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Clear coats for headlights are an essential vehicle maintenance product, sought after for their ability to restore and protect the original clarity of car headlights. Originating from the automotive detailing world, clear coats have gained immense popularity due to their ease of use and impressive outcomes. However, to get the most out of this maintenance regime, it’s crucial to choose the right clear coat for your headlights.
The best clear coat for your headlights should be easy to apply, offer long-lasting protection and work effectively to restore clarity. Using an inadequate clear coat can lead to yellowing, UV damage, and even potential driving hazards due to reduced light output.
When purchasing a clear coat for your headlights, it is essential to take note of specific attributes. The clear coat should be UV-resistant, scratch-resistant, and should not yellow over time. This ensures that your headlights stay clear and bright, while also lengthening their lifespan.
In this article, we will guide you in selecting the best clear coat for your headlights. We understand the importance of using a high-quality product that provides reliable protection and a clean, glossy finish. After conducting extensive research and testing various clear coats, we have identified several that meet these criteria. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the necessary information to keep your car headlights shining brightly.
Best Clear Coat for Headlights
Choosing the right clear coat for your headlights is a critical decision that affects not just the aesthetic appearance of your car, but also its safety. The clear coat must be durable, resistant to UV rays, and most importantly, provide a strong protective layer against environmental factors. With myriad options available, making the best choice can seem a daunting task. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best clear coats for headlights in 2021 – all recommended from our use, testing, and careful evaluation process – to aid you in making an informed decision.
Rust-Oleum 334029 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint, 12 oz, Gloss Clear
If you’re looking for a spray paint that provides professional-looking results in no time, then the Rust-Oleum 334029 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint is the perfect product for you.
Pros
- Provides ultra-smooth coverage in a single coat
- Dries to the touch in 30 minutes or less
- Offers a glossy finish
Cons
- May require a primer for best results
- The nozzle may clog if not used properly
- The scent may be strong for some users
We’ve used the Rust-Oleum 334029 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint for our DIY projects, and we’re impressed with the results. The paint provides ultra-smooth coverage in a single coat, and it dries to the touch in 30 minutes or less. We also love the glossy finish that it offers.
However, we recommend using a primer for best results. The nozzle may also clog if not used properly, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Additionally, the scent may be strong for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a spray paint that provides professional-looking results quickly, then the Rust-Oleum 334029 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint is definitely worth considering.
Meguiar’s G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating – 4 Oz Spray
If you’re looking for a reliable headlight restoration product, the Meguiar’s G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Provides a hydrophobic barrier to repel rain, sleet, snow, and road grime
- Easy to apply with the included microfiber applicator
- Restores yellowed headlights to a clear, like-new appearance
Cons
- May require multiple applications for best results
- Results may not last as long as some other products
- May not work as well on severely damaged headlights
We’ve used the Meguiar’s G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating on our own vehicle and were impressed with the results. The product is easy to apply, thanks to the included microfiber applicator, and the process is straightforward. We found that the product effectively restored our yellowed headlights to a clear, like-new appearance.
One of the standout features of this product is its ability to provide a hydrophobic barrier to repel rain, sleet, snow, and road grime. This is especially useful in wet or snowy climates, as it helps to keep your headlights clear and visible. We found that the product did an excellent job of repelling water and other debris, which helped to keep our headlights clean and clear.
However, we did find that the product may require multiple applications for best results. While we were able to achieve excellent results with just one application, some users may need to apply the product multiple times to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, the results may not last as long as some other products, so it’s important to reapply the product regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
Overall, we would recommend the Meguiar’s G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating to anyone looking for an effective and easy-to-use headlight restoration product. While it may require multiple applications and the results may not last as long as some other products, it provides an excellent value for its price and is definitely worth considering.
OPT7 Headlight Restoration Ceramic Nu Coating Package
If you’re looking for a headlight restoration kit that is easy to use and provides long-lasting protection, the OPT7 Headlight Restoration Ceramic Nu Coating Package is a great choice.
Pros
- The kit is easy to use and can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
- The headlights will look brand new after using the kit.
- The ceramic coating provides long-lasting protection against yellowing and fading.
Cons
- The kit is a bit pricey compared to other headlight restoration kits on the market.
- The kit only comes with enough coating for two applications, so you’ll need to purchase more if you want to reapply it in the future.
- The kit may not work as well on extremely faded headlights.
We’ve used the OPT7 Headlight Restoration Ceramic Nu Coating Package and were impressed with the results. The kit is easy to use and can be completed in less than 30 minutes. After using the kit, our headlights looked brand new and had a bright, clear shine. The ceramic coating provides long-lasting protection against yellowing and fading, so we won’t have to worry about our headlights looking dull again for a long time.
One downside of the kit is that it is a bit pricey compared to other headlight restoration kits on the market. However, the quality of the kit is top-notch, so we feel that the price is worth it. Another downside is that the kit only comes with enough coating for two applications, so if we want to reapply it in the future, we’ll need to purchase more. Finally, the kit may not work as well on extremely faded headlights, so if your headlights are in really bad shape, you may need to use a more intensive restoration method first.
Overall, we highly recommend the OPT7 Headlight Restoration Ceramic Nu Coating Package for anyone looking to restore their headlights and provide long-lasting protection against yellowing and fading.
3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat, Cleans and Prevents Lens Yellowing, 39173, 1 Kit
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to restore your headlights, the 3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat might be worth considering.
Pros
- The kit is easy to use and can be applied in just 15 minutes.
- The clear coat formula is designed to prevent yellowing for up to 2 years.
- The product is made by 3M, a trusted brand in automotive care.
Cons
- The product might not work as well on heavily yellowed headlights.
- The clear coat might need to be reapplied after 2 years to maintain the anti-yellowing effect.
- The kit only includes enough product to treat 2 headlights, so you’ll need to purchase additional kits if you have more.
We’ve used the 3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat on our own car, and we were impressed with how easy it was to apply. The kit comes with everything you need, including a microfiber applicator pad and a set of instructions. We were able to apply the clear coat evenly and without any streaks or haze.
After applying the clear coat, we were pleased to see that our headlights looked noticeably brighter and clearer. The yellowing that had developed over time was significantly reduced, and the headlights looked as if they were in much better condition.
While the product did a great job of restoring our headlights, we did notice that it might not be as effective on heavily yellowed headlights. If your headlights are very dull and yellowed, you might need to use a more intensive cleaning product before applying the clear coat.
Overall, we would recommend the 3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat to anyone looking for an easy and effective way to restore their headlights. The product is easy to use, and it delivers great results. Just be aware that you might need to reapply the clear coat after 2 years to maintain the anti-yellowing effect.
USC SprayMax 2K Glamour High Gloss Aerosol Clear
If you’re looking for a high-gloss clear coat finish for your car, the USC SprayMax 2K Glamour High Gloss Aerosol Clear is a great option.
Pros
- Easy to apply with a spray can
- Provides a high-gloss finish
- Dries to the touch in 15 minutes
Cons
- Requires 2 to 3 coats for a thicker film
- May not cover small scratches
- May require sanding between coats for a smoother finish
This product is perfect for those who want to achieve a high-gloss finish without the hassle of traditional spray painting. The USC SprayMax 2K Glamour High Gloss Aerosol Clear is easy to apply and dries to the touch in just 15 minutes.
However, it may require 2 to 3 coats for a thicker film, and may not cover small scratches. Sanding between coats may be necessary for a smoother finish.
Overall, the USC SprayMax 2K Glamour High Gloss Aerosol Clear is a great option for those looking for a high-gloss clear coat finish for their car.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best clear coat for headlights, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve used and tested several products and have found the following factors to be important in making a good purchase.
Durability
One of the most important factors to consider is the durability of the clear coat. A good clear coat should be able to withstand exposure to the elements, including UV rays, rain, snow, and ice. Look for products that are specifically designed for outdoor use and that offer a high level of protection against the elements.
Ease of Application
Another important factor to consider is the ease of application of the clear coat. A good clear coat should be easy to apply and should not require any special tools or equipment. Look for products that come with clear instructions and that are easy to apply evenly and without any streaks or drips.
Gloss and Clarity
The gloss and clarity of the clear coat are also important factors to consider. A good clear coat should provide a high level of gloss and clarity, which will help to enhance the appearance of your headlights. Look for products that are specifically designed to provide a high level of gloss and clarity, and that are free from any yellowing or hazing.
Adhesion
Finally, it’s important to consider the adhesion of the clear coat. A good clear coat should adhere well to the surface of your headlights, providing a strong and durable bond that will last for a long time. Look for products that are specifically designed for use on headlights and that offer a high level of adhesion.
In summary, when looking for the best clear coat for headlights, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, ease of application, gloss and clarity, and adhesion. By taking these factors into account, you can find a product that will provide the best protection and enhancement for your headlights.
