It seems that everyone has this problem at some point, and my '07 started showing signs last year. I didn't know it was a coating at the time, so I threw some buffing compound on it and made it worse. After reading 20 threads on the subject I'm still wondering what the best solution is. I'm not worried about getting the headlights clear, I can do that with 800/1000/1200 sanding and a quick buff. I'm wondering about how to keep them clear. Is there a way to add a new UV coating? Do I spend $1K on new headlamp assemblies? Do I paint them? Keep buffing them every 2 months?

Your thoughts on the most permanent solution?

 

Lamin-X protective film is pretty good I hear. They had a 20% sale and free shipping on Cyber Monday, just missed it.
Lamin-x Protective Films

Bought myself a set.

 

Thanks for the response. I have considered film, I have a lot of XPel on my Exige, which I love, but I'm not sure it'd keep the headlight from yellowing.

 

I'm not sure entirely sure either and I won't know until a little while since it's winter and I can't really work on the car to buff the headlights and put the Lamin-X on.
I might buff/sand the headlights, then apply 2 layers of clear coat, then apply the Lamin-X to put as many possible chances on my side.

 

I'm worried about the clear-coat itself breaking down, it's just paint after all, and if it was a more permanent solution I think Acura would have done it themselves. Maybe I just need to buy new ones, I hate to do it, but the stock ones have lasted so long, it might be a good play. I could perfect the old ones, cover them with XPel and probably get a good price for them used.

 

you can sand, polish, apply adhesion promoter, and then 3-5 coats of UV clear coat and call it a day. make sure you use denatured alcohol between each step to clean of residue.

 

nothing is permanent. however for longest effect, new headlights will be best.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. I wonder how the UV clear will wear over time. Maybe I'm over-thinking the entire thing. I don't mind buffing the headlights every 2 months, I just don't want them to turn yellow.

 

I get you. That's why I'm going to sand buff + clear coat + lamin-x. If it gets yellow then, I don't think anything will work. Some clear coats have anti-UV properties too, so i'll make sure to get one like that.