🏻
I've seen you use 220 on headlights to start sometimes. What is the determining factor when deciding what grit to start with? Thanks for the videos.
Anytime! I will always try 400 as the starting point for most German headlights. I will only switch to 220 if 400 is not cutting through the coating effectively enough.
@@modernvehiclecareis there a way to tell if it isn’t cutting through?
Its obvious right.@@Amateurplayer7
Those cans cost about $36ea in Canada… makes me think about the hassle in using 2:1 clear that I bought which is 5L with 2.5L of medium activator in a LVLP spray gun
Yea the cans are a lot cheaper here so I just stick with them lol
4 to 1 clear would be thicker and better.
Could you use a random orbital / planetary sander?
You can but the final result will not look as clear if you don’t sand all the way into the edges/corners
Amazing. I did this to my car, but started to high on the sand (800) and finished at 2000. Also, i did not use a 2k, but a different clear coat. It looked like shit with lots of orange peal. I had to wet sand it and polish it, but they dont look nearly as good as yours. They were in way worse shape, but still, that BMW looks brand new...
What store you recommend so I can buy all the products that I need to do this in my car
A local auto paint store should have everything you need. I also have an Amazon link with all the products on my channel page as well
I have a track record for buying and misplacing sandpaper, you think for 400p, I can sub out for maroon scuff pad wet? They’re quite the same for auto body work but obviously depends how you work it.
Yea you probably can. As long as it takes the factory coating off completely without scratching it too much you should be fine lol
Mau tanya jenis fernisnya apa kak🙏
hey man, would it be suitable to do this outside in about 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit? don’t want to risk the clear coat not bonding or something
Yes of course just make sure it’s sunny! High humidity will cause the clear coat to crack
Hey Brother thanks for all the tips, I was wondering… I’m in Clearwater Florida and it’s hot and humid all the time… should I use the spray max 2 in 1 Headlight clear instead of this regular one? Also with the Tac sponge… you use the same one both times and do you spray it with anything…?
Do you have a link somewhere for the drop cloth you use? Thanks in advance! Wish you all the best
Thanks for watching bro! I use the regular glamour clear and the same tack cloth for both times, I don’t spray anything on it. Check my Amazon link for all the products I use.
Spraymax headlight 2k clear must be a better product, it might cost more than the other 2k clear.
Nice
Thank you
Nice video bro. Dont forget protective gloves also when you apply 2k. The skin absorbs a lot aswell 🤟
Thank you bro and yes I have to!! 🤝
awesome video im a valeter and detailer im thinking of add this job to my list but i havent a clue of what to charge 😏
Thanks! It all depends on the area, I would get prices from local detail shops and body shops and go from there
Ever saw headlight restoration pro on UA-cam? Curious your thoughts on this vs his process
I have and unfortunately his content has so much misinformation it’s insane. My method has been tried and tested for the past 10 years. I run a business restoring headlights that anyone can verify. That guy is making videos using over the counter Walmart products with no real uv protection to restore headlights lol
@@modernvehiclecare I’ve been curious since i came across him and want to offer it but do it right so a bit worried hearing so many sides lmao
That Meguiars product he uses says on the website that it lasts up to a year. So you keep buying the product or keep paying him to do the job.
How many sprays he used? Only one ?
Thanks for putting out this content! I bought everything you use to get this business started. One thing I’m concerned about is the 2k max spray because it only last 48 hours according to the bottle, Which means I would have to buy a different can per job if they are 48 hours apart, correct?
And if so, would the brand 2x rust-oleum spray clear gloss be good enough as a cost effective compromise?
Hey I’m glad you like the content bro! As far as the 2K goes, I have noticed that the can performs best for the first 12 hours after activation. Don’t use anything rustoleum on headlights as it’s just cheap 1k clear coat and will fail fast.
@@modernvehiclecare thanks, Good to know! I’ll stick to quality over quantity. As for the 2k max, once activated and it’s been 48 hours, would I not be able to use that same can anymore? Even just for one more job?
@raulfranco1887 no you wouldn’t be able to because the clear coat will turn solid after 2 days. It will no longer spray
@@modernvehiclecare Gotcha. Well I’m excited to start this journey, all thanks to you and your hard work/ content and I appreciate you getting back to me. Best regards bro!!
If you have extremely yellow headlights do you use different sand paper grits?
Them being extremely yellow would mean that the factory coating is completely gone so yes you can start with a finer grit like 600-800
Can you do more than just the 2 coats?
You can but you wouldn’t be able to tack a heavy coat therefore you risk getting contaminants under the clear coat
Great video! Did mines like that a year ago, still doing good. The only issue I have (maybe you can help me to understand what's wrong), is that under direct bright sunlight- I can see, that headlights are kinda hazy, and sorta cloudy, rather then fully transparent (in all the other conditions they look perfect). I can see same thing on a body panel, that I finished with the same clear. I am using the very same one as you in the video. I always though that clear just sucks, but you seem like a person who would not use crapy stuff... :) So any help is appreciated, would love to redo them right
Hey thanks! The only things I can really think of is that maybe you didn’t cover the previous sanding grits %100 with each sanding step or another reason may be that the inside of the lens has a moisture haze or stain. Now if it’s the same exact look on a body panel, I would say it’s possibly something with the finishing grit before the clear coat. 800-1000 is ideal for when spraying on body panels assuming you are using 3M paper/disks
@@modernvehiclecaresanding marks could be a good explanation, but on the fender I was putting the clear “wet-on-wet”, so no sanding was taking place, and bound between base and clear should be good, I guess. Still under bright sun it looks noticeably “whiter” than a door, that right next to it. Color itself of matching pretty good, again, any different conditions- looks totally perfect. A real mystery. Anyway, I am planning to give another clear a shot (HS one from TRISTAR). And also try to do as best job of a sanding as possible 😅
Thanks a lot for your reply!
What’s the total timeframe start to finish?
About 2 hours
Which light coat and heavy coat should I buy?
Thanks in advance
2k clear coat, you use that for the light and heavy coat
Thank you!
You’re welcome!
During the sanding process, is it ok to use a drill with a sandpaper attached?
Sure
Hi will normal clear lacquer do this job as well
Yes but 2k will probably last 5 times longer
How low can you go with the sandpaper? As I have yet to this level, I plan to offer such services. If I go 800 or lesser, do I need to clear coat or just polishing it out and put a ceramic coating is good? Appreciate the reply.
Clear coat has the ability to fill in sanding marks. That's why the headlights in the video became clear after spraying.
Ceramic coating is finer and doesn't fill in sanding marks. You will have to go with a much finer grit (higher number), maybe even a polish with a DA machine to get a perfect headlight and only then apply ceramic coating. Clear coat seems like the better option overall.
The other permanent solution is to install PPF which is around $100-150 at least in SoCal and gives you also some rock chip protection.
yeah for brand new or still good condition headlights. This is for already faded and oxidized headlights.
How are there no sanding marks left..? Does the coat simply fill them in..? Also, what minimum and maximum protection period can be expected from these clears?
Yes it’s fills in 800-1000 grit marks. It lasts 3-6 years on average
Great video but would it be easier to remove the headlights? Just a question from a backseat driver.
No, not at all, masking off takes a few minutes and it’s better to sand and spray on the car
Depending on the car, removing the headlights can be pretty involved.
I understand the concept “why change something that’s not broke”, but have you ever tried a different spray?
Such as Meguiars headlight coating that HRP uses
Or nextgen headlight solutions that SHR uses
Or a UV clear coat that’s applied by pneumatic spray gun that a lot of the pros use?
So many fake influencers everywhere with no track record or history of anything 🤣 2K is the strongest uv resistant clear coat that exists. I’ve been using it for 10 years, thousands of headlights restored, I give a lifetime warranty with the service. Mvc on all platforms since 2014, meguiars headlight coating is just a marketing gimmick lol not for professional use at all
@@modernvehiclecare I’ve never used 2k before so I can’t say anything bad about it, I just don’t like the one time use (within 48 hours) can. I’m watching SHR channel and the coating he uses is NextGen Headlight Solution, seems to be similar quality to 2k, but it can be stored and reused.
@itsandrew8758 if it can be stored and reused later then it is just basic 1K clear coat. 2K is the superior clear coat because of the hardener within the can. Although it’s a one time use, one can will restore 2-3 sets of headlights if restored in the same day.
Meguiars says on their website their spray lasts up to a year only so you keep buying their product or keep paying for HRP services. UV clear coat applied by spraygun is the same type of 2K clear coat being used. 2K means 2 parts, clear+hardener. If it can be stored then its 1K product and will not last.
Is it the same for tail lights ?
No tail lights are made from acrylic and won’t oxidize like headlights. They just need to be polished
Do you just use water for lubrication or something else?
Just water
Do you know what clear they use for PC headlight in factory?
They all use Uv resistant clear coat. Different manufacturers use different coatings though
There are many types of 2k clear coat, the ones in the can are cheaper. You can get them in quarts to use with a spray gun. 4:1 clear are thicker than the 2:1 mixing ratio.
Is that water you’re spraying with?
Yes
What’s the difference between 2K and Maguires headlight coating?
2K is for professional use only. It lasts up to 6 years on headlights. Meguires headlight coating is just a cheap clear coat like the 1k clear coat at Home Depot lol, it’s basically just a marketing gimmick
Meguiars says on their website their spray lasts up to a year only so you keep buying their product. 2K clear is the same type of clear coat used on the vehicles body color paint job.
tell me why not apply plastic primer first then 2k coat?i bought a motip kit which incl primer and 2k and 2 sandpapers are pro but i ll use primer for sure then 2k coat.i know this when im painting plastic parts of my bikes.without primer the paint will peels off.
Spraying over 800-1000 grit will provide enough adhesion for it to last up to 6 years. Plastic primers are not fully transparent, they have pigments in them and are not meant for clear headlights
@@modernvehiclecare did u try it?well they r invisible when i apply on plastic parts but it make sense too mee its like when u paint a wall u need to apply a primer first otherwise the paint ll not stick.
I tried a lot of methods to clean headlights which didn’t help until I found your channel and I started using your way to restore them and so far nothing but success, my only question is it true the can expired after 24hr of first use ?
That’s awesome man! Yes the cans are rated good for 48 hrs once activated. I usually toss the can after about 12 hours.
@@modernvehiclecare thank you for your quick reply, good luck with your business
I know there's a slim chance that you will respond bcs it has been 6 months since you posted the vid but, can i go even further with the sandpaper grit? maybe 2000-2500? My headlights are scratched quite badly. Thanks for the video!
Hey I would only go higher with the grits if finishing with a different method like the polishing method. You must stop sanding at 800-1000 if using the 2K clear coat method like I showed in the video. Clear coat needs to be applied over a rough surface for it to bond properly
@@modernvehiclecare thank you!
@AndreiAB Anytime man!
is it ok if I copy your business and start doing my own
Im here to encourage people to start their own businesses!
Thank you!
How many cars could I restore (approximatively) with 1 can of that 2k ?
2-3 sets
How much does headlight restoration for this particular vehicle cost?
It depends on the experience and skill level of the detailer or painter. Usually around a few hundred dollars
Thank you. Just curious as to why you don’t finish with a higher grit and polish before you clearcoat?
@@hemiram5167the clear coat he uses won’t bond to anything finer than p1000
@@hemiram5167 The clear needs at least 1000 grit to have a good mechanical adhesion, it will not stick to smooth surface and will run then flake off.
They sell the plastic housing on eBay for $45 both sides
Good luck with all of that lol swapping lenses properly is easier said than done even if the lenses are OEM. $45 is definitely aftermarket lol
does it work with any clear coat ?
Technically yes but will not look as good and last as long as 2K
@@modernvehiclecare thank you !
Wouldn't it be easier to remove the headlight?
No not at all, plus if doing this as a business there is more reasons to never remove the headlights
Some vehicles require removal of bumper to access headlights.
Hey man I did some Lexus lights but I don’t know why they look cracked after I applied the 2 k clear coat do you have any idea why ? I have done a few cars and never happened thanks
Sprayed too wet, applied second coat too soon. First layer did not completely dry.
Ok thanks I’ll check that out
You didn't use the 2k for plastics/headlights? Why?
Not sure what you mean lol
I can’t find this blower thing online. Help anyone 😢
Kinda weird seeing such a new car getting this treatment, or bmw design from 2016 looks much newer
I have done these same exact steps for my daily and unfortunately it only lasted 1 year before it stated to fade. the car is outside all the time so either it does actually last that long or I got faulty clear coat product
1 year is crazy soon for it to fail. Did you sand until 800-1000, wipe with alcohol and use the same can as the video?
what clear did you use?
What happens if you don’t wear a mask 🤔?
Not recommended as it’s highly toxic
How long it’s the cloth or bag that you use to cover the car?
9x12
Amazon link dead
Fixed it thanks!