Coating after polishing headlights

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glen e

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I’ve got polishing headlights down pat, with a combination of wet sand, rotary polishing and compound, I can get virtually any plastic headlight cover returned to virtually optically clear. But what I don’t have an answer for, is what to do then. Because several that I have done, after a period of time down here in the high UV, they start to glaze over again. So what can I use as a coating that will protect the plastic like the original? I have had no real luck with Si02 coatings like Cquartz UK, I think it’s going to have to be something more durable, like a clearcoat?
 
I think clear coat or PPF over them is the only way to keep them looking clear for a long time.
 
Agree. I don't think there is any aftermarket product that will hold up like whatever an OEM applies to the lenses when they are manufactured.

I've simply settled on having to coat lenses periodically once I take a polisher to them for the first time.
 
P&S just came out with a new headlight coating. Their testing has showed roughly 18 months and it is still holding up on that P&S person's lights. Other than a coating, your best options are 2k clear or PPF.
 
There is no ceramic coating that can be applied to headlamps that is more durable than the factory hard coating applied by the lighting manufacturer. These commercial grade hard coatings are required to meet stringent standards for weathering, chemical resistance and sun exposure. They are applied in clean rooms and cured with UV lighting.

There are some popular clear coat paints specifically designed for headlamp restoration however there are no studies done to confirm durability, only manufacturer claims.

So the reality is this: if you restore headlamps you can top it with whatever you like but just know that the UV deterioration will occur again - its just a matter of time.
 
Bobby B. said:
2K Clear, PPF or Ceramic Coating would be your best options available.

Dr. Beasley's Headlight Coating Kit
IGL Ecocoat Headlight Kit 30 ml.
Optimum Opti-Lens Permanent Headlight Coating, headlight coatings protectants
Meguiars Keep Clear Headlight Coating
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When I bought my car I immediately had PPF added to the headlights because a friend recommended it but I never bothered to ask why it's a good idea and how long the PPF will help with preventing oxidation from building on my headlights.

Can someone explain how PPF helps prevent headlights from oxidizing and how long PPF will last before needing to be reapplied. My goal is to keep my headlights from ever yellowing.

Thank you
 
Urmil said:
When I bought my car I immediately had PPF added to the headlights because a friend recommended it but I never bothered to ask why it's a good idea and how long the PPF will help with preventing oxidation from building on my headlights.

Can someone explain how PPF helps prevent headlights from oxidizing and how long PPF will last before needing to be reapplied. My goal is to keep my headlights from ever yellowing.

Thank you
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The idea for PPF on headlamps is that it does TWO things:

1) Partially block/absorb UV light.
2) Prevent sandblasting of the headlamp (everyday driving wear and tear) which breaks down the hardcoat.

Both of these benefits extends the life of the original lamps hardcoat. You'll want to reapply new film probably every 12 months to ensure that it is fresh and optically clear but most importantly that it doesn't bond to the polycarbonate which would make it difficult to remove it in the future (like if you waited 2-3 years). It could potentially lift the original hardcoat off the surface in certain areas.
 
I used laminar PPF on the headlights of a brand new Honda accord about four years ago, when I sold it it still looked great, but the PPF had dimples from stones so I pulled it off, no problem, I used GooGone and it came off clean.
 
Since you are comfortably wet sanding …… I would try 2k clear coat


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This makes sense, thanks for the feedback. I just don't love the idea of changing it every 12 months, lol, it is seems like a worthy investment so I'll certainly consider it.
 
evo77 said:
The idea for PPF on headlamps is that it does TWO things:

1) Partially block/absorb UV light.
2) Prevent sandblasting of the headlamp (everyday driving wear and tear) which breaks down the hardcoat.

Both of these benefits extends the life of the original lamps hardcoat. You'll want to reapply new film probably every 12 months to ensure that it is fresh and optically clear but most importantly that it doesn't bond to the polycarbonate which would make it difficult to remove it in the future (like if you waited 2-3 years). It could potentially lift the original hardcoat off the surface in certain areas.
Click to expand...

This makes sense, thanks for the feedback. I just don't love the idea of changing it every 12 months, lol, it seems like a worthy investment so I'll certainly consider it.
 
Urmil said:
This makes sense, thanks for the feedback. I just don't love the idea of changing it every 12 months, lol, it seems like a worthy investment so I'll certainly consider it.
Click to expand...

Think of it as a regular maintenance part like bulbs, brakes, wiper blades and tires. It's better than having to spend $500-$2000 for a pair of new headlamps (depending on vehicle).

Headlamps are safety devices though many people look at them as just cosmetic pieces. Those lenses need to be crystal clear as the day they came off the assembly line to be able to transmit *all* available light to the road for you to receive maximum lighting performance at night.

May I ask, how much did you pay to have PPF installed on your lamps?
 
evo77 said:
Think of it as a regular maintenance part like bulbs, brakes, wiper blades and tires. It's better than having to spend $500-$2000 for a pair of new headlamps (depending on vehicle).

Headlamps are safety devices though many people look at them as just cosmetic pieces. Those lenses need to be crystal clear as the day they came off the assembly line to be able to transmit *all* available light to the road for you to receive maximum lighting performance at night.

May I ask, how much did you pay to have PPF installed on your lamps?
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If I recall correctly, I believe I paid $140. I was looking online and I know they make pre-cut PPF for my cars headlights and it cost around $89 so I might consider trying to install the next set myself. If I wanted to go even cheaper, I can just buy a roll of PPF and cut it myself but I don't think I have enough experience to get the fitting right.
 
The Ppf is becoming more standard for me because a lot of the new designed lights are smaller and often recessed which makes it more difficult to polish
 
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