Using a clear coat on your headlights is important. It helps keep the plastic from yellowing or developing a fog over time. The reason it is important to prevent the fogging or yellowing is that it can make it so your headlights do not function fully.
Also, once the breakdown of the plastic starts it is hard to reverse it. They do make headlight restore kits, but they don’t always work the way that it is intended.
That is why it is better to just protect your headlights. This article will provide you with a few great options to do just that. These headlight clear coats will keep your headlights protected or restore headlights to work at full brightness.
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Editor’s Choice | Meguiar’s G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating |
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 | 4EverBrite Headlight UV Clear Coat |
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 | Sylvania Headlight Restoration UV Block Clear Coat |
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 | Spraymax 3680061 2K Clear |
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The first uv headlights clear coat is Meguiar’s G17804 coating. It comes in a 4oz spray can making the application easy. All you do is hold the can a few inches away from the headlights and then just spray it on. While it applies easily though, there are some other steps you need to take.
If your headlamps already have some wear, then it is a good idea to clean them some or use a restoration kit before applying this. Some users didn’t do this and found that this spray made their lights worse.
If your car is newer and you just want to protect your headlights that are already in good shape, then this product is good for that. This headlight clear coat can maintains clarity on new or restored headlights, also provides durable UV protection for headlights.
One downside to this being a can is you have to practice some with getting the right distance from the headlight. If you hold it to close it goes on too thick and can leave smudges or streaks. This can be avoided some by reading the instructions though and lean on the side of holding it too far back.
As for how long it last, most users find that it lasts for around 6 months even though it is advertised to last a year. Some of this could be due to where you live though, and it is still better than having to reapply every month. Plus the can has enough to use it a few times.
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The second uv headlights clear coat we will look at is 4EverBrite. This comes in a 16oz bottle. This headlight protector is easy to use. Users love how it is fast and easy to apply normally only taking a few minutes.
Also, one of the best features of this product is it doesn’t need to be reapplied month after month. Instead, it lasts up to a year so you don’t have to reapply it often. Since you don’t have to reapply it often, it is a good idea to reseal the bottle after you are done using it.
This is because the bottle comes with enough to do about 40 sets of headlights, but if not being used it will get thick after opening and become no good if you don’t reseal the bottle.
To get the best results with this product you do need to use multiple coats, so even though it applies fast you have to wait sometime between coats. The instructions say you only have to wait an hour, but most users recommend longer to get a more even coat with no streaks.
Most users are very satisfied with this product though saying it leaves there headlights looking clear like when the car was new.
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The next product we will look at is Sylvania Headlight Restoration and UV Clear Coat Kit. This comes in a 1oz bottle of UV coat and a 1oz bottle of activator. It applies similarly to a more traditional headlight clear coat. You should use a Sylvania complete restoration kit to ensure that the headlights has been cleaned before.
You just spray it on lightly and a little goes a long way. Be sure to read the instructions because this one has a lot of steps. The box says it only takes 35 minutes to apply, but that is not accurate.
Most users seem to think that is a per light time because a lot of users take an hour to hour and a half when doing it correctly.
You have to prepare the surfaces with this kit and then spray the UV protector on. After that, you spray the activator on. The good thing is most users have had a lot of good experiences with this kit.
Most users say that it lasts for well over a year which is what is advertised, but it is good that it actually meets the advertised time. Also, this uv clear coat would be nice if the box had everything you needed, but it doesn't.
You will need some sand paper and probably some tape to mask off around the lights as well. This can be annoying if you don't know it going into the process of putting the clear coat on because you might have to go back and buy more materials. However, the instructions are easy to follow, which is good.
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Lastly is the Spraymax 3680061 2K Clear. It comes in a can a lot like the first product and sprays on in a similar fashion. This headlight clear coat, however, can be used on all kinds of things besides headlights, so it is really strong.
The fact that it is strong makes the finish last a long time. One thing with this clear coat is it is good to use as a finishing layer. It doesn't have the same UV protection as the other options but leaves a bright finish on your headlights, that will last a long time.
One thing users didn't realize is how strong this chemical is. You want to make sure to do it outside in an open area and at the very least wear a charcoal mask. A respirator is the better option though if you have one.
For the best results with this product, it is a good idea to take your time when applying it. Slow even sprays get the best results and multiple coats will provide the best shine to your headlights.
Even though it is in a can, however, don't think that it lasts forever or a long time. This product only has a shelf life of around forty-eight hours in temperatures around 68 degrees. If it is hotter or colder, then it won't last as long.
You want to make sure to use it when it is warm, so it will dry well. By drying well it will leave a bright shiny finish on your headlights and this clear coat will protect the base coat.
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Depending on how much time you have and how much work you want to put into your clear coat will kind of determine which one to use.
If you want something that is fast that will last an okay amount of time, then the Meguiar’s G17804 is fine. Also, this one is good if you have multiple cars to do.
The 4EverBright also applies pretty fast and it last longer. If your headlights are older you should defiantly lean between the 4EverBright or the Meguiar’s because they provide the best protection and last the longest.
Between those two it is hard to pick one that is better. Some will depend on if you want to apply with a can or in a more traditional way with pads. The can is nice because it stores better, but it can be harder to use.
If you are willing to put in a little more time though and want something that will last a bit longer, then the Sylvania Headlight Restoration and UV Clear Coat Kit is the one for you. However, this kit is only enough for one car, so you need to buy one for each car you are going to work on.
Lastly, if you want long-term protection and are willing to use a separate base coat, then the Spraymax 3680061 2K Clear will give you the longest protection.
All four of these products are the best clear coat for headlights. They will protect your headlights from UV in the sun and keep them looking good. Also, on top of keeping your lights looking good, it will help them to stay working properly as well.
The sun can cause the plastic to break down and yellow or fog. This will cause your lights to be dimmer. By preventing this you will save yourself money and time form having to try to restore your headlights and you will keep them function at top level.
Hmm. I don't know how the Spraymax got to be the Editor's choice if it doesn't do the job in terms of UV protection - surely the point of the protection in the first place. Certainly is here, where we have very high UV.
Otherwise very informative, thanks!
I realize how long a factory sealant lasts...so I'm going to continue searching for minimum 2-3 years of uv protection. With the new liquid glass ceramic coatings you should get a better result, with a wipe on product to eliminate any over spray. Non of these would be my choice,& a coating is only a fill in before considering a pro install uv covering, but I need a mid quality product for my services.