Best Clear Coat for Headlights 2023

When we think about car maintenance, we often just picture maintenance and check-ups for its engine and heavy-duty parts. However, we tend to overlook one essential safety and design component of our vehicles, particularly its headlights. 

Take note that headlights are the eyes of your car. It does not only provide a sleek and distinctive look for your favorite automobile but also brings safety functionality. They are regularly exposed to UV rays, changing environmental conditions, scratches, and other external factors.

As such, it is not a surprise that as time goes by, the car headlights often get dull or lose their original touch. This is where easy-to-use, affordable, and effective clear coats come into play. In this article, we are going to provide you with a comprehensive product review of the 4 best clear coats for headlights.

Best Clear Coat for Headlights

#1 – Spraymax 3680061 2K Clear

The Spraymax clear coat is an ideal item to purchase if you want car headlights to shine bright and become vibrant. There are a lot of reasons to love the product, which is why we have ranked it number one on the list. This product comes in a spray bottle, in a quantity of 11.8 ounces. 

The spray-bottle design makes this item an easy, quick, and user-friendly coat in terms of application. It does not require any special tool, protective gear, or any prior expertise before you can successfully apply a clear coat on headlights. 

The spray nozzle has a unique design that ensures a smooth outlet for the coat. This goes on to the headlight smoothly and dries up faster than other alternative products on the market. The quick-drying process further ensures a shiny and satisfying finish in the end. 

Along with a glossy finish and easy application design, this clear coat by Spraymax is also best-known for being resistant to weather and harsh chemicals. You no longer need to worry about acidic rain and drastic climate changes damaging the headlights or the coat. 

However, like with most chemicals and similar spray products, this clear coat also contains some hazardous ingredients. Just like any other items with chemical components, constant use or exposure may result in health problems. However, it must be noted that potential health risks vary depending on attending circumstances. Overall, the item is safe to use as long as you know how to store it properly and control its frequency.

Another reason why this product is ranked first on our list is because of its brand –  Spraymax. It must be noted that brand reliability is one of the many important considerations that you should look into before buying products such as this. 

Spraymax is a popular US-based manufacturer of professional spray paints. It has been providing high-quality items for car owners since the 1990s. The company is now internationally recognized for its excellence in manufacturing high-quality car products.

What makes their spray paints stand out in the market is their overall environment-friendly and responsible approach that thrives on investing in R&D and ensuring safe products for today’s world.

Pros

• Glossy finish
• Applies very smoothly
• Dries quickly
• Gun-like nozzle design for even spraying 
• Lasts for months 

Cons 

• Can quality is poor, needs safer storage
• Nozzle might spaz out occasionally

#2 – Meguiar’s G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating

Compared to the quantity of Spraymax’s clear coating spray, one bottle of Meguiar coat has 4 ounces. However, this does not overshadow the affordable price range of this spray, which makes re-purchase easier.

The outstanding quality of this product that makes it rank number two on our list is its UV protection. This clear coat is the perfect item to get if you want to protect restored or new headlights from harmful UV rays. Each bottle of this product has an easy-to-use nozzle that efficiently allows users to spray the clear coat evenly.

Another great feature of this item is that its effect or functionality is expected to last for over one year. So, at such an affordable price, you will only need to apply this once a year to maintain the shine, visibility, and brightness of your car’s headlights. 

If you are looking for an all-in-one solution to restore your headlights properly, you can also purchase Meguiar’s restoration kit and complement it with this clear coat. In these terms, Meguiar has a lot of available options to offer to its buyers to ensure that the needs of consumers are met at all times. 

However, we strongly recommend first maintaining a reasonable distance between the spray and the headlight before applying. Take note that the spray can be uneven and clot in one place if the aerosol nozzle is not kept at a distance. 

Pros

• Can be complemented with a restoration kit
• Budget-friendly alternative
• Lasts for over a year
• Easy to use aerosol spray design 

Cons 

• Needs to be applied from a distance
• The finish can be hazy, matte 

#3 – SYLVANIA – Headlight Restoration UV Block Clear Coat

A good competitor to the Maguiar’s clear headlight coat’s UV protection is the SYLVANIA clear coat. This clear coat for headlights is designed to block UV rays from damaging and dulling your headlights. The coat may be purchased as an individual item or as part of a complete kit. The benefit of this coat is that it can work with headlights that have been restored by any other brand. There will be no complications or issues, even if you apply them afterward.

The product is ranked number 3 since it is slightly relatively complicated to apply. The whole package comes with a cleaning liquid, a soft cloth, an activator, and a clear coat. You need to be very precise when it comes to completing the application process, which can be slightly tricky and can go wrong easily. 

If you decide to buy a complete kit that has this product, you can enjoy the other added features and multiple functions. You can prevent your headlights from turning yellowish and getting tints while protecting them from UV rays. 

Sylvania operates in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The company specializes in providing car care products and focuses on meeting multiple customer needs and preferences. Their kit is known for getting rid of haze and dullness from headlights within a very short time. The most remarkable feature of this product is that it is affordable. It is one of the few items in the market that come in a relatively lower-price range. 

Pros

• Affordable than others
• Comes as a full kit to remove haze
• Strongly protects from UV damage

Cons 

• Several steps in the restoration
• The application can be tricky 

#4 – 4EverBrite Headlight UV Clear Coat

Are you not looking for a full restoration kit? Do you need something easy and quick to apply? Then this 4EverBrite UV clear coat is an absolute must-have.

The clear coat is best for new headlights or those that have not yet been restored using other products. It is best to use this product for new headlights as soon as possible to ensure that they don’t dull any time soon. The most impressive feature of this clear coat is the fact that it can last for up to 2 years. At the same time, consumers can enjoy a 2-year warranty from the time of purchase. The product is also easy and fast to apply, so many users love it.

The coat comes in a bottle of 16 oz, and each bottle can be used on 32 sets of lights. Considering this quantity, we think that this will be a great product to use by car dealers, automotive shops, and other car care establishments. Conversely, the product may not be ideal for home-based DIY purposes. 

With this product’s easy-to-use features and the fact that it is cost-effective, it is not a surprise that it is well-loved by consumers. The whole package includes a spray bottle that has a sharp and precise nozzle for accurate application. It also includes towels that are made of soft fabric and ideal for cleansing purposes. 

Pros

• Comes with application and cleaning towel
• Easy to use the nozzle
• 2-year warranty 
• Good 16 oz of quantity
• Great for commercial use

Cons 

• Not for restoration
• Not specifically designed to protect from UV

Clear Coat For Headlight Buyers Guide

Now that you have taken a look at the best clear coats for headlights let’s also see how to choose one for yourself. This buying guide will assist you in the decision-making process.

Why Do You Need To Apply Clear Coat for Headlights? 

If there is one thing that you have to put in mind about car maintenance, it is that you have to do it on a regular basis. At the same time, you must focus on the essential parts, such as the car headlights. This is one of the reasons why you must learn how to shop and apply the best clear coat for headlights. Keep in mind that a clear coat serves several functions in the protection of your headlight’s brightness and clarity. 

Over the years of usage, and exposure to sun, rain, and dust, you will notice that the headlights’ clarity and brightness may decline. You may think that it is about the fussing out bulbs, but take note that it may also be caused by the worn-out cover. This is often referred to as “hazing” and “fogging” of headlights. 

There are several home-based remedies and DIY projects that you can use to “fog off” the headlights. However, the effectiveness will be minimal, and the results will also be short-lived. 

Consequently, you also need stronger solutions that are made up of safe ingredients. Restoration kits are used to bring the brightness and clarity of the headlights back. Meanwhile, you can use clear coats on brand new headlights to ensure that they are protected from harsh conditions. 

Sanding the plastic lens of the headlights also helps in the removal of haze. However, after the sanding process, you will need to protect the plastic from future damage. 

What to Look for When Buying Best Clear Coat for Headlights 

To ensure that you buy the right clear coat item, make sure to keep the following factors in mind:

· Long-lasting 

When buying a clear coat for headlights, make sure to check the time period for which the coat is expected to last. Some coats last for months while some remain for even 2 years. This usually depends on the ingredients used in the product and the process employed in its manufacture.

· Ease of application

Make sure to check how the coat is applied. Check whether or not the spray bottle’s nozzle is easy-to-use and sturdy. Also, see if a product comes with a cloth or towel that will allow you to apply evenly throughout the lens. 

· UV protection

One of the major causes of the discoloration and oxidation of headlights is UV exposure. Because of this, it is best to check whether or not the product you are buying specifically protects the headlight from harmful UV rays. 

What to Avoid When Buying Clear Coat for Headlights 

Clear coats for headlights are chemical-based. They have multiple chemical ingredients that are used to allow the item to perform its function as a UV repellent coat. However, you need to keep in mind the following things:

· Chemicals can be hazardous

Coats like the SprayMax product have chemicals that can expose you to health risks. Extreme, persistent, and prolonged exposure to these chemicals can be really bad. Make sure to be careful when applying the coat by wearing protective gear, face masks, and goggles.

· Proper storage is important 

The cans used in bottling the clear coat products may not be too durable and may cause leakage. For this reason,  it is vital to see to it that you will focus on proper storage. 

· Avoid over-using

Overusing the clear coat on your headlights can have adverse effects. Use the required amount, or as suggested, in the manual. 

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