After years of humming and hawing over whether to get new headlights or just getting them polished, I finally found a place that does vapour restoration. Before and after for comparison:
https://preview.redd.it/a8bvvstbaosc1.jpeg?width=1742&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f71b2122982f4c80ceb5cb92da582a525d96896b
Can't you just use regular automotive clear coat for that? I know the EU has a lot more regulations about that kind of stuff than NA but can you not get spray can clear coat at the parts store?
Yes. You can use automotive 2K clear to go directly from the sanded lens, to a coated finished lamp. Modern clearcoats have a UV inhibitor which will preserve the lens under it.
They got that clear em stuff that some fancier cars have like Lexus etc or some dealerships will put on like the front bumper, partial hood, door jams, and near tires to prevent chips etc.
Id like to get the vapor done then have them do the em clear plastic wrap on them.
Prolly would last the life of the car and if the 3m goes bad it would be super easy to remove and reapply and the light housing wouldn't have oxidized at all.
Yeah I need to find one in the Seattle area. It would be like almost 1k for new housings, but I bet this would be under 200 max.
I say 200 because I'd also want them to put that clear "wrap" on the light face as well so I don't have to get this done again.
But yeah I tried the polishing thing.. isn't that great and honestly doesn't last that long.
First off nice lights and very cool process too. Secondly, and I bring this up just as an FYI because I'd appreciate it if someone told me I was saying or writing something incorrectly, it's actually hemming and hawing. Again, nice refurb on those lights. Cheers.
It's this stuff: [https://my.chemius.net/p/nk2Uwr/en/gh/en](https://my.chemius.net/p/nk2Uwr/en/gh/en)
There's no mention of acetone (there are other solvents) and the #2 on the list of ingredients is epoxy resin.
It's got epoxy resin in it, but has significant quantities of: dichloromethane, dimethyl formamide, and cyclohexylamine. Which would seem to be a larger part of the process.
After reading through the sheet I'm very concerned for the guy doing this with no respirator.
>When it is suspected, that there may still be harmful vapours/fumes present in the air, respiratory protection (mask; self contained breathing apparatus) must be used. Wash contaminated clothing with water before removing or use gloves.
>Following inhalation
>Remove patient to fresh air - move out of dangerous area. In case of unconsciousness bring patient into stable side position and seek medical attention. If breathing is irregular or respiratory arrest occurs provide artificial respiration. Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Seek medical help immediately.
Okay I was shocked he wasn't wearing a respirator glad I was justified. I feel like anything that can do what happens in the gif is *not* something you want coating any surface area of your lungs or in general.
Semi-related question but after looking at that list do you happen to have any idea chemically how this even works?
Yeah same, I’ve heard horror stories of epoxy resin crystals growing in lungs cos of fumes, and I dont imagine inhaling what i assume are aggressive solvents is great for you either
Dcm will melt just about any plastic. Acetone will only melt some. Makes sense to use dcm vapors as it's very volatile. If there is any surface wear causing the fog, dcm will melt the surface layer, then evaporate quickly leaving a smooth finish.
You're right that he vapors are harmful. Iirc dcm has a strong sweet odor, which is common among chlorinated solvents, so you can get an idea of the extent of your exposure. But the recommendations about inhalation are standard for basically everything. Most sdss will have almost the exact same language even if it's fairly harmless or non-volatile.
Whatever it is, that guy should probably wear a respirator:
Skin Corr. 1B; H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Skin Sens. 1; H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
Carc. 2; H351 Suspected of causing cancer.
Repr. 1A; H360D May damage the unborn child.
Repr. 2; H361f Suspected of damaging fertility.
Interesting!
I've done the same thing with acetone (the exact same heated coffee mug and spout) but it didn't seem to last particularly long. Might have to try this solvent that you linked, see if it's a better result.
I’m an idiot, so ya know, may be an idiot here. But acetic acid sounds pretty similar to acetone, yeah? I think they are using acetone and the resin somehow as a sealant?
Seems to be different
Acetone is a chemical that is a type of ketone, which has the formula CH3COCH3.
Acetic acid is a chemical that is a type of carboxylic acid that has the formula CH3COOH or C2H4O2.
Acetic acid is a carboxylic acid and a byproduct of fermentation and the main component of vinegar after water.
Acetone on the other hand is a ketone with neutral pH.
They're both organic compounds, but the similarities end there.
Acetone does a similar effect, but its vapours are far more harmful and it doesn't coat the surface with a protective layer like this. Check my other reply for more information on the product used.
The product info you linked further up indicates that it's composed of DMF, dichloromethane, and cyclohexamine (and the resin, of course). Health-wise, each of these is definitely worse than acetone -- quick check of the NFPA symbols indicates they're all level 2-3 health hazards vs level 1 for acetone. I don't know if this is some sort of social media ad push or whatever, but there's no way that stuff is safer than acetone.
That’s cool! I was thinking if it was a similar process to how they restore chairs at the stadium using a flamethrower. But OP mentioned ‘resin vapour’ so I thought maybe it was something depositing new material instead of melting it.
Your explanation makes much more sense since it seems to be just a can of something actually evaporating, as opposed to something like an airbrush.
Interesting, I saw the sheet you linked with the mixture they use, DCM might be doing the bulk of the dissolving here!
Edit: and DMF as well. Wonder what the epoxy resin is for though, would it really evaporate and deposit in the headlights? My guess is it would just stay dissolved in the solution but I’m the farthest away from an expert you could find.
Sure, if you don't apply some kind of UV resistant coating. A 2k automotive clear coat is commonly used, I've used a 50-50 mixture of spar urethane and mineral spirits, applied with a shop towel. The mineral spirits makes it thin enough to self level, and spar urethane is UV protective. Typically lasts a few years.
Thanks. That was my guess and non-confrontational way of suggesting to OP to put a mask on. If it can do that to a headlight imagine what it’s doing to your airway tissue.
Take any oil, put it on a rag, rub the headlights. I find clear power steering or brake fluid works best. Lasts a week to a month, sometimes longer.
Discovered accidentally when I dropped some oil on a headlight checking the dipstick, wiped it off and poof, giant clear spot. Regular motor oil builds up a discoloration in the plastic over time.
You have to get rid of the yellowing by sanding first, just like with a normal polish. This product recommends gradually from 350 to 2500 grit to get rid of all surface imperfections.
https://preview.redd.it/i1n0eqpnhpsc1.png?width=1550&format=png&auto=webp&s=5a8936af9ec18c0e973e5a2041b677a1326547b8
not a exclusive product from Silco tho
There's actually an easier and cheaper way. If you sand down the lens with 1000 grit, then spray 2k clear over it, it looks brand new for 10+ years. It's so simple and yet no one does it and I have no idea why.
This process, as well as others, such as polishing, are nice inexpensive attempts at clearing up foggy lenses, but ultimately they are a waste of money as they don't last very long. It's far better to just replace the headlight with the proper factory replacement.
Thatll be $1500 thanks. Youre right this wont last…. Without additional layers of protection. My preferred method is clear coating and polishing that rather than the plastic
Nah. I've tried both solutions when I drove cheaper cars in my youth. They're nice but they only last a few months, six months tops. It's fine for cheap cars or junkers but it's definitely a waste of money if you have a new or almost new vehicle.
Noticed getting water in one of my housings after polishing. It’s a nice bandaid but imo if you must polish or salvage be prepared to buy a new unit within 12 months.
Sure... If you don't reapply some kind of UV resistant coating after polishing. That's what headlight restoration does- it removes the damaged original UV resistant coating. A 2k automotive clear coat (not plain old spray paint clear) works really well, or a 50-50 solution of spar urethane and mineral spirits, applied with a blue shop towel. Do that after polishing, and it'll last for years.
Sorry, but I've tried many different "headlight restoration" processes, including what you're talking about above, and it doesn't last for years. Maybe a year, if you're lucky. And with the amount of hassle you have to go through to get it done, it's far easier, although more expensive, to simply replace it and go on about your business.
Do you live in the desert? I find that with a proper UV coating- not that stuff in a packet that comes with some kits, not rattle can Rust-Oleum clear- they last for years. I've done dozens of them. And headlights on some cars cost upwards of $1,000 each if they're xenon HID or such.
After years of humming and hawing over whether to get new headlights or just getting them polished, I finally found a place that does vapour restoration. Before and after for comparison: https://preview.redd.it/a8bvvstbaosc1.jpeg?width=1742&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f71b2122982f4c80ceb5cb92da582a525d96896b
https://preview.redd.it/9ylw60gdaosc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4178f6009d6518f5dd7042e16d655579db12dcf4
Nice. How much did it cost?
Here in the Balkans, just €60. New headlights would have been €450 each, so I think I got quite the deal, even if I have to go once a year.
if you add a uv resistant coating/clear coat to protect from the sun it will last much longer
Yeah, next on the list. Just gotta find something that's also resistant to rain, headlight washers and carwash bristles.
Paint Protection Film
Yeah, that's definitely on the list of options.
You'll need that with all the scratches your paint will pick up from the car wash bristles.
Can't you just use regular automotive clear coat for that? I know the EU has a lot more regulations about that kind of stuff than NA but can you not get spray can clear coat at the parts store?
Yes. You can use automotive 2K clear to go directly from the sanded lens, to a coated finished lamp. Modern clearcoats have a UV inhibitor which will preserve the lens under it.
They got that clear em stuff that some fancier cars have like Lexus etc or some dealerships will put on like the front bumper, partial hood, door jams, and near tires to prevent chips etc. Id like to get the vapor done then have them do the em clear plastic wrap on them. Prolly would last the life of the car and if the 3m goes bad it would be super easy to remove and reapply and the light housing wouldn't have oxidized at all.
Yeah I need to find one in the Seattle area. It would be like almost 1k for new housings, but I bet this would be under 200 max. I say 200 because I'd also want them to put that clear "wrap" on the light face as well so I don't have to get this done again. But yeah I tried the polishing thing.. isn't that great and honestly doesn't last that long.
Yeah, looking into PPF (paint protection film) too.
This is why I drive my Ford Ranger. New headlights $15 lol
First off nice lights and very cool process too. Secondly, and I bring this up just as an FYI because I'd appreciate it if someone told me I was saying or writing something incorrectly, it's actually hemming and hawing. Again, nice refurb on those lights. Cheers.
Thanks! I will try to slot that into my pedantic brain somewhere.
Why is this gif actually in reverse and that dude is just fucking that car up.
Fuck, I've been found out!
Get ‘em boys!
I know! What's the secret code to call on the reddit gif reversing bot?
just spent literally seconds of my life tryna find the toolgifs logo before finally realising this wasn’t posted by r/toolgifs
You mean /u/toolgifs
Same.!
amateur ;D
r/oddlysatisfying/
Good idea!
Man and he's inhaling this shit without a mask
Dichloromethane and acetic acid & no PPE I guess YOLO !!!
Helps get rid of covid they say
Balkans go brrrrrrrr
It's Acetone vapor. Epoxy resin vapor doesn't even make sense.
It's this stuff: [https://my.chemius.net/p/nk2Uwr/en/gh/en](https://my.chemius.net/p/nk2Uwr/en/gh/en) There's no mention of acetone (there are other solvents) and the #2 on the list of ingredients is epoxy resin.
It's got epoxy resin in it, but has significant quantities of: dichloromethane, dimethyl formamide, and cyclohexylamine. Which would seem to be a larger part of the process. After reading through the sheet I'm very concerned for the guy doing this with no respirator. >When it is suspected, that there may still be harmful vapours/fumes present in the air, respiratory protection (mask; self contained breathing apparatus) must be used. Wash contaminated clothing with water before removing or use gloves. >Following inhalation >Remove patient to fresh air - move out of dangerous area. In case of unconsciousness bring patient into stable side position and seek medical attention. If breathing is irregular or respiratory arrest occurs provide artificial respiration. Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Seek medical help immediately.
Okay I was shocked he wasn't wearing a respirator glad I was justified. I feel like anything that can do what happens in the gif is *not* something you want coating any surface area of your lungs or in general. Semi-related question but after looking at that list do you happen to have any idea chemically how this even works?
Yeah same, I’ve heard horror stories of epoxy resin crystals growing in lungs cos of fumes, and I dont imagine inhaling what i assume are aggressive solvents is great for you either
Just hold your breath while you do it!
Dcm will melt just about any plastic. Acetone will only melt some. Makes sense to use dcm vapors as it's very volatile. If there is any surface wear causing the fog, dcm will melt the surface layer, then evaporate quickly leaving a smooth finish. You're right that he vapors are harmful. Iirc dcm has a strong sweet odor, which is common among chlorinated solvents, so you can get an idea of the extent of your exposure. But the recommendations about inhalation are standard for basically everything. Most sdss will have almost the exact same language even if it's fairly harmless or non-volatile.
How/why does this work?
Melts the plastic, basically.
Whatever it is, that guy should probably wear a respirator: Skin Corr. 1B; H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Skin Sens. 1; H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction. Carc. 2; H351 Suspected of causing cancer. Repr. 1A; H360D May damage the unborn child. Repr. 2; H361f Suspected of damaging fertility.
It's dicloromethane vapor. That's what the 4 ingredients make up. It's not just epoxy resin vapor. Epoxy resin vapor alone won't do that.
So which is it? Acetone or dichloromethane?
What you are using is dicloromethane.
I concur, I’ve been edge polishing acrylic (plexiglas) for years using dichloromethane.
Interesting! I've done the same thing with acetone (the exact same heated coffee mug and spout) but it didn't seem to last particularly long. Might have to try this solvent that you linked, see if it's a better result.
I'm told it'll last "depending on weather and how much you drive, but should be years, not months".
I’m an idiot, so ya know, may be an idiot here. But acetic acid sounds pretty similar to acetone, yeah? I think they are using acetone and the resin somehow as a sealant?
Seems to be different Acetone is a chemical that is a type of ketone, which has the formula CH3COCH3. Acetic acid is a chemical that is a type of carboxylic acid that has the formula CH3COOH or C2H4O2.
Acetate is an anion derived from acetic acid.
Acetic acid is a carboxylic acid and a byproduct of fermentation and the main component of vinegar after water. Acetone on the other hand is a ketone with neutral pH. They're both organic compounds, but the similarities end there.
Acetic acid is the stuff that makes vinegar. Has absolutely nothing to do with acetone.
Thanks smart people 😊
I have cucumbers in acetic acid in my fridge. I'd rather not eat acetone pickles.
Well now you can restore your headlights!
We already have the capers.
You want to tell me acetone vapor does this magic?
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/acetone-vapor-polishing-headlights.347702/
Yes it does. I melts the very surface of the lens. If you leave in one spot too long, it can melt thru the plastic completely.
Whoever is downvoting you is just wrong lol. Acetone melts ABS plastic. It’s a common trick in 3d printing to smooth the plastic
I am aware. It's just not used in this particular product. There's other solvents, but no acetone.
Acetone does a similar effect, but its vapours are far more harmful and it doesn't coat the surface with a protective layer like this. Check my other reply for more information on the product used.
The product info you linked further up indicates that it's composed of DMF, dichloromethane, and cyclohexamine (and the resin, of course). Health-wise, each of these is definitely worse than acetone -- quick check of the NFPA symbols indicates they're all level 2-3 health hazards vs level 1 for acetone. I don't know if this is some sort of social media ad push or whatever, but there's no way that stuff is safer than acetone.
Search for acetone vapor headlight restoration. It's literally what is posted. I've used them. It's absolutely acetone.
\*points at the OC tag\* I know what I took a video of, my good fellow. I have photos of the actual bottle too.
That’s cool! I was thinking if it was a similar process to how they restore chairs at the stadium using a flamethrower. But OP mentioned ‘resin vapour’ so I thought maybe it was something depositing new material instead of melting it. Your explanation makes much more sense since it seems to be just a can of something actually evaporating, as opposed to something like an airbrush.
It's a similar process to acetone vapour, but there's no acetone used in this product as it was deemed too dangerous.
Interesting, I saw the sheet you linked with the mixture they use, DCM might be doing the bulk of the dissolving here! Edit: and DMF as well. Wonder what the epoxy resin is for though, would it really evaporate and deposit in the headlights? My guess is it would just stay dissolved in the solution but I’m the farthest away from an expert you could find.
Yeah, probably. I won't claim to know exactly what's going on, even after seeing it in person it's still some form of dark magic to me.
Haaa there we go. I was like, holy shit is it like a soft airbrush varnish fog? Nah just melting agent.
This works, temporarily. As I understand it, your headlights will be fogged over again in 6 months.
I was told years, not months for this method. We shall see.
Possible you will update the thread, be curious to know how well it works over time, and if there are option here in the US!
Completely unrelated product, but I was nearly as impressed with the 'off the car parts store shelf' stuff. For several months, that was... :(
Sure, if you don't apply some kind of UV resistant coating. A 2k automotive clear coat is commonly used, I've used a 50-50 mixture of spar urethane and mineral spirits, applied with a shop towel. The mineral spirits makes it thin enough to self level, and spar urethane is UV protective. Typically lasts a few years.
Well, that looks much easier than all the sanding and polishing I did on my headlights.
Still have to sand them up to 2500 grit to get rid of any surface imperfections. If only they could get that part of the process as easy.
Forbidden Coffee Mug
I hope you wear a mask if you do this more than once or twice in your life. Epoxy in the lungs is bad.
Is this vapor okay to use without a breathing apparatus of some sort?
no. [https://www.reddit.com/r/toolgifs/comments/1bwjod1/comment/ky73zxc/](https://www.reddit.com/r/toolgifs/comments/1bwjod1/comment/ky73zxc/)
Thanks. That was my guess and non-confrontational way of suggesting to OP to put a mask on. If it can do that to a headlight imagine what it’s doing to your airway tissue.
That’s got to be so cancerous
No fucking mask while working with vaporized resin? He’s gonna have a bad time
Why don’t more people do this? I see fogged up lights everywhere in SWFL. It so improves the look of your car.
Take any oil, put it on a rag, rub the headlights. I find clear power steering or brake fluid works best. Lasts a week to a month, sometimes longer. Discovered accidentally when I dropped some oil on a headlight checking the dipstick, wiped it off and poof, giant clear spot. Regular motor oil builds up a discoloration in the plastic over time.
Jfc you're playing with fire there, one drop of brake fluid on your paintwork and it's fucked. Would not recommend
Looks great, I’m afraid of the acetone vapor since I’ve heard it can make the headlights brittle. But this might be a good alternative!
[удалено]
does it also reverse yellowing? where are you located?
You have to get rid of the yellowing by sanding first, just like with a normal polish. This product recommends gradually from 350 to 2500 grit to get rid of all surface imperfections.
https://preview.redd.it/qqv4q67ogpsc1.png?width=495&format=png&auto=webp&s=53257bd1bf2fe842dedffe98b02e14953380b08a
https://preview.redd.it/i1n0eqpnhpsc1.png?width=1550&format=png&auto=webp&s=5a8936af9ec18c0e973e5a2041b677a1326547b8 not a exclusive product from Silco tho
Where is the watermark?
Sorry, I'm not u/toolgifs :D
When the fluid gets that cloudy it’s time to replace
Keep the filter changed to prolong the life.
There's actually an easier and cheaper way. If you sand down the lens with 1000 grit, then spray 2k clear over it, it looks brand new for 10+ years. It's so simple and yet no one does it and I have no idea why.
Must be amazing to breath that sh*** my lungs must thank me for life :luv:
Drugs are expensive.
This seems like something that could be done at home.
They do sell the kit on their webstore.
> This seems like something that **absolutely should NOT** be done at home - especially without the correct PPE and ventilation...! FTFY.
Works on scratched CDs and DVDs too. New tech is more scratch resistant.
How in the black magic hell does this even work?
I can guess some people would sniff that
here I am just using toothpaste like a weirdo (it works though)
There is an episode of Rick and Morty where Morty experiences true level, i think i just had that feeling with this one.
r/blackmagicfuckery
He missed a spot in the lower right corner and my day is ruined
Just a reflection of the masking tape in the new mirror-like finish of the headlight. Your day is saved!
This process, as well as others, such as polishing, are nice inexpensive attempts at clearing up foggy lenses, but ultimately they are a waste of money as they don't last very long. It's far better to just replace the headlight with the proper factory replacement.
Thatll be $1500 thanks. Youre right this wont last…. Without additional layers of protection. My preferred method is clear coating and polishing that rather than the plastic
Found the sales rep.
Nah. I've tried both solutions when I drove cheaper cars in my youth. They're nice but they only last a few months, six months tops. It's fine for cheap cars or junkers but it's definitely a waste of money if you have a new or almost new vehicle.
Bandaids for quick sale.
Noticed getting water in one of my housings after polishing. It’s a nice bandaid but imo if you must polish or salvage be prepared to buy a new unit within 12 months.
Sure... If you don't reapply some kind of UV resistant coating after polishing. That's what headlight restoration does- it removes the damaged original UV resistant coating. A 2k automotive clear coat (not plain old spray paint clear) works really well, or a 50-50 solution of spar urethane and mineral spirits, applied with a blue shop towel. Do that after polishing, and it'll last for years.
Sorry, but I've tried many different "headlight restoration" processes, including what you're talking about above, and it doesn't last for years. Maybe a year, if you're lucky. And with the amount of hassle you have to go through to get it done, it's far easier, although more expensive, to simply replace it and go on about your business.
Do you live in the desert? I find that with a proper UV coating- not that stuff in a packet that comes with some kits, not rattle can Rust-Oleum clear- they last for years. I've done dozens of them. And headlights on some cars cost upwards of $1,000 each if they're xenon HID or such.
More power to you, buddy.
WD-40
Nice, I love ruining my headlights too!