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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHHeadlights Have Film or Is This Normal for a 996?
Leading reported evidence
Use kits
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
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Read evidence and context
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I've used kits with that UV protection coat too and they've only ended up yellowing again.
Leading evidence: 'Use kits' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'just sandblasting the plastic surface while driving' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Use hair dryer' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I use the Klasse sealant and as well as 303 aerospace which works great on all plastics
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Im suggesting to put a xpel or other film protector on them, I used xpel, come already cut, it works great.
just sandblasting the plastic surface while driving
Suggestion or failed attempt
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Identified cause
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Suspected cause · Original poster
I always thought the issue was just sandblasting the plastic surface while driving, but I as I read more it appears it is UV exposure.
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Suggestion
put on in the sun and use a hair dryer to manipulate
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26 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261027T005001Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
I planned to refinish this headlight but I see this line across it that makes me wonder if it has a film on it already. Is this line normal for a 996 headlight? Do your cars have this, or is it a sign that there is a protective film over the plastic?
Well, it is a pretty extreme close-up, but yes they need to be refinished. The concern I have is maybe they have a film on them that, when removed, would reveal a pristine and clear surface...?? Wishful thinking?
The Sylvania kit includes a UV blocking clear coat as the final step, so I'm hoping that will suffice. I am sure vinyl would be better, but am concerned about its eventual removal and possibly damaging (delaminating?) the headlight.
Thanks for the positive comments!
Wow! What a transformation! My car's headlights have similar yellowing and roughness. Looks like I will be doing this over the long weekend.
I am just too scared to use sandpaper on it. LOL
If it's anything like the 3M UV protectant, don't hold your breath.
Got one headlight done early last summer. Looked great and almost new. By the end of the summer it was more yellow than the one that I didn't get around to doing and worse than before it was cleaned.
I'll be researching a good film before I get off my lazy *** and try again.
The trick is to not use their UV protectant and go with something more durable. Clear coat spray paint is the best, followed by coating, then sealant.
I always apply sealant and keep my headlights waxed just to prevent the yellowing from coming on. Going on 4 years and still looking new.
Jobs like this is a LOT easier with a da orbital too.
I saw their video on their website.... the headlight looked real bad until you apply their final UV coating.
So, are you saying, apply their coating, clearcoat, then sealant? what sealant are you talking here? I really want to fix my headlights, but I don't want to be doing this every few months.
Also curious about the "sealant" step. I always thought the issue was just sandblasting the plastic surface while driving, but I as I read more it appears it is UV exposure. So a garage kept car should have minimal issues, either before or after restoration. Yes?
Im suggesting to put a xpel or other film protector on them, I used xpel, come already cut, it works great. buy something off ebay, the thick ones. put on in the sun and use a hair dryer to manipulate
Sorry for confusion. After doing the last step polish you only need to do ONE of the following: apply clear coat paint(best and longest lasting option), synthetic coating like Optimum brand for example, or synthetic sealant(Klasse SG for example). Technically one could apply wax but most regular waxes don't last very long. Basically you just want to make sure you have some UV coating on your lenses the whole time. The UV is what breaks down plastic over time and causes the yellowing and oxidation.
Also don't use any of the above to mask a crappy refinish or polish lense job. That is what some products do, like Wipe New, Duplicolor lense restore spray, etc.
If you are not good or comfortable with cleat coating the headlights with spray paint(either diy or professional), this coating method is the next best thing which most competent person can do at home.
Here's the more specific example of the Optimum product I was talking about.
http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti...t-coating.html
Thanks again, Alpine!
I have clearcoated my old Boxster's brake rotors after painting them. It stood well for several years. I guess it is similar procedure.... few light coats?
Yes if you're talking about spraying clear coat, and the good thing is if it doesn't go on smooth, you can always add additional layers or polish it out after it has cured.
I've used kits with that UV protection coat too and they've only ended up yellowing again. Look into the Xpel headlight vinyl protection
here
. I've personally used this and it holds up pretty well.
