Clear Sealant for Headlight Lens/Covers

[Mike H]

Has anyone had any experience of trying to make a water tight seal on the their front head light lens/covers, but without having to paint a black border under the lens or using foam underneath it? Looking for this effect:

 

[40 Bud]

If you want to have it water tight you will have to have some kind of sealing material. If you don't like the black ring try painting it the body color.

 

[Mike H]

I didn't want to paint the lens if possible - looking for some kind of very thinly based clear sealant which you can brush on, just to act as a barrier.

 

[Neil]

Mike, You might try painting the body area around the cover with clear "self-leveling" RTV. Let it cure before you install the cover or you might not be able to remove it. If you can find a non-stick release agent for RTV you could install the cover and then the RTV will cure and form a nice gasket.

 

[Mike H]

That sounds like a good idea Neil, thanks. I'll investigate on some self-leveling silicone. As you say, I do want to get the cover off again at some point. The seal only needs to be thin. Will try first on some bits not on the car.

 

[Scott Calabro]

I’ve used DOW 557 and DOW Molykote 316 with success for that type of “mold release”
Both are sold in aerosol cans for around $20

Try it on a test piece first though!

 

[Mike H]

I'll have a try of this, too! Thanks