Best way to keep new headlights clean and clear?
06-18-2013, 01:22 PM
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2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
Best way to keep new headlights clean and clear?
I just replaced both headlights a year ago and am now trying to figure out the best way to keep them looking new - for a long time. Seems like the best way is to apply a protectant film over the new headlights and then apply UV protectant over the film. That way you can renew the uv protectant and film as often as you want. I guess you could just polish and apply uv protectant frequently but that wont stop more signifcant scratches and pits that will eventually affect the appearance. Any feedback, comments, better ideas would be helpful. Thanks.
06-19-2013, 06:38 AM
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'84 380 SL/ '02 XK8
Optimum Opti-Lens Headlight Coating - an advanced, resin-based coating Opti-Lens is a hybrid coating based on Opti Coat. OPT added acrylic for flexibility due to the constant expanding and contracting and increased the UV absorbers content to accommodate the absence of protection inherit to polycarbonate. This product is specifically designed to provide protection for headlights, taillights and other poly-carbonate surfaces
For use on new or renovated headlight lenses; bonds directly to the polycarbonate finish due to its acrylic co-polymer resin content designed to bind with plastic and polycarbonate. Once applied to the headlight or other hard surfaces, the resin will form covalent bonds with the substrate and crosslink to form a permanent film. Opti-Lens coating contains high levels of UV blockers to prevent headlights from fading over time.
Apply directly to the headlight using a poly foam applicator or Optimum Dual Pro Applicator. Work a small amount of product over the lens using overlapping passes until it appears to melt into the lens and disappear.
Remove any streaks or high spots with a soft microfiber towel. It takes approximately 30 minutes to cure before it can be exposed to water. Allow 24 hours to pass before washing or cleaning with pressure.
This product can only be removed via mechanical means (abrasive polishing) it does not wear off.
TOGWT® Autopia Detailing Wiki Article “Headlight Restoration” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia...ml#post1506615
For use on new or renovated headlight lenses; bonds directly to the polycarbonate finish due to its acrylic co-polymer resin content designed to bind with plastic and polycarbonate. Once applied to the headlight or other hard surfaces, the resin will form covalent bonds with the substrate and crosslink to form a permanent film. Opti-Lens coating contains high levels of UV blockers to prevent headlights from fading over time.
Apply directly to the headlight using a poly foam applicator or Optimum Dual Pro Applicator. Work a small amount of product over the lens using overlapping passes until it appears to melt into the lens and disappear.
Remove any streaks or high spots with a soft microfiber towel. It takes approximately 30 minutes to cure before it can be exposed to water. Allow 24 hours to pass before washing or cleaning with pressure.
This product can only be removed via mechanical means (abrasive polishing) it does not wear off.
TOGWT® Autopia Detailing Wiki Article “Headlight Restoration” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia...ml#post1506615
06-19-2013, 02:42 PM
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2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
I have utilised the 3M Clear Bra on the headlamps & the front fascia on several vehicles with very good results.
