Painting My Head Lights - Focaljet

**FloorPuncher** · 11-03-2008, 01:28 PM

So as I mentioned in another post, I am planning on painting my headlight housing this weekend. I've read conflicting "how-tos" on baking the light to separate the lens from the housing. Has anyone on here done this withthe stock lights? Any help would be appreciated.

**BenP** · 11-03-2008, 02:07 PM

Get a big flat baking pan and a towel. Get the towel damp (but not so wet that it drips), put it on the pan, and put the headlights on the towel (one at a time). Make sure the light doesn't come in contact with anything but the towel (otherwise you could melt the plastic).

200 degrees, 10 minutes or so, then pry the thing apart where it's sealed with the black plastic stripping. Stick 'er back in the oven for longer if it isn't soft enough. It's not as scary as it sounds.

**FloorPuncher** · 11-03-2008, 02:20 PM

Thanks! I'll give it a go this weekend and post pictures when I'm done with it all. One more question... to reseal the lights do I need to use silicone sealant or is there something else? How long and what kind of pressure should I wait/use until its all dried?

**zetec-j** · 11-03-2008, 02:29 PM

200 degrees shouldn't melt the plastic at all. ive done this a few times just sitting the headlight on the pan and set to 180-200 deg for 10-20 mins. i didn't even both taking out the bulbs, they get a lot hotter than 200 degrees when they operate.
to reseal i usually use clear rtv silicone cuz i have it lying around, or i have used black sealant from home depot that stays a little soft when it dries, might have been roofing stuff, cant recall exactly. it should sit for at least a few hours but wont be fully dry usually for 24 hours to 3 days depending on what sealant you use. i just resealed my headlight with clear silicone and let it sit for 24 hours and all was well.

**FloorPuncher** · 11-03-2008, 02:53 PM

Cool. Thanks! I'll post pictures when I'm done.

**bondobandit** · 11-04-2008, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FloorPuncher

to reseal the lights do I need to use silicone sealant or is there something else?

butyl rubber, Nissan oem headlight sealer. i haven't tried it yet, but i have read that's superior to silicone sealant. (comes in a roll)

**o2_designs** · 11-05-2008, 12:00 PM

I use black RTV sealant. I've done about 5 sets and it works perfect. Its basically the same stuff OEM uses.

11-03-2008, 01:28 PM	#1
FloorPuncher Rookie Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 18	Painting My Head Lights So as I mentioned in another post, I am planning on painting my headlight housing this weekend. I've read conflicting "how-tos" on baking the light to separate the lens from the housing. Has anyone on here done this withthe stock lights? Any help would be appreciated. __________________ I Never Boast of Bloodshed Unless I Have The Heads to Prove My Slaughter.

11-03-2008, 02:07 PM	#2
BenP I'd Love a Shiny New One Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Buxton, ME Posts: 1,007	Re: Painting My Head Lights Get a big flat baking pan and a towel. Get the towel damp (but not so wet that it drips), put it on the pan, and put the headlights on the towel (one at a time). Make sure the light doesn't come in contact with anything but the towel (otherwise you could melt the plastic). 200 degrees, 10 minutes or so, then pry the thing apart where it's sealed with the black plastic stripping. Stick 'er back in the oven for longer if it isn't soft enough. It's not as scary as it sounds. __________________ Ben P :: '03 Black PZEV 2.3L ZX3 :: Going back to stock! Farewell Leila; soon to come: WRX Wagon!

11-03-2008, 02:20 PM	#3
FloorPuncher Rookie Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 18	Re: Painting My Head Lights Thanks! I'll give it a go this weekend and post pictures when I'm done with it all. One more question... to reseal the lights do I need to use silicone sealant or is there something else? How long and what kind of pressure should I wait/use until its all dried? __________________ I Never Boast of Bloodshed Unless I Have The Heads to Prove My Slaughter.

11-03-2008, 02:29 PM	#4
zetec-j Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 58	Re: Painting My Head Lights 200 degrees shouldn't melt the plastic at all. ive done this a few times just sitting the headlight on the pan and set to 180-200 deg for 10-20 mins. i didn't even both taking out the bulbs, they get a lot hotter than 200 degrees when they operate. to reseal i usually use clear rtv silicone cuz i have it lying around, or i have used black sealant from home depot that stays a little soft when it dries, might have been roofing stuff, cant recall exactly. it should sit for at least a few hours but wont be fully dry usually for 24 hours to 3 days depending on what sealant you use. i just resealed my headlight with clear silicone and let it sit for 24 hours and all was well. __________________ 2002 focus svt. build# 3611/4788 purchased october 2008. fixed: sunroof alignment, hatch button, fuel gauge, headlight seal, wipers (relay)...

11-03-2008, 02:53 PM	#5
FloorPuncher Rookie Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 18	Re: Painting My Head Lights Cool. Thanks! I'll post pictures when I'm done. __________________ I Never Boast of Bloodshed Unless I Have The Heads to Prove My Slaughter.

11-05-2008, 12:00 PM	#7
o2_designs Resident Wheel-Whore Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Land of 10,000 Lakes Posts: 9,630	Re: Painting My Head Lights I use black RTV sealant. I've done about 5 sets and it works perfect. Its basically the same stuff OEM uses. __________________ *~~Boost Crew supports single mothers~~* *_/ ResidentWheel-Whore\_* 'Bone Stock'2002 TwilightBlue ZX3-Neglect has led to a nasty whine from under tha rusty hood. (CHROMED) STS Prep'd 2001 Pitch Black 5spd Wagon-(666-STFU) "...That way I don't have to clean my sheets..."-Pappy, 2008 *o2 has already won so he is no longer eligible.-Ataru*

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