Tech Tip: Battling Humidity During Headlight Restoration

Summer has finally arrived! Let’s kick summer off with a few helpful warm weather headlight restoration tips. First up, battling humidity during headlight restoration.

Humid weather presents a number of challenges for professional headlight restoration technicians; one of the more frustrating challenges is when a water-based coating turns “milky” white as it cures. If this has happened to you, it is likely because the coating has been contaminated with moisture. Even a little water mixed with Infinity can create problems. So, it is important to take proper precautions. Ensure there is no moisture on or around the lens during the application of the coating.

Here are a few things you can do to minimize the chance of moisture contamination.

1. Start by protecting the surface of the headlight lens from excess moisture (summer rain, kids with hoses, sprinklers, etc.), and be sure to take extra care around the edges when towel drying before applying the coating. Restore headlights indoors whenever possible to shield from outdoor elements.
2. Even if you thoroughly dry the lens, condensation occurs when the air temperature is warmer than the surface temperature, so it is important to warm the lens before applying the coating. A heat lamp or even turning on the headlights will help keep the lens warm, but the combination of heat and airflow is the best option. Using a portable heater or hair dryer to direct warm air over the surface of the lens is a very effective way to prep a headlight for coating. Not only does the heat keep the lens free from moisture, the airflow drastically improves coating dry time. Warming the headlights will help keep moisture at bay and also help the coating self-level for a smooth, streak free finish.
3. Methanol or isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) may also be used for the final cleaning of a headlight before applying the coating. The alcohol mixes with the water and causes it to evaporate faster, especially when used with a portable heater. If you use alcohol, be sure that it has evaporated completely before applying the coating.

These tips are not only useful for warm weather headlight restorations but also for cold weather restorations. Take these simple precautions, and you’ll have a summer filled with successful headlight restorations and happy customers!

For more information on Delta Kits Headlight Restoration products, give us a call at 541-345-8554 or email us at info@deltakits.com.