Protecting rear light bar from UV damage

[Mickandsej]

Given the propensity for plastic headlights to go bad, the nature of the rear light bar may well go the same way. I know there are old school tools on restoring lights, but they all need repeated treatment, and my wife’s previous Aygo was so deeply damaged I gave up and fitted new units (lens not available separately).
With the light bar being such a prominent feature on the top two trims I’ve been googling products and found this: any thoughts anyone?
Bizarrely - it’s 9.99 for 1litre, 29.99 for 2x1litre. Didn’t know WHSmith sold on Amazon….

 

[pjmmk]

Wonder how weather resistant it is. I've seen lots of UV protection stuff but it's all been for internal components. Be useful if it can cope with rain, snow, etc. and a few washes.

 

[Chrisdriving]

Machine polish and ceramic coat.
Thats the plan with mine. Also the plastic micro scratches really easy as does the black gloss plastic, coating it all helps reduce this as well as protect.

I use this plastic ceramic coating.

Q² TRIM EVO - GYEON

Permanent Trim Restorer

gyeon.co

 

[Mickandsej]

https://amzn.eu/d/7r79AHr

Just posted the link so the full text is visible. I’m inclined to think as it’s marine branded it might be worth a try.

 

[Wizard of Oz]

Not sure about that product, but I've watched a youtube channel called "Dmitry's Garage". Amongst other things, he tests detailing products. A year or two back he started testing waxes and "ceramic"* coats for UV-A protection, and not one had any. As in zero protection, not just very little. I suspect the only kind of product that has some protection would be something that is opaque, or at least translucent. Something like Sikkens varnish!

* No "ceramic" in any of them either - it's just a widely overused marketing term.

 

[Chrisdriving]

Gyeon trim fwiw is a true ceramic coating as are all their ‘ceramic’ named products.
I have used it for last 4 years on various vehicles and it performs as expected compared to parts not coated.
All i would say as i question the 36 months lifespan, in my experience its a good 24 months plus in my usage pattern.

 

[Wizard of Oz]

Gyeon make good stuff.

Unfortunately, the likes of Turtle Wax etc have diluted the term "ceramic" by putting it on all sorts of sprays which would be lucky to last six months in ideal circumstances.

 

[Mickandsej]

Just used the Amazon stuff on wife’s Aygo head & tail lights, seems to go on slightly creamy, not done mine yet as it’s filthy. Specifically says it’s for marine use, we’ll see how it holds up.

 

[JonnyG]

Could be good for my UPVC window frames too then