I've recently noticed that both headlights are showing several approx 2x2 cm areas where a "lacquer" appears to have come off the acrylic. You can feel the step where the "lacquer" has gone.


If I do nothing will the underlying acrylic deteriorate ?

Can this be replaced with ordinary clear lacquer? Jules

I’ve had success with clear coat on headlights that had ‘yellowed’.
Lightly sanded back smooth with wet and dry - they go cloudy but then 2 coats of clear coat bring them back crystal clear and clean.

You can buy kits for this - I’ve used the 3M one before, but they are just expensive packets of wet and dry and clear coat.

I'll give it a go. I have all the stuff in my garage.

Yes, the kits are expensive for what they are. Jules

After you have done it I would protect the lenses with some polish or wax that has UV protection.

There are good tutorials on YouTube.

 Jules

jules wrote:

I've recently noticed that both headlights are showing several approx 2x2 cm areas where a "lacquer" appears to have come off the acrylic. You can feel the step where the "lacquer" has gone.


If I do nothing will the underlying acrylic deteriorate ?

Can this be replaced with ordinary clear lacquer?

Yes, the lacquer is a UV protective coating, which prevents the polycarbonate headlamp glass from fogging.

Mine also has a patch of peeled lacquer, and the polycarbonate is visibly fogged in the affected area. Luckily for me, it's not an illuminated area.

Click image to enlarge

 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate. The family car.
2009 Rimini Red SE TD4. Gone.
2006 Tonga Green i6 HSE. Gone.
Audi A5 convertible, my daily driver.
1972 Hillman Avenger GT, the project.