Clear coating on headlights peeling, what do i do!!

Z

Zapjackson

New member
Hey, im new to this forum. I have a big problem with my headlights. The inside is ok and perfect its just that the lense has some kind of clear coating over it and it is peeling off. I really need to get this done because in the sun you can really see where the coating is coming off. Is there a way to get the rest of the stuff off, you cant just physically peel the rest off. My headlights also have some pitting and one scratch. Just need some help.
 
Just throwing out ideas....





One would be to wet sand it down like crazy, going from aggressive to VERY VERY non aggressive paper. And then respraying the clear on them and hoping that the scratches dont really show through. Maybe you could even use an aggressive polish of sorts part way through. This would take a lot of time but wouldnt be as expensive.



Another idea would be to buy new ones / upgrade to a different light if they are made.
 
I would try buffing it with a DA or rotary (low speed setting) and rubbing compound before sanding. Always try less agressive methods first. A little buffing and polishing goes a long way on plastic headlight lenses.



Usually this clears up yellowing, cloudiness and light scratches for me. I seldom have to resort to sanding.



If you don't have a buffer, you may be able to get decent results by hand if you work at it. Use a foam applicator and some compound and just work it in using firm rapid strokes.
 
I think C-Man is right, this type of material is applied with an adhesive like 3M's and can be removed with Isopropyl alcohol.
 
Yep, this summer a project I'm going to attempt is to remove the old and apply a new pair of Xpel headlight shields. The first pair didn't come out to my liking: air bubbles are trapped in them :(
 
BillD-Fill a 16 oz spray bottle with distilled water and 3-4 ¼-inch sized drops of liquid detergent as a lubricant, plus it prevents the water from evaporating too quickly( very important in hot climates like FL etc). causing air bubbles.



[also works with other plastics like Mylar (window tint), auto mask, etc]
 
TOGWT said:
BillD-Fill a 16 oz spray bottle with distilled water and 3-4 ¼-inch sized drops of liquid detergent as a lubricant, plus it prevents the water from evaporating too quickly. causing air bubbles.
Click to expand...



Great advice!



When I install clear bra's, I use distilled water mixed with baby shampoo as a "slip solution" and when I have all the bubbles removed, I lift the edges (just by an inch or so) and spray with a 50/50 distilled water and IPA mix to speed the drying time.
 
Jon, great tip!



I was only using Xpel's recommendation of a water/isopropyl alcohol mixture at the time. I will definitely try the detergent:water mix. :xyxthumbs
 
Most likely its the hard coat coming off of the headlights. It is part of the lens and is applied during the manufacturing process. I believe it helps to prevent yellowing, chips, etc. My wife is a Program Manager of exterior lighting past projects include Cadillac Deville, Honda Civic 4-door, Bonneville, the 05 Dakota) at an automotive supplier. I could ask her for more info if anyone is interested?
 
LightngSVT said:
Most likely its the hard coat coming off of the headlights. It is part of the lens and is applied during the manufacturing process. I believe it helps to prevent yellowing, chips, etc. My wife is a Program Manager of exterior lighting past projects include Cadillac Deville, Honda Civic 4-door, Bonneville, the 05 Dakota) at an automotive supplier. I could ask her for more info if anyone is interested?
Click to expand...



I would appreciate any information she could obtain...Thanks
 
LightngSVT said:
My wife is a Program Manager of exterior lighting past projects include Cadillac Deville, Honda Civic 4-door, Bonneville, the 05 Dakota) at an automotive supplier. I could ask her for more info if anyone is interested?
Click to expand...



I too am very interested in any information. :xyxthumbs
 
Hmm..any plans for OE headlight material that is as stone resistant as those currently covered with films like Xpel? ( meaning no need for such a film for extra protection on upcoming new cars)
 
I talked to my wife and she says that some of the new hard coat processes are just as strong as the clear films that you can apply to the lamps. They also dont recomend those films because in some cases the focus of the bulbs can create a hot spot and "melt" the films.



From what she told me the hard coat is a silicone based coating that is applied to the outer surface of the lens, some lamps can have 2 different coatings applied. It is applied mainly to prevent UV damage (Yellowing), but also for abrasion resistanceand stregnth. Any lens that has the hard coat that has failed will yellow, polycarbonate+UV=yellowing. Some of the older hard coats are prone to failure after 5-7 years+ of exposure to the elements.



She said they test for many chemicals and gas and coolant have no effect, even acetone takes time to do damage, where it will eat through a non coated lens. She said that any little chip or crack in the coating can let chemicals in and cause failure. While she wasnt sure, she said certain chemicals like APC's, degreasers that are solvent based could possibly contribute to failure.



At this point the only thing you can do is to polish and protect frequently with a UV resistant protectant.
 
So basically i am screwed as far as the clear coating peeling off. Hmmm, that really sucks. Anyways, i guess i will just have to get new headlights.
 
blast from the past..



I am having the same issue with my 04 mustang headlights. Right now it is 3-4 small water spot sized flakes that have come up. What can 'i do to help stop further damage?



Sealant coat? wetsand the peeling spots?
 
I would try removing the peeling portion of the spots with a wool pad or 2500 grit then seal 'em up with the strongest you have.... just to get rid of the unsightly spots that are going to bug you! Keep your eye on them through the winter and strongly consider repeating the sand/buff process on the entire lens to remove any accumulated defects. I would place a stone guard over them at any point, end of problem.
 
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