mhphoto
New member
- Jun 5, 2012
- 157
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As soon as I began restoring headlights I also began searching for a solution to the problem of future oxidation. I settled on Meguiar's Headlight Protectant, not realizing that it's not exactly the best long-term solution. That said, it's performed quite admirably on my ongoing longevity test.
The product comes in a 10 ounce bottle and is available most everywhere (including Autogeek, of course). Cost is very reasonable.
I'm not sure exactly how unique this product is compared to all the other plastic "protectants" and synthetic waxes on the market, but I can say I haven't been disappointed in its performance so far.
To use the product, shake well, apply to plastic surface, wipe off before drying, buff gently, enjoy the residual smell. Yes, it smells very pleasant—slightly chemical, sweet fruit. Quaffable, most certainly…
Not much product is needed, and it can be applied with almost anything you have on hand at the time.
The purpose of this product seems to be preventative rather than the purpose it's currently serving for me—as a protectant for raw polycarbonate exposed by stripping the lens of the degraded clear coat. I can see this product being an excellent hedge against oxidation for new car owners wanting to stave off the inevitable.
On to the test.
I restored three cars' lights to test this product with the intent to test the efficacy of the product using three different reapplication intervals:
- 1999 Honda Civic, reapplication once every week
- 2003 Honda Accord, reapplication once every month
- 2002 Hyundai Elantra, one application only, right after restoration
All three cars are parked outside 100% of the time. It's only been one month since first application on all cars, but remember that this is an ongoing test, not just a one-off review. So, at least at the one month mark, all lights are still crystal clear.
Civic:
Slight sanding marks I need to take off.
Accord (FYI, these picture were underexposed and required extensive editing, so the lenses do look a bit cloudy, but that's just a byproduct of getting a usable picture, not in the actual lens itself):
I'll have to get some shots of the Elantra, but the owner says they're still looking great. I'm now using OC2 to coat restored lights, but I still plan on using this product quite a bit for extra protection and hedging against future oxidation.
Also, public thanks to Ray6 for sharing his wealth of headlight knowledge with the forum. :thankyousign:
More updates in the coming months. :xyxthumbs:
The product comes in a 10 ounce bottle and is available most everywhere (including Autogeek, of course). Cost is very reasonable.
I'm not sure exactly how unique this product is compared to all the other plastic "protectants" and synthetic waxes on the market, but I can say I haven't been disappointed in its performance so far.
To use the product, shake well, apply to plastic surface, wipe off before drying, buff gently, enjoy the residual smell. Yes, it smells very pleasant—slightly chemical, sweet fruit. Quaffable, most certainly…
Not much product is needed, and it can be applied with almost anything you have on hand at the time.
The purpose of this product seems to be preventative rather than the purpose it's currently serving for me—as a protectant for raw polycarbonate exposed by stripping the lens of the degraded clear coat. I can see this product being an excellent hedge against oxidation for new car owners wanting to stave off the inevitable.
On to the test.
I restored three cars' lights to test this product with the intent to test the efficacy of the product using three different reapplication intervals:
- 1999 Honda Civic, reapplication once every week
- 2003 Honda Accord, reapplication once every month
- 2002 Hyundai Elantra, one application only, right after restoration
All three cars are parked outside 100% of the time. It's only been one month since first application on all cars, but remember that this is an ongoing test, not just a one-off review. So, at least at the one month mark, all lights are still crystal clear.
Civic:
Slight sanding marks I need to take off.
Accord (FYI, these picture were underexposed and required extensive editing, so the lenses do look a bit cloudy, but that's just a byproduct of getting a usable picture, not in the actual lens itself):
I'll have to get some shots of the Elantra, but the owner says they're still looking great. I'm now using OC2 to coat restored lights, but I still plan on using this product quite a bit for extra protection and hedging against future oxidation.
Also, public thanks to Ray6 for sharing his wealth of headlight knowledge with the forum. :thankyousign:
More updates in the coming months. :xyxthumbs:
)
