Wax on lights(plastic)

[EvoFire]

Good or bad?

[aych]

bad

[Pb]

I polish and wax anything that's smooth. Glass, plastic headlights, tail lights, wheels. It makes em cleaner, smoother, and prevents oxidation.

[EvoFire]

Exactly what was I was expecting....

But I'm asking because I know what wax does to rubber, I was wondering if it would do the same to plastic over time. It looks fine at first, but would it eventually degrade faster from the wax?

[ToyotaJimD.]

Originally Posted by aych

bad

Why is wax on headlights bad? What kind of wax is bad? All wax, or just synthetic or carnauba or what?

The only thing I can think of that that some cleaner waxes do to rubber is chalk-up.

Now a plastic polish may be preferred, but paint care products shouldn't be a problem.

[PhatRoyale]

try some Meguiars PlastX, that may help remove some of the residue

[EvoFire]

I have that, just need to look for it through my junk.

Don't I need something to protect the plastic after I polished it like wax protexts paint after polishing?

[Pb]

Originally Posted by EvoFire

I have that, just need to look for it through my junk.

Don't I need something to protect the plastic after I polished it like wax protexts paint after polishing?

You don't HAVE to, but it helps. I always wax after polishing, otherwise the surface is naked, and unprotected.

[camrycoupe95]

Try toothpaste on the headlights to remove buildup. It's an old detailer's trick that works great. You'll be amazed at how much yellow crap is left on the rag. Afterwards apply your favorite wax.

[aych]

Originally Posted by ToyotaJimD.

Why is wax on headlights bad? What kind of wax is bad? All wax, or just synthetic or carnauba or what?

The only thing I can think of that that some cleaner waxes do to rubber is chalk-up.

Now a plastic polish may be preferred, but paint care products shouldn't be a problem.

ok. i admit. that was a really bad answer. but i still dont think wax should go on headlights. most cars headlights nowadays are plastic. synthetics may be fine, but overtime carnuba does something similar to the process of drying out rubber etc. why not just go with a plastic polish and a rain repellent? whats the reasoning behind waxing your lights?

[Pb]

Originally Posted by camrycoupe95

Try toothpaste on the headlights to remove buildup. It's an old detailer's trick that works great. You'll be amazed at how much yellow crap is left on the rag. Afterwards apply your favorite wax.

The toothpaste is abrasive, just like a polish. Which is why it works.

But I prefer to use real polish, and leave the toothpaste in the bathroom.