Is it true that it's not a good idea to polish headlights?

G

G37xS

New member
I've seen on a couple of forums that it's not recommended to polish headlights on newer cars because there is this "UV coating" applied to them from the manufacturer that keeps them from turning foggy, hazing, and oxidizing. And that if you polish them it will remove that coating and may lead to future oxidation.



I'm just asking this since I was wanting to remove some swirls and scratches on my 09 G37 headlights.
 
G37xS said:
I've seen on a couple of forums that it's not recommended to polish headlights on newer cars because there is this "UV coating" applied to them from the manufacturer that keeps them from turning foggy, hazing, and oxidizing. And that if you polish them it will remove that coating and may lead to future oxidation.



I'm just asking this since I was wanting to remove some swirls and scratches on my 09 G37 headlights.
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Aggressive sanding and/or polishing can definitely remove the UV coating. Running over it with a mild polish should be fine though. If the coating on the headlights are already compromised then it really doesn't matter....which is often the case when people want to polish them. Do a search as there are several ways to add new protection if you do remove the coating for whatever reason.
 
There are quite a few "Headlight Protection" sprays out there, if you want a little more piece of mind over just using wax. I personally just clay and spray either Rain-X or hit the headlights with a synthetic wax (depending on whatever product I'm using at the time) once every few months (ie: when you'd be reapplying wax on a car anyway) and have never had any headlight hazing/yellowing on my personal vehicles.
 
If I remember right, rain-x label states not to use it on plastics. I like using opti-seal or sealants over headlights.
 
A light polish to remove scratches is fine. Better than ugly swirls! I also use a sealant to protect the finish.
 
Once they're all polished up and if UV degradation remains a concern, you might want to install a pair of 3m clear bra headlight film covers ( Xpel is an example of several brand names) on them. It's added protection, can take polishing instead of the lights themselves, can guard against stone impacts, and can be removed if need be.
 
The way Nissan/Infiniti headlights fade, I doubt there is any UV protection on the plastic anyway. I just polish and seal mine whenever I detail my car.
 
There are quite a few "Headlight Protection" sprays out there, if you want a little more piece of mind over just using wax.

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factory headlight come with a uv coating (think of it as clear coat for your headlights). once the coating is compromised is when you start to see the yellowing effects. the yellowing or clouding can be removed by polish it away. there are several ways to remove it. in the process of removing the clouding you also remove the remaining coating, once its gone its gone. wax and sealants if applied regularly will prevent the yellowing or a new uv coating (usually uv cured) can be applied. uv coatings such as ILLUMINATOR will last years if applied properly.
 
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