oncat.
Brian’s S-Type 2005 · 3.0 SE/XS · Jaguar Racing Green

Headlight Restoration - Round 1 - Lens Revival

Told by Brian B. 12 September 2026 Restoration 15 photos

Photos · 15

Needs a good clean first
Spray Max 684064 2K Rapid Clear Varnish 250 ml / 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System
Contents of 3M Lens Restoration Kit
A very labour intensive process (after 500 Grit Disc)

Notes on 2K Clear Coat

Spray Max 684064 2K Rapid Clear is UV‑resistant. “very high resistance to weather”, which in automotive coatings refers to UV stability, gloss retention, and protection against yellowing.

What “UV resistant” means for this product

SprayMax 684064 is a 2K urethane clear coat, and all 2K automotive clears contain UV absorbers and stabilisers. In practice, this means:

  • Protects polycarbonate headlights from UV oxidation

  • Maintains gloss for several years (typically 3–5 years for aerosol 2K)

  • Resists yellowing and hazing

  • Weather‑resistant — sunlight, rain, temperature cycles

The product descriptions repeatedly highlight “very high resistance to weather”, which is the standard industry wording for UV durability

Practical guidance for headlight use

If you’re planning to use this on headlights:

  • Expect 3–5 years of UV protection from aerosol 2K clears.

  • For 7–10 years longevity, an HVLP‑applied 2K HS clear is superior.

  • Apply 2 medium‑wet coats, 10–15 minutes flash time.

  • Ensure the lens is fully degreased and dust‑free — polycarbonate shows defects easily.

Notes on 3M Lens Restoration Kit

Based on experience use the sanding discs with low dilution of wet soapy water to avoid overheating and disc clogging.

If lenses are lightly discoloured then it's okay to start with the 800 grit disc, then the 3000 disc then rubbing compound with sponge applicator. Compounding makes a mess as the rotating disc distributes the pastes over areas close by.

In its story Entry 18 of 20
2013 This entry, September 2026 Now

More about this Jaguar

You’re offline. Oncat will carry on when you’ve a signal.