I've used the product on over a dozen headlights over the years with excellent results and without any problems until yesterday. After it dried there were cloudy streaks all over the the headlight as if it didn't flow smooth after application. Could this be caused by the low temperature when I put it on? It was 42°F while in the past it was over 60 when I used it. Or did I get a bad batch? How to remove and start over? Polishing compound?
First time issue with 3M headlight coating
- Thread starter atikovi
- Start date
Do the instructions indicate a limited temperature range?
No, just to keep from freezing.
I have several vehicles I want to use 3M headlight film on!
There ya go. Was the stuff in the garage during a cold spell?
A lot of stuff doesn’t like colder temperatures.
No the product was in the basement, the headlight outside was cold.
Maybe you had some leftover residue that was preventing the product from proper bonding.
That doesn't work if the headlights have been restored.Just keep them waxed.
People neglect the lights from the start.
Sanded off the coating and will try again later today when it's supposed to be 65°
No amount of snake oil will prevent lights from clearcoat failure if the vehicle is subjected to a lot of UV exposure. PPF is the only item that seems to work and this is because it is a physical barrier.People neglect the lights from the start.
I wouldn't call it snake oil.
For one reason or another, cars that are washed and waxed often look nicer for longer and that includes the headlights, glass everything.
Wether that is from "UV inhibitors" or some other mechanism, maintenance seems to work. Agree that PPF is the best thing you can do. UV seems to degrade that first.
I think the act of keeping the surfaces clean will always help with longevity.
Without a controlled test, your guess is as good as mine.
Keeping your paint surfaces clean will always help with longevity, but adding a coat wax, sealant or coating adds longevity. Same with headlights.
Got a can of the Meguiar's and sprayed 2 coats. Looks like new.
Hope you masked off the adjacent areas. If not, there is a ton of overspray in those areas by now.
I did.
