Film buildup on headlights over time

M

Manix

New member
What causes the thin almost foggy slightly grimy like film to build up on plastic headlights over time? To my knowledge it has to be polished off.
This happens over a few years even despite regular weekly washing.


btw most typical cars that barley get a real wash yearly have a very noticeable film.


I polished up my headlights to a flawless finish & wondering if an LSP coat is really the way to go?
As another problem is headlight covers which sit just a few mm ontop of the headlights themselves. I think they act to trap moisture between the two which causes the film build up.

I don`t like the idea of an LSP on plastics, as the buffing off may scratch it.

thanks
 
Note that after you lose enough material via polishing/oxidation you also lose the UV resistance. At some point you have to do more than just polish `em clear again; you have to do something to provide UV resistance lest it just keep happening.
 
Just wanted to expound on my post.

I once did a control sample....one headlight had full film. One I left partially exposed.
The film itself probably got polished/finessed twice over the course of 2 years.
Film was LSP as well as car.
Car was sold around year 5- 6. Both headlights were clear. The control area (area that had no film) was oxidized.

As a general rule, for any car, I have headlights and lower body areas filmed.
Film IMO has it`s place....not a huge fan on upper paint, but for sure lowers and lights
YMMV
 
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