Recommend a high-quality clear coat for headlights

[Oro_O]

I was intending to refinish the headlights this summer on her dd Lexus. Last month a deer jumped out in front of her so now there's a new bumper and lights on one side. The discrepancy is now very annoying so it's bumped up on my to-do list.

Anyone know of a very good one? I was looking at some on the shelf at Ace yesterday but thought I'd ask for recommendations. Come to think of it, I believe I have a can of automotive clear coat I bought from Automotiver Touch Up a few years ago to repair the plastic wheel arch on my truck. (These people):

Automotive Touch Up

That paint matched perfectly and looks good three years later.

 

[Donald]

I think one by 3M gets good ratings. There are also clear sheets that are made to fit. I ended up with new headlight assemblies from EBAY for my Jeep.

 

[Oro_O]

Originally Posted By: Donald
I think one by 3M gets good ratings. There are also clear sheets that are made to fit. I ended up with new headlight assemblies from EBAY for my Jeep.


I thought of that but these are HID, fit a small year range/single model and pricey. I thought I'd try refinish before buying a new one. Also put 303 or something on them to keep it from happening again.

3M sounds like a good candidate, thanks for that idea.

 

[Lyman]

Actually the Automotive touch Up stuff is pretty good. And you already have some. I would use it as long as its not to old.

 

[Trav]

If you have an air compressor and spray gun there are many options but if you want to go the rattle can route this one is very good. It is made for this job and is UV resistant, very east to apply and it will last.

Apply 2 or 3 thin wet coats let it dry a week or so then buff it. Don't worry about the initial orange peeling, it will flatten out. Some people try and flood it on trying to get it flat and end up with a real mess.

http://www.amazon.com/U-Pol-Products-0796-Clear-CLEAR/dp/B009LHER0M

 

[meep]

I'm using that product. ^^^ it's the best I've seen. about six months now, no yellowing or any other deterioration. wish I'd known about it sooner.

 

[nthach]

I've used this stuff on my new bike after it came back from the powdercoater, and it sprays/sands/buffs like an actual 2K clear - because it is one without the spray gun.

http://uschem.com/index.cfm?page=productDetail&id=141&pid=2

I will use this on my parent's headlights.

 

[circuitsmith]

I've used this kit a couple of times.
Has everything needed.

 

[BigD1]

Originally Posted By: circuitsmith
I've used this kit a couple of times.
Has everything needed.


Very good kit!

The UV coating with bonus activator can be had at Advance Auto. Basically just a UV coating kit. The activator dissolves the old UV coating. Smelled like ammonia to me. $8.00 or less using codes.

Sylvania Headlight Restoration UV Block Clear Coat, 1 kit

 

[ET16]

Future floor wax works fine.

 

[DBMaster]

Originally Posted By: ET16
Future floor wax works fine.


Never thought of this but it sounds like a good idea.

 

[Huie83]

Just buy one of the restoration kits, I've used them many times with excellent results. Follow the directions to the "T".

 

[Oro_O]

I have used a number of polish kits and they just don't last. These need thorough sanding before any new clear coat goes on.

The clear-coat kit seems like a better idea. But I have adhesion promoter, sanding compounds, tack-cloth, etc. so I don't need to buy things that are sitting unused on my shelf.

Since I already have a little less than 1/2 a can of automotive clear coat, I will use that. I had forgotten about it until I started typing the OP. I found the can, and it appears to have plenty in it from the wheel arch and bumper job to let me do the single headlight and foglight.

Good info here though about 2k compounds and the next time a need comes up, I will get some Spray Max or U-Pol. I was unaware that type of catalyzing compounds came in a rattle can now. Thanks all.