swiftstu Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 (edited) Hey all, Had condensation start to build up so removed the headlight and opened it. Some of the silver reflector has flaked and looking to respray (as original) Could someone recommend a paint to use for this please? (I think it’s basically Halfords open atm... Also, what is best to reseal with please? Is black silicone best? There was a guide but the link is dead. Ta!! Edited May 4, 2020 by swiftstu (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiftstu Posted May 7, 2020 Author Share Posted May 7, 2020 Hi All, just about to take the plunge with this stuff: https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-and-body-repair/specialist-and-decorative-paints/halfords-enamel-spray-paint-chrome-300ml-155773.html Anyone just confirm if this is the right stuff? I can find loads of advice from the US, but nothing in the UK. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noz Posted May 7, 2020 Share Posted May 7, 2020 Sadly the chrome on the reflectors is damaged even when wiping or cleaning. Typically you should only ever clean the reflector with a brush to remove any broken glass (typical from bulbs blowing up) and a micro fibre, using your breathe on it, no water, no chemicals and very gentle cleaning. It's that delicate. Anything else just causes water marks or scratches. Never used the Halfords chrome aerosol. Personally, think you get what you pay for. I've been looking at this chrome paint to repair my wheels though. It isn't cheap however, I mean it's seriously expensive. But it looks the part. https://www.stardustcolors.co.uk/chrome-paint/1229-brush-on-chrome-chrome-paint-using-brush.html?search_query=chrome&results=50#/1000-packaging-100ml Use Butyl tape in the seal. `Black Silicone` is too general. There are two types of sealant. Naturally curing, and solvent curing. Solvent curing must not be used, not enough air flow and the sealant won't go hard. If you have not totally removed the original sealant from the headlight and are re-heating the unit and just wanting to replace some of the material, use Diall Clear sealant from B&Q. It can look like its peeling but it doesn't need air to cure. If you've removed the seal, get Butyl tape, its what the OEM uses (12mm if I remember correctly). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiftstu Posted May 7, 2020 Author Share Posted May 7, 2020 Use Butyl tape in the seal. `Black Silicone` is too general. There are two types of sealant. Naturally curing, and solvent curing. Solvent curing must not be used, not enough air flow and the sealant won't go hard. If you have not totally removed the original sealant from the headlight and are re-heating the unit and just wanting to replace some of the material, use Diall Clear sealant from B&Q. It can look like its peeling but it doesn't need air to cure. If you've removed the seal, get Butyl tape, its what the OEM uses (12mm if I remember correctly). Thanks for that - I really appreciate the info - I have google'd Butyl tape, and it has returned a lot of results of things like self amalgamating rubber tape - not specifying exact kind? Is that good to use? Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noz Posted May 7, 2020 Share Posted May 7, 2020 Something like this would be fine https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223476419578 However. If you have NOT totally removed the original seal. You will have issues shutting the light. If you have kept the old black original sealant. Just put Diall on both edges. If you use Butyl tape. Put on the headlight casing and warm in the oven. It will go together much better. At a low temp of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiftstu Posted May 7, 2020 Author Share Posted May 7, 2020 That’s great thanks- all the old seal is gone (virtually) so I’ll reseal with the tape. Thanks for your help!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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