HEADLIGHT LENS RESTORATION KIT INSTRUCTIONS Please read all of the information below before starting the restoration process.
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KIT CONTAINS
1 x 3” (75mm) Velcro Backed Arbor Sanding Drill Attachment
1 x 3” (75mm) Velcro Backed Black Foam Interface Pad Attachment
1 x 3” (75mm) Orange Foam Medium Cut Polishing Pad
1 x 3” (75mm) Lambswool Fast Cut Polishing Pad
1 x 3” (75mm) Ergonomic Hand Sanding Pad
1 x 100ml Bottle of Lens Restoration Compound
1 x 200ml Restored Headlight Clear Coat Aerosol
x4
x4
x4
x4
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P500 3” (75mm) Sanding Discs - Coarse 1
P800 3” (75mm) Sanding Discs - Medium 1
P1200 3” (75mm) Sanding Discs - Fine 1
P1500 3” (75mm) Sanding Discs - Fine 2
P2000 3” (75mm) Sanding Discs - Ultra Fine 1
Additional items required (not included)
1 x Microfibre Cloth
1 x Pair of Latex Gloves (substitute if you have an allergy to latex)
• Newspaper or masking film/paper • Masking tape • Scissors • Towel or paper towels for drying light lens • Water bottle with trigger top for spraying water▲ (page 2) • Drill (preferably with a variable speed) Before using refer to drill manufacturers instruction booklet
All of the items supplied in this kit are available separately from www.e-tech.uk.com PLEASE NOTE: We recommend that you perform the headlight restoration process in a warm dry dust-free area. Ensure that there is plenty of light and that the vehicle is parked in a safe position. In the interest of personal safety we recommend that you wear protective eye wear, breathing mask (if sanding) and gloves while performing this task.
PREPARATION 1. For best results perform the restoration work in a warm, dry, dust-free area. 2. Wash the light lens thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, polish and wax, then dry thoroughly. 3. Mask off the area and bodywork around the lens with masking tape, newspaper or masking film/paper to protect it whilst working on the lens.
WASH, DRY & MASK LENS
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This kit provides different restoration options to quickly restore the clarity to your headlight lenses depending upon the severity of the damage, discolouration, yellowing or oxidisation. Please proceed after selecting the most appropriate of the four options below. MILD CLOUDINESS & DISCOLOURATION OVER A SMALL AREA★
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You may only need to use the Restoration Compound which is a fine abrasive paste. Please see the detailed fitting instructions in the Hand Held Method 1 section for details of how to perform this task.
MODERATE CLOUDINESS & DISCOLOURATION OVER A SMALL AREAv▲
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We recommend using the hand held abrasive disc method. Please see the detailed fitting instructions in the Hand Held Method 2 section for details of how to perform this task. *Also see the sanding section below.
OXIDISATION, YELLOWING AND DISCOLOURATION OVER A LARGE AREA▲✪
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We recommend the mechanical method using an assortment of the attachments provided and a variable speed drill. Please see the Mechanical Method 3 for details of how to use a drill to restore clarity to your headlight lenses.
SCRATCHES & SCUFFS ON THE LENS SURFACE - ON BOTH FRONT & REAR LIGHTS▲✪
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To remove these type of defects we recommend following the instructions in the Mechanical Headlight Restoration Method 3 section (see page 3). Follow the sanding instructions (read all the information in the “Sanding” section below first). Start sanding first with the coarse or medium abrasive disc depending upon the depth of the scratch/scuff. Working your way through to the finer abrasive discs until the scratch/scuff is removed. Then read the “Polishing” section (see page 4) which will give you details of how to remove the sanding marks left behind by the abrasive discs. This will be achieved by using a drill and an assortment of components supplied with the kit along with the Headlight Restoration Compound.
SANDING SECTION
IMPORTANT: Please read all of the below suggestions and comments
You may find it unusual to use abrasive paper discs to help restore your lenses back to a clear state. However, what this is doing is removing a very fine layer of the surface that has become discoloured, cloudy and contaminated. ★ This very fine layer can be removed in some cases by only using the Headlight Restoration Compound but only if the discolouration has just formed and not penetrated too far into the surface. If the Compound does not remove the discolouration or yellowing you will have to use the abrasive discs and then polish the lens again, using the Compound to bring it back to a clear finish. The Compound will effectively remove any fine sanding marks left by the abrasive discs and bring clarity back to the lens. This can either be done by hand or mechanically using a drill. v By using the hand held method you can quickly start the job of restoring your headlights, however please be aware that it is generally more time consuming unless the discolouration or damage is minor. The mechanical method using a drill, while the initial set up may be a bit more time consuming, is generally quicker and easier if the discolouration and damage is more severe and over a larger area. The hand held pad is great for fine detail and working in tight spaces. Please note that each finer grade abrasive disc will reduce the sanding marks left behind by the previous coarser grade abrasive disc. When you have completed the sanding process the lens surface will look white and show fine sanding marks that have been left behind by the abrasive discs. Clarity will be restored after the polishing process using the Restoration Compound. After using each grade of sanding disc remember to always wipe the lens surface clean before continuing with the next grade of disc.
SANDING WITH ABRASIVE DISCS and COMPATIBILITY TEST ▲ We suggest in the instructions, and show images of, wet sanding, however, if you would rather dry sand this
can be done but make sure you pay particular attention to the depth you are sanding down to and that you are not using too coarse a grade of abrasive disc that could cut too quickly. If you are not sure about the depth that the damage has penetrated down to, you should not use the coarse grade of abrasive disc (P500), use a medium or fine grade disc. If you decide to use the wet sanding process ALWAYS keep the surface well lubricated with water. This will help keep the heat to a minimum and reduce friction.
✪ We strongly recommend that you perform a compatibility test on a very small inconspicuous part of the headlight
so that you can test which grade of abrasive disc will be the most suitable for your particular restoration process. We supply a range of abrasive discs, the coarsest one being P500 grade, the finest being P2000. We recommend you should only use the coarsest P500 abrasive disc for severely oxidised surfaces or severe surface damage as it will cut quickly.
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HAND HELD HEADLIGHT RESTORATION METHOD Both methods below can be used to remove mild and moderate cloudiness and discolouration over a small area.
METHOD 1 – For Mild Discolouration If the discolouration and cloudiness is only in a small area (please read sanding section on page 2★) apply a small amount of the Restoration Compound to the microfibre cloth and rub the affected area to see if you can remove the discolouration. If clarity is restored then just buff the area with a clean part of the microfibre cloth to bring clarity back to the headlight lens. Apply the compound with the microfibre If you cannot remove the discolouration and cloudiness from the lens by this method or it cloth and then buff off is very difficult and time consuming to do so then you will have to use Method 2 below.
METHOD 2 – For Moderate Discolouration A. Spray the lens with water to wet it (please read sanding section on page 2▲❖). Attach a P800
(Medium 1) grade sanding disc to the hand held sanding pad and start lightly sanding the affected area using small circular movements, working evenly over the whole lens surface. Ensure you sand to a depth just below the level of the discolouration/cloudiness and that you remove all of the contaminated surface layer from the lens so it is even and there are no ridges or tide marks. B. Once you are happy you have removed the discoloured surface, then change the sanding disc for the Hand sanding next finer grade abrasive disc. Ensure the surface of the lens is still wet. Repeat the same sanding method as this will reduce the sanding marks left behind by the previous grade abrasive discs. After using each grade of sanding disc remember to always wipe the lens surface clean before continuing with the next grade of disc. C. Continue this sanding process working your way through each finer grade of abrasive disc supplied. Each finer disc will reduce the sanding marks left behind by the previously used coarser abrasive disc. When sanding make 2 or 3 passes over the complete lens surface area with each different grade of disc, remembering not to apply too much pressure and ensuring that there are no ridges or tide marks left after you have completed each sanding stage. D. The final sanding stage will be using the P2000 (Ultra Fine 1) abrasive disc. After you have sanded with the P2000 the lens surface will look white and show fine sanding marks that have been left behind by the abrasive discs. Make sure there are no ridges or tide marks and has an even surface. Lens surface sanded E. NOW GO TO THE POLISHING SECTION (Page 4) ready for polishing
MECHANICAL HEADLIGHT RESTORATION METHOD Use a drill preferably with variable speed
METHOD 3 This can be used for all types of discolouration, surface damage, pitting, scratches, etc.
Sanding with drill
Lens surface sanded now ready for polishing
A. With the power disconnected mount the Velcro backed arbor sanding drill attachment to your drill and tighten
using the manufacturer’s instructions. (The drill speed for sanding should be set between 400-600 RPM). Attach the black foam interface pad to the arbor. B. For severe lens damage attach a P500 (Coarse 1) grade sanding disc to the sanding attachment (please read sanding section on page 2✪), or if the lens damage is less severe start by using a P800 (Medium 1) grade sanding disc. Spray the lens with water▲, then using light pressure start sanding the lens using a back and forth/left to right action working evenly over the surface. Replace the sanding disc if it becomes clogged or is no longer sanding efficiently. Ensure that you sand to a depth just below the level of contamination and that you remove all of the contaminated surface layer from all of the lens surface, so it is even and there are no ridges or tide marks. After using each grade of sanding disc remember to always wipe the lens surface clean before continuing with the next grade of disc. C. Once you are happy you have removed the contaminated surface, then change the sanding disc for the next finer grade abrasive disc. Ensure the surface of the lens is still wet. Repeat the same sanding method as this will reduce the sanding marks left behind by the previous grade abrasive discs. When sanding make 2 or 3 passes over the complete lens surface area with each different grade of disc, remembering not to apply too much pressure and ensuring that there are no ridges or tide marks left after you have completed each sanding stage. D. Continue the sanding process working your way through each finer grade of abrasive sanding disc supplied. Each finer abrasive disc will reduce the sanding marks left behind by the previous coarser abrasive sanding disc. E. The final sanding stage will be using the P2000 (Ultra Fine 1) abrasive disc. After you have sanded with the P2000 disc the lens surface will look white and show fine sanding marks that have been left behind by the abrasive discs. Make sure there are no ridges or tide marks and it has an even surface.
F. NOW
GO TO THE POLISHING SECTION
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POLISHING The next step is to remove the fine sanding marks left behind by the sanding process. This will be done by using the Headlight Lens Restoration Compound and the mechanical polishing method using a drill.
WARNING: DO NOT use excessive pressure or hold the drill in one place whilst polishing. This can generate too much heat and cause permanent damage to the headlight lens.
1. Polishing with the lambswool pad
2. Polishing with the orange foam pad
1. Wipe the lens clean. 2. With the power disconnected mount the Velcro backed arbor sanding drill attachment to your drill and tighten using the manufacturer’s instructions. The drill speed for polishing should be set between 1500–2000 RPM. 3. Attach the lambswool polishing pad to the Velcro backed arbour. Apply a small amount of the Restoration Compound to the centre of the lambswool pad. Smear the compound around the lens surface before turning on the drill as this will reduce splatter/spray. Using light to medium pressure start polishing the lens using a back and forth/left to right action, working over the whole lens surface until the sanding marks are gradually reduced and the clarity returns to the surface. Periodically check your progress until a uniform clarity returns and add more compound as required. 4. Then remove the lambswool pad and attach the orange polishing pad. Apply a small amount of the Restoration Compound to the centre of the orange pad. Smear the compound around the lens surface again before turning on the drill. As with the lambswool pad now polish the lens using a back and forth/left to right action working over the lens until a crystal clear clarity is restored. Buff the headlight with a clean microfibre cloth to remove any excess polish and maximise the lens clarity. Lens polished back to a clear finish 5. NOW GO TO THE SEALING THE SURFACE SECTION BELOW
SEALING THE SURFACE This unique clear coat lacquer is specially formulated to be the final stage for any plastic/ polycarbonate headlight lens restoration. It replaces the original discoloured cloudy top layer that will have been removed during the reconditioning/restoration process. PREPARATION After the final polishing stage above, ensure the headlight and surrounding area is still masked off. Open the sachet provided in the cap and wipe one side of the tissue over one of the lenses, and the other side of the tissue over the other lens. Wipe the tissue over the entire surface as this will remove any last traces of wax, polish and finger prints etc, which may impede the performance of the spray. For best results ensure the can is at room temperature before use (approx. 15ºC to 25ºC) and spray in a warm, dry and dust free area. Avoid spraying in cold, damp, humid conditions. Shake can vigorously for a minimum of 2 minutes before use. The lens is now ready to be sprayed. DIRECTIONS FOR USE Hold can 20-30cm (8”-12”) from surface and spray using a smooth side to side motion avoiding any runs. Apply coating in thin even layers with 3 to 4 minutes drying time between each layer (coat). Shake can between layers (coats). After spraying the final layer (coat) the surface will be tack-free after 1 hour and hardened within 4 hours. Do not drive the car within this period. Do not wash car for 24 hours.
STEP-BY-STEP PHOTO REFERENCE
1
BEFORE
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SANDED
PAGE 4
5
POLISHING
2
WASHING & MASKING
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POLISHED
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SANDING
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SEALED & FINISHED
AUTO INPARTS LTD, Unit L2, Cherrycourt Way, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 4UH Tel: 01525-382713 • Email: sales@autoinparts.com • Web: www.e-tech.uk.com
ISSUE 2: 10.2018