2001 x5 Headlight Lenses Re-Do

[dkl]

Originally Posted by jc1surf

here the results with the 3M hand kit. I was wondering, in the photo you can see and haze in the lens at an angle but looking straight at it, it looks clear as new. Any suggestions as to why there might be that particular haze? could it be that i did not sand hard/long enough? or that's just how it is suppose to turn out.
the before pics is from few posts back and apologies for my massive photos.

also, would using a buffer machine with more polish take the haze away and clear up the lens? i only used about 3/4 of the rubbing compound that came with the kit one pack for both lens. the second pack i did not even use.
thanks. i still need to get some uv protection on there asap.

I just did mine last weekend also using the 3M kit (the drill attachment version) with very similar results. My headlights are now smooth, but there's still a slight haze when looking from the sides even after buffing it several times...just like yours. Can't wait to see how yours turned out after the mineral/urathane application.

PS...looks like we're pretty close to each other (I'm in Irvine and works in NPB). If you want to compare the results in person, we can meet up. I would love to see your urathane results (or application process) in person.

[sunny5280]

Here are some pictures of my Subaru. These are the first ones I did. The first pic is one I took while the car was on the dealer lot. I wasn't focused on the actual headlight so I have no close up of it available. The second one is of the same light after the sealant was applied. The next it of the drivers side after just the sanding / polishing. No sealing had been done at this time. As you can see it looks good but it's not new looking. If you look closely at the bottom of the lens you'll see some hazing. The final one is the same lens with sealant applied. Aside from applying the sealant no other work had been done on the lens. The hazing in the first picture is no longer present.

[dkl]

Originally Posted by sunny5280

Here are some pictures of my Subaru. These are the first ones I did. The first pic is one I took while the car was on the dealer lot. I wasn't focused on the actual headlight so I have no close up of it available. The second one is of the same light after the sealant was applied. The next it of the drivers side after just the sanding / polishing. No sealing had been done at this time. As you can see it looks good but it's not new looking. If you look closely at the bottom of the lens you'll see some hazing. The final one is the same lens with sealant applied. Aside from applying the sealant no other work had been done on the lens. The hazing in the first picture is no longer present.

Looks great. How long have you had the sealant on? Will it "yellow" over time in the sun? How often would you have to re-apply it?

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by dkl

Looks great. How long have you had the sealant on? Will it "yellow" over time in the sun? How often would you have to re-apply it?

I applied the sealant mid-July and today it looks exactly as it did when I applied it. No discoloration at all. Long term I don't know how it will hold up. However the individual who posted the how to on the Subaru forum did not indicate any discoloration occurring over time.

[jc1surf]

Originally Posted by Aman

Hi what is the best way to apply the urethane?
With a rag, brush, spray?
Thanks

there's a brush made for ployurethane. darrrn it's like $9 for a one inch size at the local Ace. but i guess it's worth it lol.

and as suggested by previous post, i'm going to apply 60/40 and multiple layers.

dkl

I just did mine last weekend also using the 3M kit (the drill attachment version) with very similar results. My headlights are now smooth, but there's still a slight haze when looking from the sides even after buffing it several times...just like yours. Can't wait to see how yours turned out after the mineral/urathane application.

PS...looks like we're pretty close to each other (I'm in Irvine and works in NPB). If you want to compare the results in person, we can meet up. I would love to see your urathane results (or application process) in person.

lol sounds like the same haze we're having. i tried plastix with DA polisher and same haze.from dead straight it's very clear but at an angle it still looks foggy/haze. i will use the urethane method maybe tomrow or this thursday, and i will post pics of results and we can deff meet up in NPB lol.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by jc1surf

there's a brush made for ployurethane. darrrn it's like $9 for a one inch size at the local Ace. but i guess it's worth it lol.

and as suggested by previous post, i'm going to apply 60/40 and multiple layers.

The Micro Fiber cloth works perfect. I see no reason to spend money on a brush. I also inquired about using a brush (one of those foam painters brushes) and was told not to do so.

With that said I'd like to say don't over think this. I delayed applying the finish for about a month thinking it was going to be difficult to do. What I found was it was very easy. Applying the sealant from initial mixing to completing the first coat takes all of 15 minutes. It's easy for me to say this after having done it. But I know the reservations one can have in making sure to do it right. I had the same thoughts.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by dkl

Looks great. How long have you had the sealant on? Will it "yellow" over time in the sun? How often would you have to re-apply it?

Here are a couple of pics I took earlier this morning to show how they're holding up. Granted a month and a half isn't very long.

[bcredliner]

Plastic is sensitive to heat. While different plastics have different tolerances it is quite easy to build up too much heat. First indication will be hazing although hazing from heat looks the same as hazing from pressing to hard with even the finest of polishes. The coating will certainly improve whatever you end up with but I would be sure my last step before the coating was light pressure hand buffing with a non-abrasive polish.

I can't remember how many times I have screwed up similar material, with power, pressure or abrasion- usually all three. It was a long time until I accepted it was me rather than the stuff I used or how I did it. It is not a project to bring your manly man--more power persona.

[jc1surf]

Originally Posted by sunny5280

Here are a couple of pics I took earlier this morning to show how they're holding up. Granted a month and a half isn't very long.

hay sunny, i just opened the urethane, is it me or is it suppose to be syrup maple color? i thought i was suppose to be clear?

thanks and this is the first time i have ever used urethane lol. thanks

[jc1surf]

please ignore my previous post. sorry
thanks sunny and everyone else

here are some pics of the first layer. immediately, i was amazed at the result. I does look new. just the first layer. i'm going to wait and finish up with 2 more layers. the 60/40 is a good mix. I used microfiber clothes as suggested, and it worked great. the first 20-30seconds, you can see grooves left by the clothes, but then it will fade and blend in nicely.
after the first layer cured, the haze dkl and myself are having are somewhat still visible at a certain angle. not as bad as before.
all in all, the urethane did bring that gloss and glaze.
thanks fellas