Here are Links to Products used in this Video: 2K Clear Coat: amzn.to/3juz7Rn 3" Sanding Kit with Drill Adapter: amzn.to/31CYDOB 3" Polishing Kit with Drill Adapter: amzn.to/31BA9VV
Hi my headlights are polished and I want to add a coat of 2k clear do I need to sand before spraying the clear, Or can I just spray the 2k clear over the polished headlight?
@@bernardkinsky1637 so you drive a 20 year old car, on purpose, just because it happens to have glass headlights instead of plastic? then you came to this video so you could tell us about it? yeah I don't think so buddy
This is ‘Project Farm’ level stuff here. Impressive. I agree, however, with one of the other commenters (benland22) - paint protection film is a much better alternative. Mine is 10 years old, always parked outdoors, and looks like new except where the film didn’t quite cover some edges. Plus, it wasn’t toxic to apply it. And, no taping off required.
was thinking the same thing, after i read your comment i search the WEB for benland22 film with no luck and your talking 10 years ago however 10 years of improved Engineered paints i will go with the R&R method. Good one though
@@stinkycheese804 I’ve heard and read that. I suspect the difference is marginal to negligible. I’ll just say that based on my personal experience, and 130,000+ miles of driving in 10 years through 2/3 of the U.S. and a little bit of Canada on the original halogen bulbs and through nearly every driving condition, and having always parked in my driveway, that I’ve never once felt that road illumination was a problem. And I don’t ever have to mess with headlight restoration. YMMV.
@@2old4allthis Its all good brother, I was searching the web for that exact film that last 10yrs however i could not find it. could it be due to it was that awesome companies therefore manufactured cheaper material for a way cheaper price. If you to find that same material could you Please share it with us. Thank You ... me and you both 2old4itall LOL
I've done 4 cars (wet sanding by hand 400, 600 then 1000 grit, followed by 2k clearcoat) and they all are looking good. 2.5 years on the first one, about 1.5 years on other three. You can put wax or sealant on after they fully cure (helps get bug splatter off). Definitely worth the effort.
I have done all the different methods and your correct. Sanding down the old clearcoat completely off, then fine sanding with 400 grit wet and dry with water, then spray 2 wet coats of 2K clearcoat is the longest lasting job by far. Great tutorial😃😃😃
I thought I had seen all methods when it comes to headlights. Wasn't aware of the 2-part clear coat. This appears to be the best by far. Excellent real world information.
Thanks for sharing. I just use steel wool, then rubbing and polishing compounds. Followed up with 303 protectant. Because of the cost, I would use 2k clear coat only if I had multiple vehicles to do.
Nice video on plastic headlamps clear coat the way to go after sanding down and polishing with out wax. 2K clear coat and don't wax for at least 4 weeks after. Have a great day!
I agree that 2 part clear coat is good stuff. I used it to restore the finish on my Mazda B2500 hood and roof. However, it's kind of expensive for headlight repair. (Currently on Amazon for 24 dollars a can, usually over 30) It would be best if you had another project, and used the left over to do a headlight repair. Once mixed it needs to be used fairly quickly (within 48 hours at room temp). It would be a waste to mix a can and only do a set of headlights.
Excellent. Following up the results over time is almost always missed in most videos. Feedback of results over time is the most important factor in the DIY decision making process.
Amazing video. Thanks so much for the follow-up. Obviously the clear coat method is the way to go. And for all of you out there, this also applies to freshly painted vehicles, you should never wax or add any type of sealant or cerami coat to fresh paint. I had my front hood repainted due to rock chips and waited 60 days to apply ceramic.
My experience with a two-part clearcoat is excellent. To apply at all you have to do is send your headlight with 1000 grit paper, clean it with alcohol wipes, give it a few minutes then apply the paint.One of my vehicles has held up for over 4 1/2 years is that technique.
Clear coat is not recommended because it distorts the light. The best solution for headlight protection is a film. It not only protects the lenses for well over a few years, but is also easily removable and cheap- I bought for my car a film that's enough for headlights and rear light for only £6 and it looks great. Another thing is a safety. Clear coat especially 2K is super toxic and dangerous even with very low exposure to it.. And I don't think anybody who will fallow advice in the video will buy along with a clearcoat, a professional £50 mask to protect itself..
Very good "how to" : comparison. Voice, modulation, volume, and eye contact all very good. Keep the slight accent: that helps people pay attention. Video quality. Overall I appreciated the pace and you were not screaming at the audience. Thumbs up. GB
Some headlights will last longer if you park your car in the garage but if you park them outside I live in California Fresno area gets hot so mine get yellow haze every season and have to redo them every year because of the hot sun here in California might try the clear you use in your video clip thank you for posting this and hope everyone is having a Great Day
4:48 yes, you have to use a clear that has uv protection. I have used engine enamel from duplicolor and spraymax 2k and both are great. I ceramic coated over the most recent one the 2k and I got great results
A lot of detailers hate 2k clear coat headlights, they say its bad, it cracks, they have hard time fixing it. People say buffing and polishing is just as good. Then ceramic coating is the best also ppf. I am pro 2k clear coat. Thank you for this video.
I use the polishing compound and wax it every month so far it is still as clear as water.So there your answer to last the clear condition.The 2k clear coat is expensive and you cannot save it once you mix the hardener you have to finish the whole can.
Just found your video. Wish I had found it earlier... I watched Chris fix restoration video, did exactly as he explained. Started with 400 grit, then 600, 2000. Cleaned it off with alcohol, and applied clear coat. Two coats looked good, but third coat left orange peel, along with a bit of foggy areas........ Three days later decided to resand to remove orange peel. Used 600, 1000, then 2500 grit wet sand. Rinsed and dried off, then applied meguiar plastx polish, and hand buffed it in. Results, not as clear as before, foggy streaks in it. Before I resanded, it had orange peel, but it looked somewhat like new, minus the foggy spots. Now it is far duller, with foggy streaks. Still far better than what it was to begin with, but sorta dull. I finally applied Big White, for a bit of a final protection, buffing by hand. I will probably have to be happy with this for now, but where do you think I went wrong? And what do you think I could do to get the clear new look again? Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Thanks so very much for your very honest video demonstrations. Your years of experience as an automotive technician really shines through. Again thanks again. There needs to be a best ever page on You Tube. I’d definitely support you. Stay safe!
sand it, polish it, put 3M UV protective foil over it, you are done. It will look new as long as the foil is not ruined. I have done this once several years ago and my headlights still look new.
I restored CBFsa motorcycle headlights with the 2 parts SprayMax Headlight Restoration Kit: theres a 1k muddy clear primer and then the 2k gloss clear. The clear primer is supposed to even out the scratches even further so it looks pristine. Great option if you're afraid you sanded the headlights too much.
I did it with the clear coat on really foggy yellowish headlights. The result after a year is great. They still look newish and it did not take too long to do this task. The only issue is that once you open the clearcoat you have to use it all in a lapse of 2 weeks top. The headlights take a half spray can at the most.
Thanks for the Follow up. I’ve bought a polishing kit from Wal- Mart ( aluminum package) it worked great . You hand Sand it - not use a Machine . It looked very good . Lasted about 1 yr .
The Sylvania kit works great! I did my headlights over a year ago and they still look super. The kit includes a clear coat and takes about an hour or so to do both headlights with no power tools. They have a good video on CZcams.
Somebody should let Scotty and Chris know about this vid to settle CZcams longest beef! To Scotty: see, using clearcoat to restore your headlights can work *and* last.... To Chris: ..but you gotta use 2k clearcoat and apply it properly! 😁😁 Anyway, thanks for this video - helps clear things up, if you pardon the pun
years ago I tried a 1K clear coat and even though it was labeled as UV stable and for outdoor use it yellowed pretty quickly. Since then I have been using the headlight restorer polish which has UV protection and try to remember to re-apply it regularly that works pretty well. I have recently tried ceramic coating one headlight to see how long that lasts. However when all is said and done I think you have shown that 2K is the the best long term solution. Oh yeah, I tried using paint protection film like others have suggested and made a total arse of myself trying to apply it, I think it was too thick and I couldn't get all the creases out.
I absolutely agree that 2K clear coat is the best stuff to use but I chose not to use it before the stuff is very hazardous. Persons using it would have to make sure they are wearing protective goggles and a respirator. And definitely spray that stuff in a well ventilated area or outside. I never used it even though I bought the can. I frankly hate UV spray ons. I am sensitive to the chemicals of it but for the most part, I hate, hate, hate when flies, bugs, dust, pollen, and ants get on it before the stuff drys. Of course there's the orange peels you would deal with also. Good video though because your video helps persons to see how long some methods would last.
My favorite way is to apply a paint protection film. Sometimes with the clear coat it will crack overtime, plus if it gets messed up(on installation or down the road) you just remove the film and re apply. But the film reacts better to the expansion of the lights much better.
Great video! I just bought some brand new headlights for the wife's 2006 Trailblazer. The ones on there now are looking REALLY sad! I plan to use some 1500 grit sandpaper and wet sand them, then use some 2K clear coat (exactly the same one you used, BTW!) and coat them. They'll cure down in the workshop for a month, then I'll install them. Then I'll refinish the ones that are on her car now, and they'll go on my 2004 Trailblazer (we're a 2 Trailblazer family). The ones that are on my TB now will become a spare set, which we'll probably never need, unless one of the others gets damaged.
thanks for the videos and this follow up one. Incredible. I don't know I am confused because I think it should be straight forward but because I have watched a few other videos before I found yours, I have a question. Obviously the 2k clear coat is the best of the four you experimented with. My question is, would you sand then use a compound or polishing agent, then use the 2k clear coat? Or would just sand and use the 2k Clear coat and don't bother with the compounds or polishes first. I appreciate your assistance. Thanks
As with car paint preparation, you sand with 800 grit sand paper; then, use a paint cleaner; then, apply two light coats of clear. Don't use the compounds. They may leave an undesirable coating.
Thank you! Good to see someone explain 2K clear and the curing process. All the way to the end, I wondered if you were gonna be one one of these guys that werent going to use these key points and I was very glad to hear it this time. ALL headlight manufacturers use uv protective clear. That is why when you do a headlight restoration it looks like your first two cars. You tore off that precious clear. But this driver headlight was good! Awesome video!
I've restored several sets of lights and they always fade and yellow after a year or two. I've ever tried clear coat afterwards. I didn't know what 2k clear was so I used normal clear. Now I gotta try the 2k. Thanks. My best results have been the 3m drill kit with the sanding discs and the wipe on clear followed by sealing it with opticoat headlight sealant every few months.
We have been sanding and reclearing your headlights in the body shop for years. We knew this decades ago. I like how youtube contributers are just figuring this out.
Really awesome to see the results of a long term test! Thanks for all the info over the years. It's been extremely helpful & I'm sure that I'm speaking for many thousands to millions people.
great video - I think we all know that quality paint is the way to go. What would have been interesting to see is if you had continued to apply wax or UV protectant to the other lenses, would they still look decent
There is no question about it, I never put clearcoat on, only a polishing sealant reapplied a few times a year when doing vehicle detailing or washing and it does great to preserve the headlights, without having to sand off a clearcoat later once it is degraded. People seem to not understand that while it is UV causing it, your sealant need not be a clearcoat that needs sanded off, anything that stops oxygen from getting to it works so one that replentishes itself with ease and low cost application works out best in the long run.
@@stinkycheese804Can you recommend any specific UV protectant products that you feel work well at delaying or stopping yellowing and clouding? Based on your experiences. Thanks in advance!
Yes, I recommend specifically NOT to use any type of permanent protectant product. Instead, use a polymer cleaner wax/sealant, same as used for antomotive paint sealant. No need to drop brand names, if it's claimed to clean (or polish) and sealant, that's what you want. You simply reapply that every several months, how often depends on how much weathering it has. It is very quick and easy to put on and buff off in a minute, unlike having to refinish away a permanent coating product that wears away anyway.@@snowvalley11
Love this video!! Great and honest results. I just restored headlights by sanding, compounding and polishing with a ceramic coat finish. on an elantra this lasted around 2 months before looking terrible, on my mercedes it's fogging up 6 months in. Will try the clearcoat method! Thanks for sharing
The 2k is a waste if you dont have multiple cars to do because once its activated the shelf life is very short. The best clear to use is maguires. For 10.00 a can or the kit for 25.00 you can do multiple cars with no rush.
Hi Ratches And Wrenches ! Loves yours video but I have one question about the 2k clear coat. Won't the 2k clear coat affect the refraction of the light travel? I've heard that some sort of Acrylic spray or similar will mess with the refraction of the light. Thanks in advance for your reply ☺️
Love the 2K. Will try that out, soon. Short of that, I've had good results by following sanding with 3M Headlight Polish on 3" sponge on D/A. I did one 4 yrs ago and it's still 90%
My cheapo 5 minute method: paper towel applications of the wd40 --> aim + baking soda --> rinse --> dry --> wax...repeat every 3 months until prime day or black friday --> install new headlight assembly
I love your videos and tips. I recently used a kit for my headlights called Meguiar's G2980 Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit it's around $20 on Amazon. It comes with plastix, protective coating, sanding disks and drill polisher, It's a pretty complete kit and my headlights look really good. I want to try out using clear coat next time my headlights fog up. Thanks again!
2K wants a 280-300G to add some teeth to it. If it sheets(scaling) off at the bond line this is probably the issue. 2K is also designed for painting over paint not plastic, that's another concern. Don't get me wrong I did it the same as you did and probably polished it too much but it's something to think about. I'm just tired of the clear lasting a few years when the factory coating lasted 6, 8 and 10 years before any noticable oxidation. I want to know what the facory coating is?
Chris fix = entertainment for non-car people Scotty kilmer = casualentertainment for car people Ratchets & Wrenches = real-world useful tips and methods for actual DIYers Scotty & Chris aren't real automotive channels. This one is 100% legit!
Here are Links to Products used in this Video:
2K Clear Coat: amzn.to/3juz7Rn
3" Sanding Kit with Drill Adapter: amzn.to/31CYDOB
3" Polishing Kit with Drill Adapter: amzn.to/31BA9VV
Hi my headlights are polished and I want to add a coat of 2k clear do I need to sand before spraying the clear, Or can I just spray the 2k clear over the polished headlight?
@@jobanirubio5683 i also would like to know the answer to this
@@morenutshell1565 You can spray clear coat over 800 grit sandpaper.
The man is doing mad sience for us ty
THANKS! We NEVER get to see how long these methods last without doing them ourselves...which won't happen...AWESOME
Strong ditto! Really helpful!
Lol right on. Atleast we have the video to look back at incase we forget
Check this out: czcams.com/video/E9NP0_nF2ak/video.html
really appreciate these follow-ups
same, here
Agreed - Thanks for the follow-up and product comparison.
This quantifies over time what ChrisFix told us to do. I did mine over 3 yrs ago with 1K clear coat and it’s still looking good 😌
Finally! After waiting 3 years I can finally choose what to use on my headlights! Thanks!
Thanks for solving the mystery of how to fix foggy headlight lenses. 2K clear. Thanks. I wish they’d switch back to glass lenses.
It would be nice but the complex headlight shapes of today would not do well with glass.
It costs money, money that the car manufacturer rather not spend xD
¹thats why I have 2000 prado with glass headlights
@@bernardkinsky1637 so you drive a 20 year old car, on purpose, just because it happens to have glass headlights instead of plastic? then you came to this video so you could tell us about it? yeah I don't think so buddy
@@austinnorton7855 I have a couple of old cars and only 1 has plastic shit.
This is ‘Project Farm’ level stuff here. Impressive. I agree, however, with one of the other commenters (benland22) - paint protection film is a much better alternative. Mine is 10 years old, always parked outdoors, and looks like new except where the film didn’t quite cover some edges. Plus, it wasn’t toxic to apply it. And, no taping off required.
was thinking the same thing, after i read your comment i search the WEB for benland22 film with no luck and your talking 10 years ago however 10 years of improved Engineered paints i will go with the R&R method. Good one though
PPF is not optically transparent, so while it looks good to the eye, it is permanently worse than other methods in their new/good state.
@@clauderivet7745 I was giving credit to another commenter who had mentioned film. Sorry for the confusion.
@@stinkycheese804 I’ve heard and read that. I suspect the difference is marginal to negligible. I’ll just say that based on my personal experience, and 130,000+ miles of driving in 10 years through 2/3 of the U.S. and a little bit of Canada on the original halogen bulbs and through nearly every driving condition, and having always parked in my driveway, that I’ve never once felt that road illumination was a problem. And I don’t ever have to mess with headlight restoration. YMMV.
@@2old4allthis Its all good brother, I was searching the web for that exact film that last 10yrs however i could not find it. could it be due to it was that awesome companies therefore manufactured cheaper material for a way cheaper price. If you to find that same material could you Please share it with us. Thank You ... me and you both 2old4itall LOL
I've done 4 cars (wet sanding by hand 400, 600 then 1000 grit, followed by 2k clearcoat) and they all are looking good. 2.5 years on the first one, about 1.5 years on other three. You can put wax or sealant on after they fully cure (helps get bug splatter off). Definitely worth the effort.
Clearest video on YT for me. Thanks for giving me the courage to finally try the clear coat on the headlights!
I have done all the different methods and your correct. Sanding down the old clearcoat completely off, then fine sanding with 400 grit wet and dry with water, then spray 2 wet coats of 2K clearcoat is the longest lasting job by far. Great tutorial😃😃😃
I thought I had seen all methods when it comes to headlights. Wasn't aware of the 2-part clear coat. This appears to be the best by far. Excellent real world information.
Thanks for sharing. I just use steel wool, then rubbing and polishing compounds. Followed up with 303 protectant. Because of the cost, I would use 2k clear coat only if I had multiple vehicles to do.
Nice video on plastic headlamps clear coat the way to go after sanding down and polishing with out wax. 2K clear coat and don't wax for at least 4 weeks after. Have a great day!
I agree that 2 part clear coat is good stuff. I used it to restore the finish on my Mazda B2500 hood and roof. However, it's kind of expensive for headlight repair. (Currently on Amazon for 24 dollars a can, usually over 30) It would be best if you had another project, and used the left over to do a headlight repair. Once mixed it needs to be used fairly quickly (within 48 hours at room temp). It would be a waste to mix a can and only do a set of headlights.
That's why I used HB Body Pro C496. Take a look. Every bit as good as Spraymax once cured.
@@CycloneCyd I used those greek products too. They are very good.
Excellent. Following up the results over time is almost always missed in most videos. Feedback of results over time is the most important factor in the DIY decision making process.
Amazing video. Thanks so much for the follow-up. Obviously the clear coat method is the way to go. And for all of you out there, this also applies to freshly painted vehicles, you should never wax or add any type of sealant or cerami coat to fresh paint. I had my front hood repainted due to rock chips and waited 60 days to apply ceramic.
There's also the option of applying UV film. The label states up to 5 years. Great follow up video.
After 3 years? Now that's some commitment! Thanks for the video!
My experience with a two-part clearcoat is excellent. To apply at all you have to do is send your headlight with 1000 grit paper, clean it with alcohol wipes, give it a few minutes then apply the paint.One of my vehicles has held up for over 4 1/2 years is that technique.
Thank you for confirming what i suspected... fine grit sandpaper, finest grit sandpaper - and then 2k.
Clear coat is not recommended because it distorts the light. The best solution for headlight protection is a film. It not only protects the lenses for well over a few years, but is also easily removable and cheap- I bought for my car a film that's enough for headlights and rear light for only £6 and it looks great.
Another thing is a safety. Clear coat especially 2K is super toxic and dangerous even with very low exposure to it.. And I don't think anybody who will fallow advice in the video will buy along with a clearcoat, a professional £50 mask to protect itself..
You should include pictures of your filmed headlights 👍
2k=Toxic, True..Thumbs Up.
Very good "how to" : comparison. Voice, modulation, volume, and eye contact all very good. Keep the slight accent: that helps people pay attention. Video quality. Overall I appreciated the pace and you were not screaming at the audience. Thumbs up. GB
Agreed, Project Farm level testing here. Thanks, this is exactly what I needed!
Some headlights will last longer if you park your car in the garage but if you park them outside I live in California Fresno area gets hot so mine get yellow haze every season and have to redo them every year because of the hot sun here in California might try the clear you use in your video clip thank you for posting this and hope everyone is having a Great Day
It would lessen sun exposer if you parked your car heading north (as much as possible).
4:48 yes, you have to use a clear that has uv protection. I have used engine enamel from duplicolor and spraymax 2k and both are great. I ceramic coated over the most recent one the 2k and I got great results
Very good to have a follow up on the diff methods you used, nobody else does this. You made the difference.
Thanks for the look back. It's nice to see how the different methods worked over time.
I did this for my headlights and my grandmas when you made the last video they still look great!
That's awesome!
Thats cute
Thank you for doing the work and posting results from YEARS later to really show what's best in the long run!
A lot of detailers hate 2k clear coat headlights, they say its bad, it cracks, they have hard time fixing it. People say buffing and polishing is just as good. Then ceramic coating is the best also ppf. I am pro 2k clear coat. Thank you for this video.
I use the polishing compound and wax it every month so far it is still as clear as water.So there your answer to last the clear condition.The 2k clear coat is expensive and you cannot save it once you mix the hardener you have to finish the whole can.
Just found your video. Wish I had found it earlier...
I watched Chris fix restoration video, did exactly as he explained. Started with 400 grit, then 600, 2000. Cleaned it off with alcohol, and applied clear coat. Two coats looked good, but third coat left orange peel, along with a bit of foggy areas........
Three days later decided to resand to remove orange peel. Used 600, 1000, then 2500 grit wet sand. Rinsed and dried off, then applied meguiar plastx polish, and hand buffed it in.
Results, not as clear as before, foggy streaks in it. Before I resanded, it had orange peel, but it looked somewhat like new, minus the foggy spots. Now it is far duller, with foggy streaks. Still far better than what it was to begin with, but sorta dull. I finally applied Big White, for a bit of a final protection, buffing by hand. I will probably have to be happy with this for now, but where do you think I went wrong? And what do you think I could do to get the clear new look again? Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks!
You should have waited a month, to allow the clear coat to fully cure.
Thanks so very much for your very honest video demonstrations. Your years of experience as an automotive technician really shines through. Again thanks again. There needs to be a best ever page on You Tube. I’d definitely support you. Stay safe!
sand it, polish it, put 3M UV protective foil over it, you are done. It will look new as long as the foil is not ruined. I have done this once several years ago and my headlights still look new.
I restored CBFsa motorcycle headlights with the 2 parts SprayMax Headlight Restoration Kit: theres a 1k muddy clear primer and then the 2k gloss clear.
The clear primer is supposed to even out the scratches even further so it looks pristine.
Great option if you're afraid you sanded the headlights too much.
Thanks for sharing
I did it with the clear coat on really foggy yellowish headlights. The result after a year is great. They still look newish and it did not take too long to do this task. The only issue is that once you open the clearcoat you have to use it all in a lapse of 2 weeks top. The headlights take a half spray can at the most.
Exactly would be nice to have a smaller can
Great comparison of the different methods. Definitely worth taking the time to clear coat your headlights.
Before even watching this video, this man is a legend for doing something like this. Thank you!
Spraymax 2k clear is AWESOME! Not cheap because it works.
I've been using ceramic 9H coating since they are super resistance to oxidation and whatnot
which 1 you use and how long it last?
That is the video that I found your channel through. No one else had straight answers, they were all selling things.
I used the rustoleum UV clearcoat 1K, it doesn't last before yellowing. Looks nice for maybe a year. I'll sand down and try 2K.
I did the same
Nothing beats 3M Ventureshield applied on the headlights after good sanding and polishing.
It's just unbeatable. Using it on my 3 cars for years.
Thanks for the Follow up. I’ve bought a polishing kit from Wal- Mart ( aluminum package) it worked great . You hand Sand it - not use a Machine . It looked very good . Lasted about 1 yr .
Excellent to see results years later. Thanks for doing this video!
The Sylvania kit works great! I did my headlights over a year ago and they still look super. The kit includes a clear coat and takes about an hour or so to do both headlights with no power tools. They have a good video on CZcams.
That last headlight with the 2K clear coat looks best for sure. I am impressed!
Somebody should let Scotty and Chris know about this vid to settle CZcams longest beef!
To Scotty: see, using clearcoat to restore your headlights can work *and* last....
To Chris: ..but you gotta use 2k clearcoat and apply it properly!
😁😁
Anyway, thanks for this video - helps clear things up, if you pardon the pun
Scotty talks a right load of shit. He's blagged his way to CZcams success. Simples
years ago I tried a 1K clear coat and even though it was labeled as UV stable and for outdoor use it yellowed pretty quickly. Since then I have been using the headlight restorer polish which has UV protection and try to remember to re-apply it regularly that works pretty well. I have recently tried ceramic coating one headlight to see how long that lasts. However when all is said and done I think you have shown that 2K is the the best long term solution. Oh yeah, I tried using paint protection film like others have suggested and made a total arse of myself trying to apply it, I think it was too thick and I couldn't get all the creases out.
I absolutely agree that 2K clear coat is the best stuff to use but I chose not to use it before the stuff is very hazardous. Persons using it would have to make sure they are wearing protective goggles and a respirator. And definitely spray that stuff in a well ventilated area or outside. I never used it even though I bought the can. I frankly hate UV spray ons. I am sensitive to the chemicals of it but for the most part, I hate, hate, hate when flies, bugs, dust, pollen, and ants get on it before the stuff drys. Of course there's the orange peels you would deal with also.
Good video though because your video helps persons to see how long some methods would last.
Just like car paint, you can sand and compound polish the clear-coat. This will remove the orange peel, and make the surface glossy, again.
Another great video. And heads up in 2023 Spraymax now has a 2k clear coat specifically for headlights with more UV protectors.
My favorite way is to apply a paint protection film. Sometimes with the clear coat it will crack overtime, plus if it gets messed up(on installation or down the road) you just remove the film and re apply. But the film reacts better to the expansion of the lights much better.
Looks like content for Project Farm. Thank you for the follow-up. Very helpful 👍
I just picked up a 93 K1500. Im gonna need some clear coat!
Next video: how to keep your Avacado trees looking great for years to come.
Great video! I just bought some brand new headlights for the wife's 2006 Trailblazer. The ones on there now are looking REALLY sad! I plan to use some 1500 grit sandpaper and wet sand them, then use some 2K clear coat (exactly the same one you used, BTW!) and coat them. They'll cure down in the workshop for a month, then I'll install them. Then I'll refinish the ones that are on her car now, and they'll go on my 2004 Trailblazer (we're a 2 Trailblazer family). The ones that are on my TB now will become a spare set, which we'll probably never need, unless one of the others gets damaged.
Your the man. The other youtubers forget 10 minutes after the videos up
thanks for the videos and this follow up one. Incredible. I don't know I am confused because I think it should be straight forward but because I have watched a few other videos before I found yours, I have a question. Obviously the 2k clear coat is the best of the four you experimented with. My question is, would you sand then use a compound or polishing agent, then use the 2k clear coat? Or would just sand and use the 2k Clear coat and don't bother with the compounds or polishes first. I appreciate your assistance. Thanks
As with car paint preparation, you sand with 800 grit sand paper; then, use a paint cleaner; then, apply two light coats of clear. Don't use the compounds. They may leave an undesirable coating.
Well this certainly puts to rest which is best. I didn't think a 3 year follow up video was coming. Lol
Thank you! Good to see someone explain 2K clear and the curing process. All the way to the end, I wondered if you were gonna be one one of these guys that werent going to use these key points and I was very glad to hear it this time. ALL headlight manufacturers use uv protective clear. That is why when you do a headlight restoration it looks like your first two cars. You tore off that precious clear. But this driver headlight was good! Awesome video!
thanks!!
the winner is 2K clear coat.
I used a cream & clearcoat kit. No sanding. Held up pretty good under Southern Oregon sun.
This is the most useful headlight video on CZcams.
I've restored several sets of lights and they always fade and yellow after a year or two. I've ever tried clear coat afterwards. I didn't know what 2k clear was so I used normal clear. Now I gotta try the 2k. Thanks.
My best results have been the 3m drill kit with the sanding discs and the wipe on clear followed by sealing it with opticoat headlight sealant every few months.
We have been sanding and reclearing your headlights in the body shop for years. We knew this decades ago. I like how youtube contributers are just figuring this out.
that's all nice but people private at home want to solve this issue themselves instead of bringing their car into a body shop
Curing period is 2 weeks.
Mad respect for this review.
Really awesome to see the results of a long term test! Thanks for all the info over the years. It's been extremely helpful & I'm sure that I'm speaking for many thousands to millions people.
great video - I think we all know that quality paint is the way to go. What would have been interesting to see is if you had continued to apply wax or UV protectant to the other lenses, would they still look decent
There is no question about it, I never put clearcoat on, only a polishing sealant reapplied a few times a year when doing vehicle detailing or washing and it does great to preserve the headlights, without having to sand off a clearcoat later once it is degraded.
People seem to not understand that while it is UV causing it, your sealant need not be a clearcoat that needs sanded off, anything that stops oxygen from getting to it works so one that replentishes itself with ease and low cost application works out best in the long run.
@@stinkycheese804Can you recommend any specific UV protectant products that you feel work well at delaying or stopping yellowing and clouding? Based on your experiences. Thanks in advance!
Yes, I recommend specifically NOT to use any type of permanent protectant product. Instead, use a polymer cleaner wax/sealant, same as used for antomotive paint sealant. No need to drop brand names, if it's claimed to clean (or polish) and sealant, that's what you want. You simply reapply that every several months, how often depends on how much weathering it has. It is very quick and easy to put on and buff off in a minute, unlike having to refinish away a permanent coating product that wears away anyway.@@snowvalley11
@@stinkycheese804 Right on thanks for the advice 👍👍
Finally! The real take on this headlights restore methods....
Finally! a No Kosse-Shear video. 2K clear coat is the secret. Great video!
2k clear coat is the greatest thing in the world. I love 2k clear coat
They made lots for these cars really neat to
Love this video!! Great and honest results. I just restored headlights by sanding, compounding and polishing with a ceramic coat finish. on an elantra this lasted around 2 months before looking terrible, on my mercedes it's fogging up 6 months in. Will try the clearcoat method! Thanks for sharing
From what I hear a 3m clear film or ceramic hard coat are the best and in that order.
Good morning and good health to everyone. Thank you very much for the valuable information 🙏👍
Could the 2k clear coat be applied to new vehicle headlights as a protectant preventive against fading?
The 2k is a waste if you dont have multiple cars to do because once its activated the shelf life is very short. The best clear to use is maguires. For 10.00 a can or the kit for 25.00 you can do multiple cars with no rush.
Hi Ratches And Wrenches ! Loves yours video but I have one question about the 2k clear coat. Won't the 2k clear coat affect the refraction of the light travel? I've heard that some sort of Acrylic spray or similar will mess with the refraction of the light. Thanks in advance for your reply ☺️
Love the 2K. Will try that out, soon. Short of that, I've had good results by following sanding with 3M Headlight Polish on 3" sponge on D/A. I did one 4 yrs ago and it's still 90%
It pays to be thorough. Great vid as usual 😎👑
Very cool. I have never seen the clear coat you used. I used a single spray product that worked on but the stuff you have looks much better.
Decisive win to the 2K clearcoat.
Thank you.
hehehe, funny the truck wont start, keep us updated, grest channel
My cheapo 5 minute method: paper towel applications of the wd40 --> aim + baking soda --> rinse --> dry --> wax...repeat every 3 months until prime day or black friday --> install new headlight assembly
2-part with hardener is the key. Personally , I just buffed mine out and rub in Blue Magic every week. Only takes a few seconds.
Finally a video that show's the truth about headlight restoration so often they only last a week or so.
I love your videos and tips. I recently used a kit for my headlights called Meguiar's G2980 Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit it's around $20 on Amazon. It comes with plastix, protective coating, sanding disks and drill polisher,
It's a pretty complete kit and my headlights look really good. I want to try out using clear coat next time my headlights fog up.
Thanks again!
2K wants a 280-300G to add some teeth to it. If it sheets(scaling) off at the bond line this is probably the issue. 2K is also designed for painting over paint not plastic, that's another concern. Don't get me wrong I did it the same as you did and probably polished it too much but it's something to think about. I'm just tired of the clear lasting a few years when the factory coating lasted 6, 8 and 10 years before any noticable oxidation.
I want to know what the facory coating is?
Also, thanks for the links.
The Best headlight restore channel
Very nice work and information for all of us to use. Thank you!
Great job following up and sharing the results with everyone. THANKS!
Great companion. Thanks for the follow up!
... "probably for life" 😂😂😂 Thanks again 👍
I know you care about us. Thank you for the follow up.
Nice.
Thank you, Cheers
I used plastix from meguirs and rewax them each time I wax my car. Much easier than using clear coat and they look just as good if not better
Who does remember when Scotty started shooting bullets on ChrisFix for using clear coat ?
Chris fix = entertainment for non-car people
Scotty kilmer = casualentertainment for car people
Ratchets & Wrenches = real-world useful tips and methods for actual DIYers
Scotty & Chris aren't real automotive channels. This one is 100% legit!