Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

[SLM]

I've been using wax on my headlights which aren't terrible but aren't great, especially on the tops so I ordered a can of the Keep clear to apply to the flat tops. My question is... What do I need to do to prepare the lights for the coating? I'm guessing something to remove all the wax at a minimum, maybe clay bar or polishing compound? Thanks!

[Nick Winn]

Re: Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

Hi SLM,

The only prep which is needed when applying our Keep Clear Headlight Coating on lights in good shape is to clean them with glass cleaner, like our Perfect Clarity Glass Cleaner. Then apply to a clean & dry headlight. Hope this helps! Below is an article I did with more information:

Using Meguiar's G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating

Feel free to post further questions.

[SLM]

Re: Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

Thanks Nick! Now I just have to wait for some decent weather when it isn't raining, windy or both!

[Nick Winn]

Re: Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

Thanks Nick! Now I just have to wait for some decent weather when it isn't raining, windy or both!

Agreed! It would be best to not expose the coated light to wet weather for 24 hours after application (for best results)!

[SLM]

Re: Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

It took forever to get a couple dry days in a row and minimal falling pollen... but I finally got the coating on a week ago. I cleaned the snot out of the lenses, masked them off and sprayed them. I think I got it on a bit heavy as it took almost two days until the coating didn't feel soft and sticky but the humidity was 70% plus. Tonight I waxed them with Black Wax followed by Ultimate liquid. The Black wax took some of the roughness out of the coating and then the Ultimate made them feel like the hard plastic again. If I had it to do again I think I'd spray lighter coats and back off my passes a bit. It defiantly made the lenses clearer on the tops where the factory coating was gone. The interior of the lights are black, not just gray. I have to say I'm well pleased for less than 10 bucks and a few hours of work!

[Nick Winn]

Re: Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

If you ever need to fully strip the coating, you can use an liberal amount of isopropyl alcohol with a towel, and then use this to remove the Keep Clear Headlight Coating.

[SLM]

Re: Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

Thanks for the information Nick. If I need to redo it in the future I'll probably strip it off and start fresh but for now I'm very happy with how it came out!

[ivanporcalla]

Re: Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

Hi Nick,

I recently had my headlights restored. I didn't have the guts to do it myself. I have some questions:

1. The guy who restored the lenses put wax to seal the polish, just to clarify, glass cleaner can remove the wax? I already have a can of Meguiars Keep Clear Headlight Coating and I am pretty hesitant on spraying it on.

2. Does Acetone or Isopropyl Alcohol work as well in removing the wax?

3. Also, after I've done applying Meguiars Keep Clear Headlight Coating, is it OK to apply ceramic coating? Or is it overkill or might cause a reaction?

Regards,

Ivan

[Nick Winn]

Re: Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

Hi Nick,

I recently had my headlights restored. I didn't have the guts to do it myself. I have some questions:

1. The guy who restored the lenses put wax to seal the polish, just to clarify, glass cleaner can remove the wax? I already have a can of Meguiars Keep Clear Headlight Coating and I am pretty hesitant on spraying it on.

2. Does Acetone or Isopropyl Alcohol work as well in removing the wax?

3. Also, after I've done applying Meguiars Keep Clear Headlight Coating, is it OK to apply ceramic coating? Or is it overkill or might cause a reaction?

Regards,

Ivan

Hi, both glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol will most likely remove wax with repeated applications. Glass Cleaner will not be as strong as straight IPA, so even more repeated applications with glass cleaner, around 4.

No need to do both really. Either Keep Clear Headlight Coating or a ceramic coating.

Hope this helps

[ivanporcalla]

Re: Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

Hi, both glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol will most likely remove wax with repeated applications. Glass Cleaner will not be as strong as straight IPA, so even more repeated applications with glass cleaner, around 4.

No need to do both really. Either Keep Clear Headlight Coating or a ceramic coating.

Hope this helps

Thanks for this!

[Nick Winn]

Re: Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

Thanks for this!

Anytime!

[ivanporcalla]

Re: Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

Hi Nick,

I recently had my car detailed and unfortunately the detailers included the polishing of headlights with my keep clear application. Do I need to apply an additional keep clear coating? If so, how?

Kind regards,

Ivan

Hi, both glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol will most likely remove wax with repeated applications. Glass Cleaner will not be as strong as straight IPA, so even more repeated applications with glass cleaner, around 4.

No need to do both really. Either Keep Clear Headlight Coating or a ceramic coating.

Hope this helps

[Nick Winn]

Re: Prep for Keep clear headlight coating?

Hi Nick,

I recently had my car detailed and unfortunately the detailers included the polishing of headlights with my keep clear application. Do I need to apply an additional keep clear coating? If so, how?

Kind regards,

Ivan

Yes, if the lights have been compounded/polished, it would be recommended to re-apply a coat of the Keep Clear Headlight Coating. Simply clean the lights thoroughly with glass cleaner, tape off, & re-apply.