Has anyone successfully put paint protective film on the headlights?

[Pat]

I just had new headlights installed. I had the body shop put paint protective film on them, but there are stretch marks in the middle of the film. Moreover, there are a few areas around the edges where it is not properly adhered to the lens. I understand the convexity of the lens can make it difficult. Has anyone had good long-term success with this? FWIW, the product was made by 3M.
TIA...

[ls1ac]

Application error, have them do it again.
They did not stretch the convex middle enough.
Heat will only draw up the outside edges so much.

[ls1ac]

By the way the stretch marks or lines usually happen when the film is heated and pulled while still in contact with the surface under the film.

[Irace86.2.0]

I bought some 3M and attempted to do it, but there were air bubbles that maybe would go away with heat or time, but I didn’t feel like leaving it on.

[toast]

The headlight film from Xpel is a bitch to do. I've wrapped many cars and never had as much trouble as I did with the headlight. It is much thicker than the regular film and does not want to go around contours as well. I wound up removing it and using regular Xpel.

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by toast

The headlight film from Xpel is a bitch to do. I've wrapped many cars and never had as much trouble as I did with the headlight. It is much thicker than the regular film and does not want to go around contours as well. I wound up removing it and using regular Xpel.

Some companies can use computerized templates to cut the product to the shape of the headlight or bumper, but wouldn't it be ideal to have film that is already molded to the shape of the product? Something that is 3D versus 2D, so the wrinkles are far less likely to happen. This seems like it could be done. Just saying.

[ls1ac]

Headlights are best done out of the car secured to a workbench.

[tobin]

Hey Pat - I had a local shop install Lamin-X film on mine back when the car was new (2013). I don't have any of those issues with stretch marks or edges coming up. They have held up great and look the same as when new. The Lamin-X film is made specifically for the lights and is cut to the exact size and shape before installing. Sounds like they might have tried using a generic sheet on yours?

[mrhayes1]

If your headlights don't look perfect and you can tell it is clear bra they f**ked up. Plain and simple. And no you don't need to remove headlights to install clear bra that is insane and you have to remove the bumper. Way too much work. Mind have clear bra and are mint. I have 2 vehicles; both have front bumpers and headlights done and its mint.

[Pat]

I'm having it redone tomorrow.

[jonathan9573]

Put it on way back in 2013 when I got my fr-s. Looks good then and looks good now. Install it for a living and that headlight should be a walk in the park for anyone that does it professionally.