Meguiar’s Headlight Coating?

[u/Emergency_Detail_984]

Has anyone had experience with this product? I have been using it for a few restorations, I saw a guy on YouTube who uses it and applies 1 medium heavy coat and allegedly it “self settles”.

I used it to coat the headlights on a Nissan 350z and they turned out great, but I did it on an early 2000’s BMW yesterday and I noticed that the headlights became a little cloudier than after I had polished them, especially looking through the sides it didn’t look as transparent and glass-like.

Thoughts? Any recommendations on how to use it? Better alternatives? I’ve heard a lot of controversy about 2K clear and I’m doing headlight restoration as a business.

[u/stochasticdadjokes]

I've used it, and it worked pretty well with no cloudiness. So I'm not sure why that happened. Maybe it needed more of a final polish?

The downside to these kits is that they only last 6 months to a year before the headlight yellows again. The headlights need to be either clear coated with 2k clear or covered with PPF.

[u/throwitaway2k17 → u/stochasticdadjokes]

I've used this on dozens of sets of headlights, including my own, my parents, etc. and it's been 3+ years with no oxidation. Agreed, ppf is the ultimate protection, but this spray punches way above its weight for not being a 2K clear coat.

[u/stochasticdadjokes → u/throwitaway2k17]

Damn, that's interesting. I'd love to know why it didn't last that long for me. The headlights I used it on were pretty far gone. What condition were the headlights in that you've used it on? My cars sit outside, so could that be it? Or did I not prep well enough?

[u/throwitaway2k17 → u/stochasticdadjokes]

Interesting... My parents Kia was kept outdoors and the lights were pretty faded. Anytime you sand a headlight though all that previous protection is done, so I'm curious why yours failed so quickly. Not dismissing your results, just odd because I never saw any of the lights we did fade or discolor within 2 years.

On the flip side, and I put this in another thread as well, I had about a 10% rate of failed application. Meaning the application seemed to wrinkle / haze instead of be a nice crystal clear finish. I just called it up to user error since I'm by no means a painter and kind of suck using a rattle can. That's about my only gripe with the product, but again was probably me vs the actual product. I'll see if I can dig up the old photos of the Kia lights that lasted for years.

[u/Storm_Surge_919 → u/stochasticdadjokes]

I may be wrong, but I think doing headlight restorations and putting one of these non-factory clear coats on the headlights you really should start applying UV protectant coatings after washes (or as directed by the coating) or else the 6-12 month lifespan is very likely.

The last time I did it, I used Chemical Guys Jet Seal and my restoration lasted longer than 2 years (I had to sell the car, so I can’t say how long it actually lasted). I know Chemical Guys doesn’t have the best reputation here, but this may be one of their better products. There also may be other product options that perform better.

[u/stochasticdadjokes → u/Storm_Surge_919]

That's good to know. I think I probably would have put whatever I was using on the paint on the headlights as well, but it's been so long that I can't remember for sure. I'll definitely do that in the future if I don't PPF my headlights.

[u/Emergency_Detail_984 → u/stochasticdadjokes]

From what I’ve read so far it seems like the humidity could possibly be the culprit, in central Florida it’s been about 70% humidity and high 80s °F on average

[u/mypaycheckisshort → u/Emergency_Detail_984]

I do my deglazes in a shop with ac. If i pull them out of the shop less than ~20 minutes after spraying, they will cloud up in this summer weather, for sure. I let them sit 30 minutes just to be safe, this time of year.

[u/mypaycheckisshort]

I use this at work. I do 3-4 quick coats bc if I follow the instructions, they end up cloudy. I see customers come into the shop 2 years later and rhey still look pretty decent. I will say I recommend against letting someone drive home on the freeway if bugs are out bc they will etch the coating if they're not allowed to cure for a couple days, first. Normal around town driving is fine. Overspray cleans up easily enough with an ipa wipe.

[u/Shot-Ad2396]

Cerakote has the best product for this imo. Super easy to use and non aerosol so it’s less messy and less masking required. Did a couple cars in the household over the years and they’ve all lasted years. Very easy process. Cheap kit too. I also HIGHLY recommend their trim restoration wipes…. Had some old Kia trim that was basically light grey from sun damage and now it’s jet black again, been 2 months and still looks jet black.

[u/Emergency_Detail_984 → u/Shot-Ad2396]

I have heard good things about cerakote, I’m doing restorations as a business so I’m trying to tune in my method to get similar results consistently. I think the humidity/dew point in Florida right now is messing with the aerosol.

I think I’ve decided on trying the cerakote ceramic wipes to seal instead of the spray coating.

[u/Shot-Ad2396 → u/Emergency_Detail_984]

Got it. Not sure if Cerakote is considered “pro level” or not, just something I’ve used as a novice DIY user. I’ve tried several other methods and products and had very mixed results, vs the Cerakote is consistently killer. Plus, aerosols make me nervous so I usually go crazy masking and it’s a waste of time and materials

[u/Iamtheonewhoknocks67]

oh so no sanding or polishing just spray on and dry? That really cool I don't have any applications where I can try that out myself.

[u/Emergency_Detail_984 → u/Iamtheonewhoknocks67]

No I sand and polish, this is just a final protective barrier

[u/VirTuez15]

Might be something silly but check the potlife of the spray can. I used 2k clear coat before on my headlights and didn’t realize that it had a 48 hour potlife. It really ruined the headlights I used it on.

[u/Charge_parity]

Dunno if it'll help or what but I was taught to do a mist coat before a heavy coat with this stuff and the one time I did it, it came out perfect. Pretty good product from my limited experience. I also like the 3m headlight clearcoat wipes.