How to Use a Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kit: A Step-by-Step Guide
Have you noticed your headlights appear dim, hazy, or yellowish over time? It’s a common problem, especially for those who live in areas with poor weather conditions or constant exposure to the sun. Restoring your headlights is essential to ensure better nighttime visibility and to maintain your vehicle’s appearance. That’s where a Cerakote headlight restoration kit comes in. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to use this kit to revive your faded headlights.
What is a Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kit?
Before we dive into the usage guide, let’s quickly introduce what a Cerakote headlight restoration kit is. A headlight restoration kit is a comprehensive solution that helps remove scratches, hazing, and yellowing from headlight lenses. These kits usually include a set of carefully selected products that work in synergy to restore the original transparency and clarity of your headlamps. Cerakote, a renowned brand, offers a high-quality kit specifically designed for this purpose.
Choosing the Right Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kit
When selecting a Cerakote headlight restoration kit, consider the following factors:
- Type of headlight: Identify whether your headlight is OEM (original equipment manufactured), aftermarket, or replaced with a different material. Choose a kit specifically designed for your type of headlight.
- Headlight condition: Assess the level of hazing, yellowing, or pitting. More severe conditions may require additional products or specialized attention.
Equipment Needed for Headlight Restoration
You’ll need the following:
- Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kit (containing):
- Lens cleaner and scratch remover
- Restoration compound
- Headlight restoration sealant
- Microfiber cloths and applicators
- Protective masking sheets
- Safety Equipment: Wear safety glasses and a dust mask to ensure protection from any debris and dust.
- Workspace and Ventilation: Cover your work surface with old newspapers or a drop cloth, and ensure good ventilation in the workspace.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Clean the Headlight Lenses
- Wash the headlight lenses using a mild soap and lukewarm water. Remove any debris, dirt, or bugs using a microfiber cloth.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away excess moisture and prevent water spots.
Contents
Applying the Lens Cleaner and Scratch Remover
- Using a clean, dry applicator, apply a thin layer of lens cleaner to a small area of the headlight lens. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure, as this might cause further scratching.
- Tips: Gently rub the cleaning solution into the lens, starting from the center and moving outward. Avoid rubbing in circular motions, which may cause scratching.
- Wipe away excess cleaner with a dry microfiber cloth, and evaluate the area for any scratches. If scratches remain, apply a second coat, followed by additional cleaning as before.
Cleaning and Restoration Compound Applications
- Apply a small amount of restoration compound to the scratched area, using an applicator or a lint-free cloth.
- Work the compound into the scratched area, using smooth, gentle strokes. Don’t apply too much pressure.
- Wipe away excess compound with a microfiber cloth, re-evaluating the scratched area.
Additional Treatment: Sealing the Restoration
- Apply the headlight restoration sealant to the newly restored surface. Use a clean microfiber cloth or applicator, spreading the sealant evenly across the lens surface.
Protection and Finishing Touches
- Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess sealant, ensuring an even surface finish.
- Protective masking sheets (provided) may be used to guard the surrounding paintwork when restoring headlamps prone to pitting or intense fading.
Post-Treatment Tips:
- Avoid applying wax, paint, or other aftermarket treatments to newly restored headlights. This can compromise their transparency and potentially damage the finish.
- Re-check the restored headlamp surface periodically, ensuring proper application and removal of product, and any signs of yellowing or hazing re-appearing.
Benefits of using Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kit
By choosing Cerakote’s expert headlight restoration kit:
• Enhanced Road Visibility: Brighter and clearer headlamps for safer driving and improved daytime driving
• Professional-Like Results: Kit yields consistent and high-quality restoration outcomes, without need for professional expertise
• Ease of Use: Includes straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions for effective headlamp restoration
• Kit Value: Contains all required materials and supplies for seamless, all-in-one application process
In conclusion, by following these steps with a Cerakote headlight restoration kit, you’ll be able to professionally restore your faded headlights at a fraction of the cost and effort of a DIY method. This comprehensive process yields long-lasting results that are free from yellowing or hazing, with optimal performance for road safety and aesthetic appeal.
Table: Headlight Restoration Comparison
| Method | Results | Effort | Cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Service | Excellent Quality, Consistency | Expert Labor, High-Level Maintenance | $200+ | Ongoing Costs, Re-treatment Requirements |
| Cerakote Restoration Kit | High Quality, All-In-One Ease | Easy DIY | $100-$300 | Permanent Results, Maintenance-Free |
Ultimately, using a Cerakote headlight restoration kit can provide superior results in the long run, outlasting the alternatives and retaining optimal visibility on the roads.
