Reflector restoration
- Thread starter kl47
- Start date
Bimmerboy
Flashlight Enthusiast
There have been many cost effective hacks used over the years that can be searched here. Though the non-professional finish may not give as much output as the original, various techniques can work.
Depending on the light, my favorite method is to find a donor reflector with similar dimensions from another light, usually cheap or free. Some careful modification may be needed to make it fit.
For example, I resurrected a mid 70's flashlight with a reflector from a late 80's, wall hanging rechargeable Black and Decker light. After figuring out how to protect the surface, I rounded off the square corners and it fit perfectly. Got lucky with that one... lol.
Depending on the light, my favorite method is to find a donor reflector with similar dimensions from another light, usually cheap or free. Some careful modification may be needed to make it fit.
For example, I resurrected a mid 70's flashlight with a reflector from a late 80's, wall hanging rechargeable Black and Decker light. After figuring out how to protect the surface, I rounded off the square corners and it fit perfectly. Got lucky with that one... lol.
Each company does different way to aluminize the reflector.
Carley lamp does it very nicely but cleaning without damage is almost impossible.
Local shop does it OK but you can wash the reflector with runing water with no problem.
Carley lamp does it very nicely but cleaning without damage is almost impossible.
Local shop does it OK but you can wash the reflector with runing water with no problem.
IMA SOL MAN
Flashlight Enthusiast
If you use water, I would suggest using distilled water so you don't leave any water spots.
Erick Tamberg
Newly Enlightened
I tried a paint sold in auto parts store specified to restore auto lights. I don´t get good results. The paint does not dry adequately, becomes gummy and matte.
Metallic reflectos can be nickel plated by eletrolysis, then polished.
Metallic reflectos can be nickel plated by eletrolysis, then polished.
I mean honestly, try to track down a replacement that's in excellent shape.
That really is your best bet with reflectors.
That really is your best bet with reflectors.
For metal reflectors, look into how to do brush plating. This kit is one that should do the job.
For plastic reflectors the lowest cost way is use Spaz Stix Ultimate Mirror Chrome spray paint. It will make a mirror reflective finish on front surface, and on the back surface of transparent materials like lexan, glass, polystyrene, hard urethane resins, and anything else it will stick to.
But for either, to get a reflective finish the surface must be literally smooth as glass.
For plastic reflectors the lowest cost way is use Spaz Stix Ultimate Mirror Chrome spray paint. It will make a mirror reflective finish on front surface, and on the back surface of transparent materials like lexan, glass, polystyrene, hard urethane resins, and anything else it will stick to.
But for either, to get a reflective finish the surface must be literally smooth as glass.
alpg88
Flashaholic
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2005
- Messages
- 6,257
Nothing really as a DIY solution that will restore them to original specs. you can paint them, they will look shiny, but it will not be as reflective as oem vapor deposit technology. If it is AL. reflector you can try to polish it to mirror finish, then use ultra clear spray, otherwise it will oxidize and not stay that shiny for long, but it is still will not be as reflective as original coating.
TurkishCoffee
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2017
- Messages
- 37
I have electroplated several old metal reflectors in nickel. It's easy to do and if you like DIY stuff electroplating is a great tool to have. I've also done a bunch of jewelry and watch cases in gold. Here is a vintage reflector I restored. It was made of brass, I polished it as close as I could get to a mirror finish then plated it in bright nickel.
