Headlight film

Odd Job · 30th July 2020, 09:37

Hi all,

I had to polish my headlights again yesterday, they didn't need a massive going over as it's roughly 12 months since I did them last, the first time I did them when I bought the car they where horrid!
Anyway,

I know there is a clear lacquer out there which is has U.V. protection in it designed for the very job, but it does tend to give the headlights a bit of a mottled affect.

I have seen this clear ( and also tinted version ) plastic film especially for headlights.
Has anyone used it and if so how was it to fit?

Many thanks.

AndyN01 · 30th July 2020, 12:30

Hi,

Not used the film myself so I can't be much help there.

I'll be interested in the replies.

Andy.

HarryM1BYT · 30th July 2020, 13:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Odd Job

I have seen this clear ( and also tinted version ) plastic film especially for headlights.
Has anyone used it and if so how was it to fit?

Many thanks.

This? - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Clear...IAAOSwkcVesNNH

If it works and lasts well, it would be much easier than polishing up and lacquer spraying.

My attempt with just ordinary paint clear coat lacquer is still good as the day I did it months ago.

suzublu · 30th July 2020, 13:59

Done my fogs

HarryM1BYT · 30th July 2020, 15:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzublu

Done my fogs

Let everyone know how well it works out, please.

suzublu · 30th July 2020, 15:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryM1BYT

Let everyone know how well it works out, please.

Been on a couple of years now Harry, no problems

HarryM1BYT · 30th July 2020, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzublu

Been on a couple of years now Harry, no problems

Is that clear film, the fog lights look to be yellow compared to the headlights?

suzublu · 30th July 2020, 15:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryM1BYT

Is that clear film, the fog lights look to be yellow compared to the headlights?

It's yellow film Harry, as seen in my first picture

T-Cut · 1st August 2020, 15:19

If this vinyl film was specifically made to protect polycarbonate headlamps from UV damage, I think it would be highlighted very prominently. UV protectants are expensive. I personally wouldn't buy this film for that specific purpose. I suspect the application is primarily for mechanical protection. Obviously, a plastic layer of anything on the surface of the lens will reduce UV penetration, but this won't stop it. It will/may delay the effect of sunlight on the polycarbonate lenses. IMO, specially formulated UV protection lacquer is the way to do it.

TC

30th July 2020, 09:37	#1
Odd Job Gets stuck in MG ZT 2.0 cdti Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Derby Posts: 909 Thanks: 298 Thanked 191 Times in 149 Posts	Headlight film Hi all, I had to polish my headlights again yesterday, they didn't need a massive going over as it's roughly 12 months since I did them last, the first time I did them when I bought the car they where horrid! Anyway, I know there is a clear lacquer out there which is has U.V. protection in it designed for the very job, but it does tend to give the headlights a bit of a mottled affect. I have seen this clear ( and also tinted version ) plastic film especially for headlights. Has anyone used it and if so how was it to fit? Many thanks. __________________ ….And the latest thing to break is..... ### MG STANDS FOR "MY GREMLIN" !!!

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30th July 2020, 12:30	#2
AndyN01 This is my second home Toyota RAV4 Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Tamworth Posts: 3,068 Thanks: 2,478 Thanked 1,579 Times in 968 Posts	Hi, Not used the film myself so I can't be much help there. I'll be interested in the replies. Andy.

30th July 2020, 13:59	#4
suzublu This is my second home rover 75 1.8 vvc club se wedgwood blue Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seaton Carew Posts: 26,911 Thanks: 65 Thanked 7,142 Times in 4,642 Posts	Done my fogs

1st August 2020, 15:19	#9
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,751 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	If this vinyl film was specifically made to protect polycarbonate headlamps from UV damage, I think it would be highlighted very prominently. UV protectants are expensive. I personally wouldn't buy this film for that specific purpose. I suspect the application is primarily for mechanical protection. Obviously, a plastic layer of anything on the surface of the lens will reduce UV penetration, but this won't stop it. It will/may delay the effect of sunlight on the polycarbonate lenses. IMO, specially formulated UV protection lacquer is the way to do it. TC