UV protection headlight PPF film/wrap

[Meds]

Does anyone have experience with PPF wrap/film that claim to be UV resistant?

I've recently polished my headlights and want to ensure they stay as shiney as possible. I've applied the perspex sealer and also a coat of wax that should help but I'd like something more permanent.

There seems to be a huge price difference from a £5 no-brand cheap small roll of film that claims to be UV resistant, to some very expensive branded stuff and mostly only avaliable in long rolls.



Any ideas?

 

[Rucky]

i used UV protective lacquer on my X5 and will be doing the Z4 this spring as soon as it warms up.
https://e-tech.uk.com/e-tech-restored-headlight-clear-coat

 

[TriggerFish]

I used Lamin-X on my Volvo. The headlights on that went cloudy, and I restored them with the Meguiars kit - including their sealer. It had gone cloudy in the same way a year or so later.

I redid them, and then applied the sealer (I think) and Lamin-X over the top. It hasn't shown any signs of degrading so far, and that was about a year ago I think. The film itself is thick. Like 2-4mm thick I'd guess, and it really does give piece of mind it'll actually protect them from chips/rocks, which the thinner films (like you'd use for tinting foglights etc) or sprays don't really give, even if it doesn't help with UV (which it does seem to be doing, so a win/win).

 

[Meds]

i used UV protective lacquer on my X5 and will be doing the Z4 this spring as soon as it warms up.

I've considered a spray sealant. But my concern is me screwing it up and it looking bad, then needing to mechanically remove it to try again. I can see myself getting in a right mucking fuddle, tbh.
What was the application/finish like?

I used Lamin-X on my Volvo.

Yes films like Lamin-X seem ideal, even on their promo video it shows a Z4 headlight. Haha, they know!

 

[plenty]

I used a £20 PPF kit from eBay. Too early to tell how well it prevents UV, but the fit and quality seemed ok. And unlike a sealant it also helps protects against stone chips (useful when bi-xenons are close to a grand per set).

 

[Rucky]

Rattle can finish was perfect, 3 coats, no runs or drips. The lacquer resists chips at least as well as paint and if it does get chipped I will just cut it back with 400/600 wet and dry and reapply. I was worried it might peel but no signs yet.

 

[Meds]

I've emailed a few local car wrapping places to see what they can offer, if they dont want the job then I'll probably get the Lamin-X pre-cut films.

 

[pvr]

Just as a semi related bit of nonsense, did you read about Aviva cancelling insurance as a car had PPF on it which was not declared? Thread on Pistonheads if you need some coffee time reading ...

 

[Meds]

Just as a semi related bit of nonsense, did you read about Aviva cancelling insurance as a car had PPF on it which was not declared? Thread on Pistonheads if you need some coffee time reading ...

Oh my days.

 

[mmm-five]

Just as a semi related bit of nonsense, did you read about Aviva cancelling insurance as a car had PPF on it which was not declared? Thread on Pistonheads if you need some coffee time reading ...

Admiral repaired my car, but wouldn't pay for the PPF to be replaced...but at least they didn't cancel/void the policy.

 

[Meds]

https://www.topwrapz.com/post/bmw-z4-e85-e86-headlight-protection-ppf-45-00

Another option ^^

 

[mmm-five]

https://www.topwrapz.com/post/bmw-z4-e85-e86-headlight-protection-ppf-45-00

Another option ^^

But remember to select the 'clear' version (both now £54 a pair) if you don't want to look like a chav and risk an MOT failure from a strict MOT tester.

 

[Meds]

I booked my place in the chav category when I tinted my fog lights yellow.
It would be 100% clear for the headlights, though.

 

[RobertJames]

Cheap PPF may yellow quickly, while quality UV-resistant films last longer. For headlights, it’s worth investing in a reputable brand.

 

[Rockhopper]

I’m told that it’s actually more expensive to make film etc that isn’t UV resistant because the materials used in its manufacture naturally have that property.