Headlight restoration

[Reamer]

So I have tried a lot of products on headlights over the years on different cars with some good results.

However I was blown away by the ease of use and outstanding results of this product. (I’m independent so not plugging this).

CERAKOTE® Ceramic Headlight... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B084RQKLV8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Have a look at before and after. 20 minutes work with outstanding results. If I have to repeat every year it’s still cheaper than replacing the units.

 

[slade1]

I used chrome, polish Autosol, much cheaper and it works.

 

[Reamer]

The final coating is to protect from UV. What ever works is always best.

 

[slade1]

Have been told to leave as is, it's the coating that's turns yellow(?)

 

[Reamer]

Time will tell. Watch this space.

 

[BTB 500]

I recently used a similar kit from Holts on my Vito and wasn't happy with the results at all ... very difficult wet sanding with disks on curved light units (flatter ones might be OK).

I bought a softer backing plate and two foam pads ('heavy cut' and 'polish') along with appropriate compounds from a detailing place, and that worked fine. I only used the sealant from the Holts kit.

More details plus pictures here:

What Have You Done To Your Merc Today? | General Discussion

Annoying, that is. But tbf the flippin' things seem to unravel if you sneeze anywhere near them. Rubbish design really. Indeed!

forums.mbclub.co.uk

 

[Reamer]

Looks good. I have used that kit too, and the kit here. Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit - Meguiars UK

Wasn’t impressed with meguiars at all.

By far in ease of use and results was my recent product. The finish is like new with no blur or defects.

 

[stressd]

Have been told to leave as is, it's the coating that's turns yellow(?)

No, the UV causes the plastic to oxidise. So the UV protective coating slows that process. I read somewhere that when applying wax to your car, you should also wax the headlights as the wax includes UV protective agents. Not sure how true that is..

 

[Reamer]

My problem was not so much the yellowing but minute haze cracks in the plastic where the sun heats it on the top.

The latest product has removed/masked these and now looks crystal clear.

It won’t last forever but it’s perfect for now.

 

[BTB 500]

My problem was not so much the yellowing but minute haze cracks in the plastic where the sun heats it on the top.

Yep that's what I had - on the top, and also to a lesser extent in front of the headlight bulbs

 

[slade1]

Yep that's what I had - on the top, and also to a lesser extent in front of the headlight bulbs

View attachment 145626

 

[slade1]

Yep that's what I had - on the top, and also to a lesser extent in front of the headlight bulbs

View attachment 145626

I don't think chrome polish would work, lights appear to be in bad shape with quite deep scratches.
What's the problem with MB headlights, poor quality materials?
I had a 1991 Nissan Primera for 11 years and the light were like new, crystal clear.

 

[BTB 500]

I don't think chrome polish would work, lights appear to be in bad shape with quite deep scratches.
What's the problem with MB headlights, poor quality materials?

Yep ... chrome polish is relatively mild I think. The 2-stage process with cutting compound and then polish (using foam pads in a drill) worked well ... this is the same light cluster after that:

I had a 1991 Nissan Primera for 11 years and the light were like new, crystal clear.

Did that have plastic lenses? The first one I had with those was a 1998 Vauxhall, and one of the lenses fell off! Luckily it was just in my road so I found it (undamaged) and was able to successfully bond it back on.

 

[slade1]

Yep ... chrome polish is relatively mild I think. The 2-stage process with cutting compound and then polish (using foam pads in a drill) worked well ... this is the same light cluster after that:

View attachment 145673




Did that have plastic lenses? The first one I had with those was a 1998 Vauxhall, and one of the lenses fell off! Luckily it was just in my road so I found it (undamaged) and was able to successfully bond it back on.

Yes

 

[Shadgrind]

Did mine yesterday… Think I have before and afters… The UV protectant goes on a bit like nail varnish and takes three days to cure!

Oh and sanded with a drill on slow speed 600 grit 1200 grit and 2000. Take your time keep the paper wet and dont use supplied polish, I used Meguires compound and polish. Here’s a link… I used this kit.

 

[Reamer]

Did mine yesterday… Think I have before and afters… The UV protectant goes on a bit like nail varnish and takes three days to cure!View attachment 146484View attachment 146485

Oh and sanded with a drill on slow speed 600 grit 1200 grit and 2000. Take your time keep the paper wet and dont use supplied polish, I used Meguires compound and polish. Here’s a link… I used this kit.

They look very clear. Good work

 

[Wearsthefoxhat]

I use Autosol chrome polish on a medium pad then apply two coats of wax.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Whatever cleaning / refinishing process occurs, surely there always has to be a second step to provide a protective barrier coating going forward. Call it wax or whatever.

Step one is removing the existing crud and refinishing that surface. Step two is delaying the buildup of dirt and damage to that fresh surface.

 

[Reamer]

The

Whatever cleaning / refinishing process occurs, surely there always has to be a second step to provide a protective barrier coating going forward. Call it wax or whatever.

Step one is removing the existing crud and refinishing that surface. Step two is delaying the buildup of dirt and damage to that fresh surface.

kit I used has a ceramic coating to finish. It will not last forever but is far cheaper than light replacement

 

[BTB 500]

Whatever cleaning / refinishing process occurs, surely there always has to be a second step to provide a protective barrier coating going forward. Call it wax or whatever.

I think the purpose of the 'sealant' supplied with most kits is (a) to protect the plastic from UV light and (b) to fill/mask any very fine surface scratches.