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06-27-2012, 09:45 PM | #1 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 160782
Join Date: Oct 2007
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: North Shore, MA
Vehicle:2004 Impreza WRX STi |
Headlight refinishing (sanding/polishing) vs. deoxidizer
I see threads with people showing off their freshly-refinished headlights and the great results they get, but I've recently come across a couple of sites (admittedly ones trying to sell their product) stating that completely removing the UV coating on plastics headlights with sanding and polishing isn't the answer and that the lenses will haze right back up.
My question to those who have refinished with abrasives is : how long did the lenses stay that way? Do people see lenses haze right back up? Is the story that the liquid lens restorer companies are trying to sell BS or does rubbing away the UV coating really do damage? I've seen Pittman ALR (Acrylic Lens Restorer) get some good reviews, saying the haze goes right away with no elbow grease. Those liquid restorers aren't cheap but I'll go that route if they definitely fix the problem. I'm looking to refinish my STi's headlights which are somewhat hazed and want to be sure I'm doing the right thing.
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Last edited by anon_az; 06-27-2012 at 09:55 PM. |
06-27-2012, 11:22 PM | #2 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 208229
Join Date: Apr 2009
Chapter/Region:
E. Canada
Vehicle:2017 STi CBS |
Depending on how bad they are I use 1500-2000 grit wetsand paper, uf4000 menzerna polish with my flex then seal with collinite 845 and reload 12 hrs later.
Lasts a few months then I reapply wax and or sealer. They don't turn yellow a week after or anything don't worry |
06-28-2012, 08:40 PM | #3 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 181064
Join Date: May 2008
Chapter/Region:
BAIC
Location: Bay Area
Vehicle:00' 2.5RS BRP |
Quote:
If your headlights are already oxidizing and show signs of yellowing, chances are the UV coating from the factory is long far gone. |
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06-28-2012, 10:08 PM | #4 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 75078
Join Date: Nov 2004
Chapter/Region:
South East
Location: Fayetteville, AR
Vehicle:2011 Forester 2.5X Dark Gray Metallic |
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06-28-2012, 11:04 PM | #5 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 134764
Join Date: Dec 2006
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Location: Lindon, Utah
Vehicle:04 sti java black pearl |
Sand them and put a shield on them like venture shield. 4 years and clear as new
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06-29-2012, 12:49 AM | #6 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 301117
Join Date: Nov 2011
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Location: Chicago
Vehicle:2016 WRX White |
Use the 3M headlight restorer kit. It's the only kit that works and lasts. I've used it on many cars including my 05 STi with great results and it's under $30 at most auto parts stores.
It takes a little while and you might go through a few batteries if you're using a cordless drill. The key is to take your time and watch out not to stay in one spot too long. If you have an 04 or 05, the little bump can be tricky, but you just need to keep moving and avoid using the edge of the sandpaper. It can also be messy so do it outside, find a chair, put a crappy towel over your lap, and set the headlight on your lap. Keep a spray bottle with water and some paper towel handy, and a few beers Don't try to do it while it's still on the car, it's really uncomfortable and you'll wind up rushing the job and making a mess. You'll have to take the front bumper cover off unfortunately to get the headlights out |
07-02-2012, 12:42 PM | #7 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 160782
Join Date: Oct 2007
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: North Shore, MA
Vehicle:2004 Impreza WRX STi |
Cool, thanks for the feedback. I'll look into venture shield and the 3M kit
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07-04-2012, 07:32 PM | #8 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 296411
Join Date: Oct 2011
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Smithtown NY (LI)
Vehicle:2011 4dr STi / GR86 SWP |
Quote:
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07-04-2012, 08:29 PM | #9 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 322518
Join Date: Jun 2012
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Vermont
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I also used the 3M kit when I had my Nissan Maxima before getting new headlights. Just remember that after you finish the process, use 3M's polish or something similar to keep that new finish.
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07-04-2012, 08:31 PM | #10 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 281811
Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Vermont
Vehicle:04 WRX World Rally Blue |
There are lots of cleaners that work, but they just shine the headlights.
The 3M works great because you're actually sanding a layer off the headlight, and polishing it, just like buffing a car, it will take out the scratches. |
07-04-2012, 08:44 PM | #11 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 115457
Join Date: May 2006
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Beantown, MA
Vehicle:66 Grown up subaru AW on red |
Just used Meguire's and 3M.
The Meguire's is way easier to use.. And it's all wet sand than plastx. 3M has 2 sand pads.. then a wet sand.. followed by a rubbing compound. Remember to seal them with sealant or good wax to keep the finish.. Even with sealing regularly, I have to buff it every year. |
07-07-2012, 06:49 PM | #12 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 67003
Join Date: Jul 2004
Chapter/Region:
TXIC
Location: Austin,TX
Vehicle:2015 WRX WRB |
Quote:
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07-07-2012, 11:03 PM | #13 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 84062
Join Date: Mar 2005
Chapter/Region:
TXIC
Location: South Austin
Vehicle:2008 Forester XT Garnet Red Pearl |
I just did this with the Meguires Kit today. on 4 cars. The pro-kit I found has the headlight sealant.
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07-10-2012, 08:34 AM | #14 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 324646
Join Date: Jun 2012
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: Lancaster, PA
Vehicle:2007 WRX Wagon Silver |
I used some Meguire's headlight restore with my Porter Cable buffer - took the haze right off. Then I applied a coating of wax.
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07-10-2012, 08:42 AM | #15 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 274205
Join Date: Feb 2011
Chapter/Region:
SWIC
Location: Mesa, AZ
Vehicle:2013 XV Crosstrek Orange |
i used this kit this past weekend and i am very impressed with the results. very easy to do also. i also put some sealer on the headlights.
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