Thread: Keeping healdights protected after sanding?

So I've sanded my headlights 2 or 3 times now and they keep getting fogged over after a period of time. I don't want to keep doing this. Do you guys have some secrets to keep the lights looking good? Some sort of long-term protectorate?

Thanks!

Clear coat it.

Opticoat 2.0.

Ask @xCONWRATHx and he can square you away. I assume after you sand, you're polishing right?

Yeah, my kit was sand/polish/sealant in the box. I did the 4Runner lights last spring and they show no sign of hazing or fogging up yet.

Brent

The 3M kit I used came with a polish, but no sealant. I used some other protectant that works great.

I have used Opticoat multiple times in the past for this, as it is one of the products suggested uses, but I've found that it doesn't last more than 6 months or so. I don't believe the product has enough UV inhibitors in it to do the job. Also Optimum is releasing a new product at SEMA specifically for this task, so they obviously know that Opticoat is less than ideal.

Go with shooting a layer of clearcoat over them. Others have even used a layer or two of urethane wood varnish with good results, applied with a brush.

You're headlights come from the factory with a UV resistant top coat already on them. Over time, this wears away and the lights begin to oxidize. You have to use abrasion to remove the oxidized layer, and with it comes some more of the remaining top coat. If you continue to sand/polish each time the headlight begins to yellow, eventually all the top coat will be removed, which will cause the headlights to yellow faster and faster. So, depending on how many times you've done the process you may be able to get away with using a sealant on them once a month (like Meguiars #21), or you will need to go to more permanent means such as clear coating or urethane resin.

spraying w/a clear coat is out of question due to my inexperience w/painting and it just sounds too involved. Something like the urethane wood varnish is more down my alley.

Think I'll try this:
http://my350z.com/forum/body-interior-exterior-and-lighting-diy/546558-diy-restoring-headlights-with-new-uv-coating.html

What do you guys think about the film products like lamin-x or some of the 3m products?



yes. This is over a period of a few years. The sanding/polishing with no sealant seems to last only a few months

I think my kit was RainX brand. The sealant works great.

Brent

I just use carnuba wax.

Glass headlights, for the win!