Headlight Protectant?

[kylemstn]

After wet sanding and polishing out some headlights do you guys think it`s necessary to add some sort of protection or will the plastic hold up like it did from factory? If a protectant is recommended or will help what do you guys suggest?

Thank you!

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/10/ff6250a37ad6b9af61ed3ea14a2b1236.jpg

P.S. The top picture is not actually the original but a mechanic at my shop had tried restoring the headlights, was disappointed with his work so gave it a go.. One of my first times and his was one of many.. Lol

[ShaneB]

Yes apply some type of sealant or preferably a coating to protect it. The original UV protection from the factory is now gone and the headlights will oxidize again very quickly if left unprotected

Really any sealant or coating should work. I recommend a coating because of the long term durability. You`ll need to reapply a sealant every couple months to keep it protected while one application of a coating can last years. I personally use some leftover detailers paint coating that I have and have had great results with it

[RaysWay]

Great job! What was your entire process? I would protect those headlights with a coating.

[The Guz]

I would definitely protect them.

[Setec Astronomy]

I`ve got over a year on my Opti-Lens installations and it seems to be holding up fairly well.

Optimum Opti-Lens Permanent Headlight Coating (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/optimum-headlight-coating.html#.VImE46Yo69I)

[kylemstn]

Thanks guys! Was curious for my personal applications, the car in the picture was a dealer car at my shop and they are way to cheap to buy any coatings and have it done right, just going to throw some polymer wax they have on it.

As for the process:
-Wet sanded with 800 grit, 1000 grit in opposite direction, and then 2000 grit.
-Buffed with a rotary using a CarBrite polish (Says it removes 2000 grit sanding marks.)
-Lastly buffed with a finishing glaze (CarBrite as well) and a white foam pad.

[JSFM35X]

I have used a variety of left over coatings. Never had a failure to date. I have used, Cquartz, Opticoat and Opti-Lense.

[Angus]

Fantastic results! And as others have said, the factory UV coating is gone - to prevent the headlights from rehazing you must reseal them. Lost of good suggestions, coatings are the way to go for best/ longest protection

[ShaneB]

A $50 bottle of detailers paint coating or even the wheel or glass one will be enough to to hundreds of sets of headlights.

I did an entire ford escape with my one bottle, as well as numerous sets of headlights and still have 1/3 of a bottle left. Not very expensive at all if you consider how long it will last

[Beemerboy]

I`d put a sealant on them, and repeat every month or so...It`s what I do with mine..I use a chemical polish every few months and seal..lens today require regular maintenance

[Dr_Pain]

I would agree with the coating option. Sealants are cheap, readily available but we tend to be a little lax in application and "out of sight out of mind"

[tropicsteve]

at a minimum try Meguiars Headlight Protectant 10 oz. (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/meguiars-headlight-protectant.html#.VIpJU8ZuiUk). easy to use and reasonable cost. I like it.

[The Guz]

at a minimum try Meguiars Headlight Protectant 10 oz. (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/meguiars-headlight-protectant.html#.VIpJU8ZuiUk). easy to use and reasonable cost. I like it.

This is also a nice product. I still use it. You can pick this up locally as well. It is recommended to be applied every 6-8 weeks or when you notice the beading and sheeting dissipate.