so is sanding or primering the housing necessary? or just straight up paint them?

 

what he asked,plus what brand silicon to use and does it leak into the headlight when u put it back together?

 

bump for some answers?

 

I do light sanding and paint. No primer. Do the first coat light so the paint doesnt lift.
I dont use silicone either. I just reheat the factory sealant and press it back together. Ive done 3 headlights so far, not leaks/moisture.

 

did mine, i tried reheating the factory when putting it together but one had a leak so i had to use a silicone sealant on it...i hope it works this time...taking off the whole front end becomes a hassle.

 

X2 except I used plastic primer

 

just did my head lights not to long ago. with some help. both sides were done in 3 hours.

 

My painted headlights, followed the DIY to take them apart from
smeister. Worked well but I left the lights in the oven for 13-14 minitues at 210F, that helped to soften up the glue very well.

I used rustoleum textured black spray paint for plastic. Got it from Home Depot, one can was plenty! Also sealed the perimiter of the headlights with clear silicone after I put it back together. Just to make sure of no leaks.
Next thing I'm gonna do is paint and apply my cormann style eyelids.

 

GREAT job there. Did you smoke the amber too?!

Yeah it depends on the oven so to be save start with 10 mins and leave it in longer if necessary.

 

no I took the amber off, was thinking about masking off the silver area but it was too much of a hassle so.....

 

Yeah I masked mine before spray painting and it was a hassle.

 

Did it to my Subie a while back, i was wondering if anyone had done it to the Fit instead of paying an a$$load for NHBP headlights. all it takes is some time and a little bit of balls, i also used a clear silicone, i put them back into the oven after i had them back together and pressed the together for a couple minutes just to make sure i had a good seal.