Sealant for headlights on new car

[eyost]

Hi all,

Well, I seem to have everything for paint polish, sealant, and wax so now it's time to look at sealants for things like headlight covers.

What are ya'll using for sealants for headlight covers and brake light covers? Do I need to go with something specific for that or can I use something like Wolfgang deep gloss paint sealant or a trim sealant?

Thanks for any help.

Ed

[jjj]

On my cars I use coly 845, it goes on my windows too. Just my experience.

[Johny B]

Meguiar's sealant Meguiars Headlight Protectant, plastic protectant, plastic sealer (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-headlight-protectant.html)

[Chris's FX4]

You can use either Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant or Wolfgang Trim Sealant. You can use any wax, sealant, or coating really.

Generally whatever my LSP is, that is what I apply to my lights as well.

[eyost]

Thanks so much for the information. I forgot to ask regarding cleaning them prior to applying the sealant. Should I use a polish like the Pinnacle paint cleansing lotion?

Ed

[Chris's FX4]

I don't know about the Cleansing Lotion, but polishes like M205 and the polishes specifically for plastic work great also. I like DP Plex-All and Meguiar's Plast-X. You can use IPA also to strip any oils or existing products from the plastic.

[1oldsalt]

Don't put anything abrasive on the lights. The lights on new cars have a protective coating on them from the manufacturer to help keep them from aging. Anything abrasive will remove that coating. Over time they will get cloudy, they always do, but why rush it.
The best thing you can do at this point is a non abrasive sealer like Power Lock or Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant or one of the many others out there. Follow up with wax if you like.

[eyost]

I don't know about the Cleansing Lotion, but polishes like M205 and the polishes specifically for plastic work great also. I like DP Plex-All and Meguiar's Plast-X. You can use IPA also to strip any oils or existing products from the plastic.

Thanks, just hoping to maybe double up on what I already have which is why I mentioned the Pinnacle. Not to sound stupid, but what is IPA? Still a newbie.

Ed

[eyost]

Don't put anything abrasive on the lights. The lights on new cars have a protective coating on them from the manufacturer to help keep them from aging. Anything abrasive will remove that coating. Over time they will get cloudy, they always do, but why rush it.
The best thing you can do at this point is a non abrasive sealer like Power Lock or Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant or one of the many others out there. Follow up with wax if you like.

Gotcha. I guess I am so used to making sure that the surface is clean so the sealant can bond to it is why I am asking if I should use any type of cleaner.

[1oldsalt]

Not to sound stupid, but what is IPA? Still a newbie.

Ed

IPA is Isopropyl Alcohol. A mixture of it is used to remove any residue left over from polishing to leave you with a clean surface. You can read all about it here--

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/31183-how-mix-ipa-inspecting-correction-results.html

In your case you can clean the lights with IPA then apply sealant and/or wax.

[eyost]

IPA is Isopropyl Alcohol. A mixture of it is used to remove any residue left over from polishing to leave you with a clean surface. You can read all about it here--

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/31183-how-mix-ipa-inspecting-correction-results.html

In your case you can clean the lights with IPA then apply sealant and/or wax.

:doh: I should have figured that out, guess I've gotten conditioned that everything has to come out of a bottle designed for automotive to work! Thanks for saving me some cash!

I'm also looking at sealing the trim work my Honda CRV, could I also clean the trim work with the IPA prior to applying the trim sealant?

Thanks again.

Ed

[movingforward]

As a follow-up question, I have Griot's paint and glass sealants. Would either of these sealants be safe to apply to new headlights and brake lights? In their bottled forms, the paint sealant is light brown and the glass sealant is clear. But when applied, are all sealants basically the same in clarity? I also have Adam's Super VRT, but the bottle doesn't mention anything about applying to headlights.

[davidc]

There are also these, I have not tried the Diamondite
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2269_51941910
Then this that I have and used monthly but still had to polish the lights on the Wife's Toyota every 3 months. It worked better on the Daughters Ford.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2269_37361852
Dave

[BF4Noob73]

Don't put anything abrasive on the lights. The lights on new cars have a protective coating on them from the manufacturer to help keep them from aging. Anything abrasive will remove that coating. Over time they will get cloudy, they always do, but why rush it.
The best thing you can do at this point is a non abrasive sealer like Power Lock or Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant or one of the many others out there. Follow up with wax if you like.

Does duragloss 105 contain any abrasives at all?

[AZpolisher15]

There are many ways to go with this. But here's an option not yet mentioned. The products can also be purchased individually.

McKee's 37 Total Headlight Restoration Kit, how to restore headlights (http://www.autogeek.net/best-headlight-restoration-kit.html)