Does Cerakote Work on Headlights?
What is Cerakote?
Cerakote is a ceramic-based, advanced coating that is often used to protect and improve the appearance of various metal components, including firearms, knives, and even auto parts. Its unique composition allows it to provide unmatched resistance to scratches, abrasions, and corrosion. This coating is also praised for its self-healing properties, which enable it to recover from minor damage or scratches on its own.
Is Cerakote Suitable for Headlights?
The primary question in the title remains: does Cerakote work on headlights?. While Cerakote can provide excellent protection and shine for many metal surfaces, it may not be the most suitable solution for headlight restoration.
Pros:
• Superior scratch resistance: Cerakote’s ceramic composition is exceptionally resistant to scratches, which is important for protecting headlights from stone chips or debris.
• Anti-yellowing: Cerakote can help prevent or minimize the appearance of yellowing, a common issue for headlights.
• Enhanced gloss: With a Cerakote application, headlights can regain their original shine, making them appear more radiant and like new.
Cons:
• Difficult to apply: Cerakote requires specialized equipment, solvents, and procedures, making it challenging to apply correctly at home. Additionally, it may necessitate a controlled environment for curing.
• Heat-sensitive: High temperatures (above 400°F or 204°C) can affect the bond between Cerakote and the plastic headlight material, which might lead to delamination.
• Not optimized for UV resistance: Headlights are frequently exposed to harsh UV radiation, which may compromise Cerakote’s protective qualities over time.
• Potential masking: If applied incorrectly or over an uneven surface, Cerakote might obscure scratches or other imperfections rather than hide them, effectively masking them.
Can Cerakote Help With Headlight Restoration?
To Some Extent, Yes:
In certain circumstances, Cerakote might still be used for headlight restoration, particularly:
- Minor, small-area scratches: Applying Cerakote to the specific areas with scratches can improve appearance and prevent further damage.
- Light corrosion: If the corrosion is minimal, Cerakote can provide a thin barrier to protect the material, promoting a better appearance and corrosion resistance.
- Aesthetics-focused: For purely cosmetic reasons, Cerakote might still be beneficial for some people, enhancing the look and appearance of their headlights without addressing major issues like haze or damage.
What are Other Headlight Restoration Options?**
While Cerakote presents potential drawbacks and uncertainties when used on headlights, various alternative solutions can provide equally, if not more effective, results. Some alternatives to consider include:
| Solution | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| — | — | — |
| Polish and sealing compounds | Affordable, easily applicable, and effective in some cases | May require frequent reapplications, ineffective on severe damage |
| Glass coatings | Provides high gloss, good scratch resistance | May be expensive, some products might not provide expected results |
| Peelable coatings | Easy application, peel-off for minor damages | Not suitable for more extensive damage, peel-off residue concerns |
| 3M Headlight Restoration Kit | Comprehensive and convenient, with a backing and cleaning step | A bit pricey, may still have limitations with severe damage |
| DIY methods and materials | Budget-friendly and do-it-yourself-oriented | Can be time-consuming, inconsistent results, safety risks |
When deciding between options, it’s crucial to assess the severity and scope of your headlight issues, considering factors such as:
• **Intensity and type of damage**
• **Level of hazing or cloudiness**
• **Material type** (plastic, polyurethane, or another composition)
• **Color** (yellowing or blue-tinted heads)
