3M Headlight Restoration Kit

[RickOKC]

does the 3M kit come with a UV coating? I just used a Sylvania kit from advanced auto.. came with sand paper, buffing compound and a UV coating thats supposed to keep the yellowing at bay for a while.. so far look better than any other kits ive used (but never used a 3m kit)

I'm going to say it doesn't have any UV protection. I looked on the tiny little packet of polish and the 3M website and it wasn't mentioned anywhere.

I guess that's another reason I'm glad I had the Mother's kit. Their polish has UV protection and the instructions recommend reapplying it periodically (just wipe on & off with a rag.) I'll have to look tonight, but I think it even mentioned reapplying after each wash.

[VX KAT]

FYI- Aerospace Protectant 303 has SPF40 UV protection. I just quickly spray and wipe dry on my headlights.
303 Aerospace Protectant:
"SPF 40 SUNSCREEN" For Your Stuff
Developed for aerospace and aviation applications, 303 is the world's most effective UV screening product. Unlike other "protectant" products, 303 does not contain silicone oils, waxes, glycerin or petroleum distillates. 303 leaves a like-new, non-oily, anti-static finish that does not attract dust. Treated stay cleaner longer, reducing maintenance.

[RickOKC]

FYI- Aerospace Protectant 303 has SPF40 UV protection. I just quickly spray and wipe dry on my headlights.
303 Aerospace Protectant:
"SPF 40 SUNSCREEN" For Your Stuff
Developed for aerospace and aviation applications, 303 is the world's most effective UV screening product. Unlike other "protectant" products, 303 does not contain silicone oils, waxes, glycerin or petroleum distillates. 303 leaves a like-new, non-oily, anti-static finish that does not attract dust. Treated stay cleaner longer, reducing maintenance.

I'm glad you mentioned this!

Here's an interesting(?) oddball item - I think 303 reacts negatively with the factory headlight film.

Before I completely removed the factory coating using the 3M method, I accidentally got some 303 overspray on my headlights while treating my cladding. It left what looked like water spots and smears on the headlights and I wondered if it was permanent because I couldn't remove it with Windex or a regular wash.

Then I saw "Do not use on clear plastic" in the 303 directions. YIKES!

However, I also noticed that there has NEVER been any similar negative reaction on my big shiny perfect-looking rear taillights or any other lenses.

Hmmmmm, what is the difference?

After reading this tonight, I figured "what the heck, I'll play guinea pig"; I'll use the 3M stuff again if I need to. I intentionally sprayed some 303 on the headlights just to see what would happen and it was 100%, completely fine!

So... I wonder if 303 just doesn't like headlight coating films so I'd recommend being careful and testing 303 on "perfect", factory headlights.

[VX KAT]

Holy Moly! Good catch Rick! I didn't read that and have been using it on our other clear plastic headlights that are still factory finished I don't see any changes, maybe because I wipe it off pretty fast...I hope....