Sealant for headlights
Content
Sealant for headlights the car is used for assembly after the repair of the headlight unit. It acts as an adhesive and sealant, which provides protection against moisture, dust and corrosion of its metal parts.
Sealants for headlight glass are divided into four basic types - silicone, polyurethane, anaerobic and heat-resistant. each of them has its own characteristics, as well as the specifics of the application.
Among domestic motorists, a number of the most popular products for repairing and / or sealing headlight glasses have stood out, which can be bought at most car dealerships. The rating of the best sealants for machine headlights is presented to help you decide on the choice of a good product, and most importantly, apply it correctly.
| Sealant for headlamp bonding | a brief description of | Package volume, ml/mg | Price as of summer 2020, Russian rubles |
|---|---|---|---|
| I open WS-904R | The sealant tape is very easy to use, polymerizes well, has no smell and does not stain hands. Freezes quickly. It is a butyl sealant for headlights. | 4,5 meters | 700 |
| Orgavyl | Bituminous sealant tape in black. Possesses the big fortress and good polymerization. | 4,5 meters | 900 |
| Dow Corning 7091 | General purpose silicone sealant. Available in white, gray and black. Convenient packaging and a high degree of sealing headlights. Stretches well. | 310 | 1000 |
| Done Deal DD6870 | Universal transparent silicone type adhesive sealant that can be used on different materials. Glues and seals the headlight well. | 82 | 450 |
| Permatex Flowable Silicone | Silicone sealant for headlights with operating temperature from -62ºС to +232ºС. Differs in good efficiency and convenience of drawing. Resistant to harmful external factors. | 42 | 280 |
| 3M PU 590 | Polyurethane sealant for glass bonding. Can be used with different materials. Resistant to aggressive environments. | 310; 600 | 750; 1000 |
| Emphimastic RV | One-component polyurethane adhesive sealant with high elasticity. It can be used for gluing windshields and glass headlights. Low temperature range. | 310 | 380 |
| KOITO Hot Melt professional (grey) | Professional heat-resistant sealant for headlight assembly and repair. Used by automakers such as Toyota, Lexus, Mitsubishi. Can be reused after heating. | bracket 500 grams | 1100 |
Which sealant to choose?
Sealants for machine headlights are selected based on the following requirements for them:
- Reliable fastening glass and plastic external elements of the headlight. Ensuring the level of tightness depends on the reliability of gluing. Although the correct process of using the product and “direct hands” are also important here.
- Anti-vibration. The headlights of a car are always subject to shaking when it is moving. Therefore, the sealant should not burst under appropriate mechanical stress.
- Resistance to high temperatures. This is especially true for headlights where halogen lamps are installed. Sealant for machine headlights must also be high-temperature.
- Packing volume. A standard pack of sealant is enough to repair one or two or three headlights.
- Ease of removal from the surface. Often, when working from under the seam or just on the surface (or on the hands), particles of sealant remain. It is convenient if it can be removed without any problems, and at the same time it is of sufficient quality.
- Transparency after application. This requirement is relevant if not the perimeter of the headlight / glass is sealed, but a crack in the glass or another defect is being repaired. Otherwise, the cured sealant will leave a small but spot on the glass, which will reduce the efficiency of the headlight glow.
- Value for money. It is best to choose a product from the middle or higher price category, since cheap formulations often do not cope with the task assigned to them.
Types of sealants for machine headlights and their use
Sealants for car headlights are divided into 4 main groups - silicone, polyurethane, anaerobic and heat-resistant. Let's consider them in order.
Silicone sealants
Most silicone sealants in their uncured form are semi-fluid with good flow properties. They are made on the basis of natural or artificial rubbers. After polymerization (hardening), they turn into a kind of rubber, which reliably glues the treated surfaces, protects them from moisture and ultraviolet radiation.
However, their disadvantage is that most of them are destroyed under the influence of process fluidssuch as fuel, oil, alcohol. The last point is especially important in a situation where the car is equipped with headlight washer fluid for windshield washer. Often these liquids are made on an alcohol basis. However There are also oil resistant sealants., so you can search for them.
Silicone sealants for car headlights are one of the most popular because of their low cost and high performance. Silicone compounds do not flow, so they are usually used to seal glass or headlights around the perimeter. All of them are able to withstand significant temperatures - conventional compositions up to about + 100 ° C, and heat-resistant ones - up to + 300 ° C and even higher.
Polyurethane sealants
This type of sealant is needed headlight repaireg when it is necessary to glue individual pieces of glass or crack a glass surface. This is due to the fact that polyurethane sealants have excellent adhesion (the ability to stick to the surface), as well as excellent bonding properties. In addition, the dried composition does not allow moisture to pass through. also several advantages of polyurethane compounds:
- Application of glue is possible in a wide temperature range. Similarly, the compositions have a wide range of operating temperatures, from about -60ºС to +80ºС, depending on the specific composition.
- The duration of the action of the composition, calculated in years.
- Resistant to non-aggressive process fluids such as fuels, oils, alcohol-based washer fluid, road chemicals.
- High fluidity in the unpolymerized state, which allows gluing parts of various, even complex, shapes.
- Excellent resistance to vibration while driving.
But polyurethane sealants have disadvantages. Among them:
- In the unpolymerized (liquid) state, their compositions are harmful to the human body. Therefore, you need to work with them, follow the safety rules. They are directly indicated in the instructions. This usually comes down to the use of goggles and gloves. Less often - a respirator.
- Do not use appropriate products with headlights that heat up significantly (for example, up to + 120 ° C and above). What is important if halogen lamps are used.
Anaerobic sealants
With anaerobic sealants connect parts between which there is practically no air gap. namely, as a cushioning layer, sealant for seams, sealed joints, and so on. Fully cured layer very high strength and heat resistance. namely, it can withstand temperatures up to +150°C…+200°C.
For the most part, in an unpolymerized state, these products are in liquid form, so their use when repairing complex-shaped headlights can be somewhat inconvenient. When working, no additional tools or protective equipment are needed. The composition in polymerized form is safe for the human body, the main thing is to prevent the composition from getting into the eyes and mouth.
Heat-resistant sealants
These compositions can retain their properties at significant temperatures, up to +300°С…+400°С. That is, such a high-temperature sealant must be used in headlights where halogen lamps are installed. At the same time, they are quite strong and durable, resistant to mechanical stress and vibration. Usually they are realized in a solid and pasty state, that is, in a two-component state. The only downside to heat resistant sealants is the fact that they take a long time to cure. This time can be 8…12 hours.
Which headlight sealant is best
in order to choose a good sealant and use it correctly, a rating of the best sealants for machine headlights was compiled, compiled exclusively on reviews and tests of motorists found on the Internet. Any of them is recommended for purchase, but before that, carefully read the instructions, namely, the conditions under which a particular tool can be used - temperature, exposure to process fluids, and whether it is suitable for you for a specific task (gluing glass or planting a headlight).
APRIL
Abro WS904R butyl sealant is one of the best options for bonding plastic or glass headlights, as well as sealing their bodies to the car body. It is a twisted tape 4,5 meters long.
Sealant for machine headlights "Abro" has a number of advantages, including the complete absence of smell, fast solidification (about 15 minutes), the product does not stick to hands, convenience and speed of use. Abro 904 headlight sealant has excellent adhesive properties, does not stain hands and adjacent surfaces.
in order to glue the glass, you need to cut off a piece of the required length from the tape in the package and put it in the gap between the materials to be glued, and then press it with your fingers. When using the air temperature should not be less than +20°C. If necessary, the tape can be heated with a hair dryer or other heating device.
The only drawback of the sealant is the high price. So, as of the summer of 2020, one package costs about 700 Russian rubles.
Orgavyl
Orgavyl butyl sealant tape is a complete analogue of Abro sealant. It has excellent adhesion (sticks to the material), seals well against moisture and external air, it has no volatile components, it is harmless to the human body, elastic, durable, UV resistant.
The operating temperature range of Orgavyl butyl sealant is from -55°С to +100°С. It is convenient and fast to work with him. Of the shortcomings, it can only be noted that it is only available in black, so in some cases it may not be suitable for working with headlights.
Sealant "Orgavil" has a good reputation both among motorists and among builders involved in, namely, the installation of plastic windows. It must be installed at a positive ambient temperature. It is sold in packages with different lengths of the tape. The largest is 4,5 meters, and it costs about 900 rubles.
Dow Corning
Dow Corning 7091 is positioned by the manufacturer as a universal neutral sealant. It has excellent adhesion and can be used to bond and seal glass and plastic parts. As an adhesive, it is able to work with a seam 5 mm wide, and as a sealant - up to 25 mm. Can be used to insulate electrical equipment.
It has a wide operating temperature range - from -55°С to +180°С. The market is sold in three colors - white, gray and black.
Reviews of the Dow Corning sealant indicate that it is quite simple to work with it, and the efficiency is quite enough to glue cracks and seal machine headlights. The most common and convenient packaging is a 310 ml cartridge. The price is about 1000 rubles.
Donate Deal
Many different sealants are produced under the Done Deal brand, of which at least two can be used to seal and repair glass and plastic headlights.
Sealant autoglue Done Deal DD 6870. It is a versatile, viscous, transparent adhesive sealant that can be used on a wide variety of materials in machinery. For example, for glass, plastic, rubber, leather, fabric.
Temperature operating range is from -45°С to +105°С. Setting time - about 15 minutes, hardening time - 1 hour, full polymerization time - 24 hours.
It is sold in a standard tube of 82 grams at an average price of 450 rubles.
Done Deal DD6703 is a transparent waterproof silicone adhesive with a wide range of uses. This sealant is sold in green packaging. Resistant to process fluids, aggressive media and resistant to strong vibrations or shock loads.
It features a wide operating temperature range - from -70°С to +260°С. Can be used for bonding the following materials: glass, plastic, metal, rubber, wood, ceramics in any relation.
Sold in a tube of 43,5 grams, the price of which is 200 rubles, which is very convenient for one-time use.
Permatex Flowable Silicone
Permatex Flowable Silicone 81730 is a transparent, penetrating silicone headlight sealant. It is a cold curing sealant that does not contain solvents. In its original state, it is fluid, so it easily flows even into small cracks. After hardening, it turns into a dense waterproof layer, which is also resistant to external factors, ultraviolet radiation, road chemicals and other harmful factors.
The working temperature of Permatex headlight sealant is from -62ºС to +232ºС. It can be used for installation and repair work with the following elements: headlights, windshields, sunroofs, windows, car interior lighting fixtures, portholes, hinged covers and windows.
According to reviews, the sealant is quite good, given its ease of use, as well as durability and efficiency. The product is sold in a standard tube of 42 mg. Its price for the above period is about 280 rubles.
3M PU 590
Polyurethane sealant 3M PU 590 is positioned as an adhesive for glass bonding. The maximum allowable operating temperature is +100°C. However, the adhesive-sealant is universal, so it can be used to work with a wide variety of materials - plastic, rubber, metal. Resistant to non-aggressive process fluids and UV. Can be used in construction. Sealant color is black.
It is sold in cylinders of two volumes - 310 ml and 600 ml. Their prices are respectively 750 rubles and 1000 rubles. Therefore, a special gun is needed for application.
Emfimastic PB
"Emphimastics RV" 124150 is a one-component polyurethane adhesive-sealant of high elasticity. Vulcanizes when exposed to moisture. It can be used for gluing and repairing windshields and headlights of motor and water transport.
Differs in very high strength characteristics. It is applied to a previously cleaned surface with a manual or pneumatic gun. Operating temperature — from -40°С to +80°С. Application temperature — from +5°С to +40°С.
The most common packaging is a 310 ml cartridge. Its price is about 380 rubles.
KOITO
KOITO Hot Melt professional (gray) is a professional headlight sealant. Has a gray color. Thermal machine sealant is used to repair or reinstall headlights, install lenses, seal machine windows.
Koito headlight sealant is a substance similar to a mixture of rubber and plasticine. At room temperature, it can be easily cut with a knife. During heating with a hair dryer or other heating element, it turns into a liquid and easily flows into the desired cracks, where it polymerizes. When reheated, it again turns into a liquid, which makes it easy to disassemble the headlight or other object.
Sealant "Koito" can be used with glass, metal, plastic. This tool is used by such well-known automakers as Toyota, Lexus, Mitsubishi.
Sold in briquettes weighing 500 grams. The price of one briquette is about 1100 rubles.
How to remove car headlight sealant
Many motorists who have repaired headlights on their own are interested in the question of how and with what it is possible to remove the remnants of dried sealant. It’s worth mentioning right away that in a liquid or pasty (that is, initial) state, the sealant can usually be removed without problems simply with a rag, napkin, microfiber. Therefore, as soon as you notice that an unwanted drop has appeared on the surface of the paintwork, bumper, or somewhere else, then you need to remove it with the help of these tools as soon as possible!
If it was not possible to immediately remove it or you simply disassemble the headlight after the previous gluing, then the sealant can be removed using other means. namely:
- Body degreasers. There are a huge number of them, including among them there are so-called anti-silicones, specially designed for their respective purposes.
- White spirit, nefras, solvent. These are quite aggressive chemical liquids, so they must be used carefully, without leaving funds on the paintwork for a long time, as they can damage it. The same goes for plastic parts. It is possible, however undesirable, to use also "Solvent 646" or pure acetone. These compounds are also more aggressive, so they should only be used as a last resort.
- Alcohols. It can be methyl, ethyl, formic alcohol. These compounds themselves are degreasers, so they can remove sealant that has not eaten into the body. Although they are more suitable for silicone sealants.
In the most extreme case, you can try to mechanically remove the sealant stain with a clerical knife. It is advisable to heat the cured sealant with a hair dryer before this. So it will soften, and it will be more convenient to work with it. The main thing is not to overdo it and not overheat the body paintwork, but only if you remove the old sealant from the headlight.
Hack and predictor Aviator
The choice of sealant for machine headlights depends on the tasks that the car owner faces. The most common of them are silicone and polyurethane. However, if a halogen lamp is installed in the headlight, then it is better to use heat-resistant sealants. As for specific brands, the samples listed above are widely represented in car dealerships, and you can find a lot of positive reviews about them on the Internet.
For the summer of 2020 (compared to 2019), Orgavyl, Dow Corning and 3M PU 590 sealants have risen in price most of all - an average of 200 rubles. Abro, Done Deal, Permatex and Emfimastic have changed in price by an average of 50-100 rubles, but KOITO has become cheaper by 400 rubles.
The most popular and best in 2020, according to buyers, remains Abro. According to reviews, it is easy to glue, does not sag in the sun, and is quite durable.
