Quote:
Originally Posted by Brent Deines
Are any of you adamantly opposed to the use of a sealer?
There were two companies at the Mobile Tech Expo that did not recommend sealers, and one of those produced the best looking headlight restoration that I have ever seen. These are also two companies that I have been told supply many of the aircraft window restoration specialists. However "if" it is true that without a sealer the lens will yellow again within a few months, the cosmetic finish may not be as important as how long the finish lasts, at least for headlights.
For you guys that do use sealers, what do you think about spray on sealers vs paint on sealers?
Have any of you restored a headlight and then left it out in the weather for a few years to see what happens? If so, what did you use, and what were the results. Since some headlights seem to yellow faster right from the factory, I'm not sure even a test like that will be all that good of a test unless several products were tested at the same time on exactly the same make and model of headlight, but it would be a start.
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Brent,
I do use the Dvelup system with the wipe on 2 part sealer. I am in favor of using the sealer that contains a UV inhibitor such as the Devlup system. I have done restorations that look pretty good without the sealer but without UV protection why waste the time and money. It's like going to the beach without using sunscreen on a high UV day..You would be fried.
I do have a couple of test lenses outside. I recieved them from a body shop. One I haven't done anything with as of yet. The other I restored 1/2 with the dvelup system about 4 months ago and left the other side alone. The untreated side is getting a little worse but the dvelup side looks great yet.
I have noticed during rain storms I have noticed that the rain drops bead off (like rain-x on a windshield) of the dvelup side but it only seems like it is being absorbed by the untreated side. The second lense I plan to strip and buff the whole lense and coat 1/2 with sealer for a second comparison.
As far as spray on coating goes, I am against it for a couple of reasons. First of all, there is a pretty good risk of overspray hitting the customers paint or even coming back to you or your customers to breathe in the fumes. So, this may be effecive if the lense is entirely removed from the vehicle which means more labor intensive and possible high prices for the customer which may be a turnoff.
Secondly, There is a local "delivery service" in my local area that I have already approached to do thier headlights. The head mechanic said he does it himself. He uses a green scotchbrite bad and spray on UV coating. I am here to tell you that they look horrible, especially at night. You can bet that the drivers use the brights all night long...I dropped pursuing this potential customer after I talked to a former employee about the financial aspects of the company (not very good at all).
Also, What I have noticed, by the time the lense does need to refinished the glue seal that is between the lense and the lense body starts to crack and potentially can allow moisture into the lense. When I reseal the lense I ensure that I also coat this seam to prevent and leakage into the assembly. This, in my opinion, could not be effectively achieved with a spray on sealer.
Brent, in reference to being ignored, I would call them directly at 888-350-2932. Ask for Sandy or Mimi. Either of these ladies will answer any questions you may have. I would be sure to tell them abouth the guys at the Expo.
I hope my rambling helps a little. Its getting late and I have been up about 20 hours.... Good night.
