Coating after polishing headlights

[glen e]

I’ve got polishing headlights down pat, with a combination of wet sand, rotary polishing and compound, I can get virtually any plastic headlight cover returned to virtually optically clear. But what I don’t have an answer for, is what to do then. Because several that I have done, after a period of time down here in the high UV, they start to glaze over again. So what can I use as a coating that will protect the plastic like the original? I have had no real luck with Si02 coatings like Cquartz UK, I think it’s going to have to be something more durable, like a clearcoat?

[DFB]

What about Meguiar's Keep Clear Headlight Coating -

Meguiars Keep Clear Headlight Coating

[glen e]

I’ll try it….thx…

[DFB]

I’ll try it….thx…

I actually need some myself, the only way to get it in Australia at the moment is in kit form.

[Bruno Soares]

I think clear coat or PPF over them is the only way to keep them looking clear for a long time.

[Desertnate]

Agree. I don't think there is any aftermarket product that will hold up like whatever an OEM applies to the lenses when they are manufactured.

I've simply settled on having to coat lenses periodically once I take a polisher to them for the first time.

[The Guz]

P&S just came out with a new headlight coating. Their testing has showed roughly 18 months and it is still holding up on that P&S person's lights. Other than a coating, your best options are 2k clear or PPF.

[evo77]

There is no ceramic coating that can be applied to headlamps that is more durable than the factory hard coating applied by the lighting manufacturer. These commercial grade hard coatings are required to meet stringent standards for weathering, chemical resistance and sun exposure. They are applied in clean rooms and cured with UV lighting.

There are some popular clear coat paints specifically designed for headlamp restoration however there are no studies done to confirm durability, only manufacturer claims.

So the reality is this: if you restore headlamps you can top it with whatever you like but just know that the UV deterioration will occur again - its just a matter of time.

[Bobby B.]

2K Clear, PPF or Ceramic Coating would be your best options available.

Dr. Beasley's Headlight Coating Kit
IGL Ecocoat Headlight Kit 30 ml.
Optimum Opti-Lens Permanent Headlight Coating, headlight coatings protectants
Meguiars Keep Clear Headlight Coating

[Urmil]

2K Clear, PPF or Ceramic Coating would be your best options available.

Dr. Beasley's Headlight Coating Kit
IGL Ecocoat Headlight Kit 30 ml.
Optimum Opti-Lens Permanent Headlight Coating, headlight coatings protectants
Meguiars Keep Clear Headlight Coating

When I bought my car I immediately had PPF added to the headlights because a friend recommended it but I never bothered to ask why it's a good idea and how long the PPF will help with preventing oxidation from building on my headlights.

Can someone explain how PPF helps prevent headlights from oxidizing and how long PPF will last before needing to be reapplied. My goal is to keep my headlights from ever yellowing.

Thank you