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Last Updated on September 6, 2023 by Chase Manhattan
Automotive headlights are among the most vital components of your vehicle, ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience. However, frequent exposure to environmental elements like UV rays, road dirt, and harsh weather conditions can cause your car’s headlights to fog or yellow over time. To address this issue, using the best clear coat for headlights can be a game-changer.
A high-quality clear coat can provide an effective protective layer for your headlight lenses, protecting them from the adverse effects of UV rays, scratches, and wear and tear. Not only does it maintain the brightness of your headlights, but it also enhances their aesthetic appeal and longevity.
In this article, we will review different types of clear coats available in the market, highlighting their features, pros, and cons. We’ll present a detailed buying guide to help you choose the best clear coat that suits your needs. Furthermore, we will label the top five products as the premium choice, budget choice, and some ideal products for scratched or yellowed headlights.
But first, here’s my picks for the best clear coat for headlights, and then the budget-conscious alternative:
| Ranking | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Check Price | |
 | Budget Friendly Pick | Check Price |
Now keep reading for the reviews. Let’s get to it!
Shortcuts:
> Premium Choice
> Premium Runner-Up
> Best Budget Option
> Best for Yellowed Headlights
> Best for Scratch and UV Protection
Quick Navigation
Top Five Best Clear Coat for Headlights
Based on our extensive research, we have shortlisted the top five clear coats for headlights. Let’s explore each of them in detail:
Meguiar’s G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating
- Maximum UV Protection
- Aerosol spray application
- Enhances and maintains headlight clarity
- Can last up to a year
- Suitable for new and restored headlights
Meguiar’s G17804 stands out as our premium choice for the best clear coat for headlights. This product offers exceptional UV protection and significantly improves the clarity of both new and restored headlights.
Its aerosol spray application makes it easy to use, and it promises a glossy finish that lasts up to a year. However, it’s crucial to clean and, if necessary, restore your headlights before applying this coating to your car to avoid worsening their condition.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Long-lasting
- Provides UV protection
- Enhances headlight clarity
Cons
- May require re-application after a year
- The spray nozzle may get clogged under prolonged use
Dupli-Color Perfect Match Clear Coat
- UV resistant
- Quick-drying
- Weather and chemical resistant
- Long-lasting
- Provides a moderately glossy finish
Dupli-Color BCL0125 Clear Coat is our runner-up for the premium choice. This clear coat offers excellent adhesion, weather, and chemical resistance. It’s UV resistant and dries quickly to provide long-lasting protection.
However, some customers have reported that the spray nozzle gets clogged quickly.
Pros
- Fast drying
- Long-lasting
- UV protection
- Provides a moderate glossy finish
Cons
- The spray nozzle gets clogged under prolonged use
- Spray can begin to spatter
3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat
Best Budget Option
- Budget-friendly
- Glossy finish
- Suitable for plastic lenses
- Package includes all necessary items
Our budget choice is the 3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat. It provides a simple yet glossy clear coat that performs impressively well on plastic headlight lenses. The kit includes masking tape, light sanding discs, and protectant wax, adding immense value to your purchase.
However, this clear coat may struggle with heavily yellowed headlights and hazy headlights. Nevertheless, considering its price tag, few clear coats can compete with its efficacy.
Pros
- Easy to apply for clearer headlights
- Budget-friendly
- Comes with all necessary items for application
- Ideal for headlights on newer cars
- Quick UV clear coat protective layer
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy blurring
- Not the longest-lasting compound
USC SprayMax 2K High Gloss Clear Coat
Best For Yellowed Headlights
- High gloss finish
- Aerosol spray application
- Resistant to scratches and road debris
- Suitable for most surfaces
- Prevents lens yellowing
USC SprayMax 2K High Gloss Clear Coat is our most convenient option. This clear coat is versatile, easy to use, and provides a glossy finish to your headlights. It is highly resilient to scratches and road debris, effectively shielding your headlights from abrasive particles.
The aerosol spray application simplifies the process, ensuring an even and accurate coating. However, it’s vital to use safety gear during application as SprayMax emits significant vapors that could be harmful.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Provides a glossy finish
- Offers scratch resistance
- Versatile and suitable for most surfaces
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Strong, harmful vapor necessitates masks and open-air use
4Everbrite Scratch Resistant Clear Coat Solution
Best for Scratch and UV Protection
- Ultra-resistant UV clear coat protection
- Multi-layer technology
- Provides a gloss finish
- Resistant to PH12 detergent
- Three years durability
4Everbrite is our runner-up for the most convenient option. This clear coat provides a UV-resistant barrier that protects against sun hazing and yellowing of the headlights. It’s multi-layer technology enables superior coating and an incredible gloss finish.
However, you need to apply multiple coats for the best results, and it takes about 48 hours to set the protection coating.
Pros
- Scratch-resistant
- Long-lasting
- Provides a gloss finish
- UV resistant
Cons
- Requires multiple coats
- Takes about 48 hours to set the protection coating
Key Features to Look for When Buying Headlight Clear Coats
Choosing the best clear coat for headlights can be a challenging task, given the plethora of options available in the market. To make an informed decision, consider the following key features when shopping for a headlight clear coat:
UV Protection
Exposure to harmful UV rays is one of the primary causes of damage in car headlights. Therefore, ensure the headlight clear coat you choose offers robust UV protection.
Longevity
Different clear coats offer varying degrees of longevity. Some may last for weeks, while others can last for months or even years. Opt for a clear coat that provides long-lasting protection.
Ease of Use
The headlight clear coat you choose should be easy to apply. An aerosol spray application kit is generally more convenient than a manual application for car headlights. For fog lights, the inverse is true.
Usage Instructions
Ensure the clear coat comes with clear and straightforward usage instructions. Avoid products with confusing or complicated instructions.
Scratch and Corrosion Protection
Most clear coats provide scratch and corrosion resistance due to their chemical composition. This feature is crucial as it helps protect your headlights from road debris, sand, and salt, extending their lifespan.
Gloss Level
The gloss level of the clear coat determines the sheen it will provide on your headlights and how long the application will last. A clear coat with a high gloss level will typically offer a more lustrous finish and longer-lasting protection.
Cost
Clear coats are available in a wide range of prices. Choose a product that fits your budget without compromising on quality or performance.
Customer Reviews
Before buying a clear coat, be sure to check customer reviews to get a real-world perspective on the product’s performance and reliability.
Conclusion
Maintaining the clarity and brightness of your headlights is crucial for safe driving. Applying a high-quality clear coat can significantly enhance the longevity and performance of your headlights.
From our comprehensive list, the Meguiar’s G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating stands out as the premium choice, while the USC SprayMax 2K High Gloss Clear Coat is the best for yellow or scratched headlights, and the 3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat is the best budget choice, while also being the most convenient.
Remember, the best clear coat for your headlights will depend on your specific needs and preferences. So, consider the key features outlined in this guide and choose a product that offers the best balance of cost, performance, and convenience for you. With the right clear coat, you can ensure your headlights stay bright and clear for years to come.
