Polishing a turd

[VikashLurker]

Those results may look good now, but polishing faded headlights will never last, they will return to their yellowed glory in no time. Once the factory finish moulded coating gets worn off, they're gonners. You'll have to eventually replace them.

No.

I've restored headlights on almost all my previous second hand vehicles. The only ones that had reoccurring UV damage, were the ones that I neglected to maintain.

If you keep the headlights sealed, by this I mean topping up with protectant every 6 months, you will have zero issues.

 

[PhireSide]

No.

I've restored headlights on almost all my previous second hand vehicles. The only ones that had reoccurring UV damage, were the ones that I neglected to maintain.

If you keep the headlights sealed, by this I mean topping up with protectant every 6 months, you will have zero issues.

I wonder if you could apply a UV-resistant clearcoat after buffing it? My i30 lights are a bit yellow on some spots, so maybe I should tackle them soon

 

[VikashLurker]

I wonder if you could apply a UV-resistant clearcoat after buffing it? My i30 lights are a bit yellow on some spots, so maybe I should tackle them soon

The sealant that comes in the Kit claims to do this. Only time will tell how it holds up. If not, a good sealant will do a good enough job. Just avoid regular Carnuaba waxes. The petroleum base in them will accelerate the yellowing effect.

Using a plain plastic polish is just not good enough. You have to seal it, to protect from UV damage.

 

[genetic]

If you keep the headlights sealed, by this I mean topping up with protectant every 6 months, you will have zero issues.

My point exactly - they require constant maintenance once they lose their factory coating.

 

[VikashLurker]

My point exactly - they require constant maintenance once they lose their factory coating.

Sealing them once every 6 months doesn't seem to bad to me to be honest. Its literally just wiping on the sealant with a foam applicator. Allowing to dry for about 10 minutes, and then buffing off. 12 minutes in total?

If purchasing 2 new headlights is better solution for you, then by all means ...

I was originally replying to this statement:

Those results may look good now, but polishing faded headlights will never last, they will return to their yellowed glory in no time. Once the factory finish moulded coating gets worn off, they're gonners. You'll have to eventually replace them.

You are correct that once the factory UV protection is removed, it will dull / yellow again. My point is that the finish will last, provided that you maintain them. And if you maintain them, you will not have to eventually replace them.