Can you ceramic coat lights?
Quick answer: Yes - you can ceramic coat lights. Ceramic coatings work on both glass and plastic lenses, so when we coat a car we also coat the lights to help them stay cleaner and, on polished plastic headlights, to slow the oxidation that makes them go cloudy.
Yes, you can ceramic coat lights, and we do. Ceramic coating can go on both glass and plastic, so when we treat a car with a coating, we will also do all the lights. This helps them stay clean along with the rest of the car.
When we re-polish plastic headlights, we always seal them with a ceramic coating because it helps prevent the oxidation which makes them go cloudy.
What this question is really about
People asking whether you can ceramic coat lights are usually concerned about two things - protecting plastic lenses from fading and making them easier to keep clean. There is a good chance they owned a car that failed an MOT because of yellowed, hazy or crazed plastic headlight covers. There is also often some uncertainty about whether coatings are safe on plastics at all.
Yes, lights can be ceramic coated
Ceramic coatings can be safely applied to headlight and tail light lenses. Modern light units are typically made from polycarbonate plastic, and coatings are well suited to this material when applied correctly.
What ceramic coating does for lights
- Adds UV resistance, helping slow down yellowing and oxidation
- Makes insects, road film, and grime easier to remove
- Reduces the chance of staining from bug residue
- Helps lights stay clearer between washes
What it does not do
It is important to set realistic expectations.
- It will not repair yellowed or cloudy headlights on its own (However, we have a headlight polishing service for this)
- It does not stop stone chips or physical damage
- It will not permanently prevent ageing of plastic
Preparation matters more than the coating
If headlights are already dull or oxidised, they need to be properly restored before coating. Applying a ceramic coating over damaged plastic will lock in the problem rather than fix it.
- Oxidation should be removed first if present
- The surface must be clean and residue-free
- Correct curing time should be allowed before exposure to water
Why coating lights is often overlooked
- Many owners focus only on paintwork
- Factory UV protection degrades over time
- Unprotected plastic ages faster than coated paint
Best-practice takeaway
- Ceramic coating lights is safe and beneficial when done correctly
- Always restore damaged headlights before coating
- Think of the coating as protection, not a repair
- Maintain with gentle washing to extend clarity
People also asked
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 06/01/2026 14:23
Further Reading
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🍀 How long do ceramic coatings really last?
An article answering how long you can expect a ceramic coating to last in the real world. -
🍀 Is a Ceramic Coating Worth it?
Ceramic coatings are expensive, there's no getting away from that. So the question has to be asked, are they worth the money?
Services
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🔥🔥🔷 Car Ceramic Coatings
We offer a range of Graphene, Diamond and Ceramic Coatings for cars of all types. -
🔷 Headlight Polishing Service
For cloudy or hazy plastic headlights, we can restore them with our six stage polishing system.