17
Lamp Restoration
Headlamps and taillamps (also referred to as headlights and tail lights) over time can become hazy, foggy, and cloudy. As well as being unsightly, hazing on lamps poses a danger while driving, due to reduced night vision from limited guiding light.
When the lamp plastic is exposed to the sun, the sun’s light begins to break down the plastic surface causing the lamp to become increasingly cloudy over time. Older vehicles, and vehicles that are constantly exposed to the sun, are most likely to have hazy lamps.
To effectively remove the haze from the vehicle’s lamps, use a two-stage compound and polish with SUMMIT SUPER COMPOUND and SUMMIT SUPER POLISH. Both SUMMIT SUPER COMPOUND and SUMMIT SUPER POLISH use diminishing abrasives technology (DAT) that break down in physical structure as they are applied and effectively remove imperfections. Follow with a protective sealant coating (ceramic coating) to extend the surface life of the lamps.
The time to restore and protect lamps is dependent on the surface area of the lamps, intensity and amount of haziness, and the curing time of the protective sealant (if applicable). Once lamp restoration is complete, the lamps will be smooth, clear, and free of hazing. Additionally, the protective sealant will act as a guard to eliminate further hazing and damage.
Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, a mask, and impervious gloves. You will require a rotary polisher, dual-action (random orbital) polisher, masking/taping materials, and a protective sealant for this task. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
Headlamps
Taillamps
PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED
Detailing task 17: Lamp Restoration
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Directions
STAGE 1 - COMPOUND
To remove intense hazing.STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION
Complete an exterior wash using a vehicle wash soap, and dry the vehicle. Ensure the vehicle’s headlamps and taillamps are clean and dry; free from dust, debris, and grime. Protect surrounding surfaces around the lamps by using tape.STEP 2: SPREAD THE COMPOUND
Use either a foam or wool pad designed for cutting and compounding and a rotary polisher. Choose a pad based on haze intensity; using heavier cut pads for more intense applications. Shake SUMMIT SUPER COMPOUND before use. Place a quarter-sized (approx. 2.5 centimetres or 1-inch diameter) dab of SUMMIT SUPER COMPOUND onto the pad. Spread the compound evenly across the lamp surface. Depending on the surface area of the lamp, more or less compound may be required.STEP 3: APPLY THE COMPOUND
Start the rotary polisher and slowly increase the speed to avoid overspray. Apply the compound using steady pressure at speeds between 800 to 3,000 RPM (typically requires between 1,000 to 2,000 RPM). Constantly move the polisher; working the polisher in one spot can generate excess heat, causing damage. Ensure to apply enough pressure to the polisher so it does not skip across the surface. Avoid contact with painted surfaces. Stop working the compound with the rotary polisher once the lens is clear.STEP 4: REMOVE RESIDUE AND REVIEW YOUR WORK
Remove the compound residue with a clean microfiber towel. If the compound is dried on and hard to remove, use PARADE to lubricate and assist with removal. Review work. Follow by using the stage 2 polish.STAGE 2 - POLISH
To follow-up hazing removal from applying the compound.STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION
Ensure the vehicle’s exterior painted surfaces are clean and dry; free from dust, debris, and grime. Remove intense hazing by completing stage 1, using SUMMIT SUPER COMPOUND.STEP 2: SPREAD THE POLISH
Use either a foam or microfiber polishing pad on a dual-action (random orbital) polisher. Shake SUMMIT SUPER POLISH before use. Place a quarter-sized (approx. 2.5 centimetres or 1-inch diameter) dab of SUMMIT SUPER POLISH onto the pad. Spread the polish evenly around the painted panel surface. Depending on the surface area of the lamp, more or less polish may be required.STEP 3: APPLY THE POLISH
Position the pad flat on the lamp and start the dual-action polisher. Apply the polish using steady pressure, holding it firmly to keep the polisher from wandering. Stop working the polish with the dual-action polisher once the lamp lens is clear and the polish turns semi-transparent.STEP 4: REMOVE RESIDUE AND REVIEW YOUR WORK
Remove the polish residue with a clean microfiber towel. Review work. After the lamps are restored, apply a protective sealant to extend the surface life of the treated lamps.Tips
- Always check the manufacturer's warranty on the vehicle’s lamps before completing lamp restoration. Some manufacturers’ warranty is void if compounding and polishing are completed on the lamps.
- Ensure new pads are de-fluffed and used pads are free from clumping, before using.
- Constantly move the polisher when using. This will avoid the lamp from heating up too much and causing it to burn. As well, constant movement is essential to achieve a uniform finish.
- To keep the cord from getting in the way and dragging on the painted surface of the vehicle, hang the cord over your shoulder.
- If the application pad becomes congested with compound or polish, use a brush to clean it out. Applies to foam, wool, and microfiber pads.
- If heavy compounding is completed on the lamps, wash the lamps before applying a sealant.
- Always follow the stage 1 compounding with the stage 2 polish to ensure optimal results.
- Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When the lamp plastic is exposed to the sun; the sun’s light begins to break down the plastic surface causing the lamp to become increasingly cloudy over time. Older vehicles, and vehicles that are constantly exposed to the sun, are most likely to have hazy lamps. As well as being unsightly, hazing on lamps poses a danger while driving, due to reduced night vision.
To effectively remove the haze from the vehicle’s lamps, use a two-stage compound and polish with SUMMIT SUPER COMPOUND and SUMMIT SUPER POLISH. Both SUMMIT SUPER COMPOUND and SUMMIT SUPER POLISH use diminishing abrasives technology (DAT) that break down in physical structure as they are applied and effectively remove imperfections. Follow with a protective sealant coating (ceramic coating) to extend the surface life of the lamps.
Once the vehicle lamps/lights are restored using a compound and polish, follow with a protective sealant coating to extend the surface life of the lamps and act as a guard against further hazing and damage.