Whats everyone using for headlight protection - before yellowing...

[DFB]

I don't apply a PPF, but when I coat the vehicle, I'll also include the headlights. I also avoid hitting both the taillights and headlights with anything abrasive for as long as possible. My intent is to preserve whatever UV protection is provided by the OEM part maker.

The rate of yellowing/clouding seems to vary pretty widely by automaker. I've had a Toyota and a Mazda start yellowing around the 5~7 point, yet I've had both a BMW and VW which were crystal clear after 7~8 years. The Toyota seemed to start failing the earliest.

I would add Subaru to that list of worst offenders.

[Tasmania]

PPF or any good spray coating. I went the latter and my 18 lamps still look good. Another choice would be...

Wolfgang Plastik Surface Sealant forms a clear barrier over your plastic lenses to shield them from contamination and UV rays. (autogeek.net)

I have been using this on a 2016 VW Amarok since new zero yellowing.

[Anthony Orosco]

Good to see you here posting again. Are you still actively detailing?

Hey buddy, thank you!

Yes still detailing but now more supervising and training. It's still a thing I love to do but running my shop takes center for now. Thanks again, hope you've been well

Anthony

[UncleDavy]

CQuartz DLux

[Rsurfer]

CQuartz DLux

Going on 2 years and no peeling or yellowing.

[ddsski]

"Does applying a ceramic coating over a RESTORED headlamp offer any benefits? NO. It will wear away within a short period of time and the lamp will become hazy and deteriorated once again."
Can't the same be said for applying this stuff to paint???????

I have always detailed my headlamps with the rest of the vehicle and I have never had anything yellow or haze. The one cheap GM product (isuzu Ascender) tha t was starting to get some hazing got treated with some "meguiars reconditoner"?....I sold the car to a buddy and at going on 15yrs old, lenses are still quite decent...say an old Chrysler or Mercedes at 3-5 yrs......

[Eldorado2k]

"Does applying a ceramic coating over a RESTORED headlamp offer any benefits? NO. It will wear away within a short period of time and the lamp will become hazy and deteriorated once again."
Can't the same be said for applying this stuff to paint???????

Yes, but you have to remember that your car has clearcoat which is the real layer that matters and allows your paint to shine in the 1st place. If you were to apply a ceramic coating to the basecoat and try to live off of it the same way the clearcoat does you’d see a quick death in probably less than a year.

I agree with everything he said in his post and have experienced it when it comes to headlights.
Nowadays my process for protecting my restored headlights is to apply a clearcoat spray about every 6-9 months but that’s on my own headlights and is unrealistic for any customers I have because I wouldn’t even be able to keep track of thier headlights nor would I bother to try.