Silicone lensing for aesthetic automotive trim lighting

A decorative automotive component comprising:

• a carrier structure;
• a light source mounted to the carrier structure;
• a transparent or translucent light-transmissive lens mounted to the light source;
• a decorative cover mounted to the lens;
• wherein the lens disperses light and includes a molded silicone body defining a light guide, wherein light generated by the light source is transmitted through the lens and visible around the decorative cover
• wherein the lens does not include a protective hardcoat;
• wherein the decorative automotive component is mounted on an exterior of a vehicle and exposed to direct sunlight.

A method of forming an automotive component having an optical lens, the method comprising the steps of:

• producing a silicone lens from a mold, wherein the lens is translucent or transparent and light transmissive;
• attaching the lens over a light source;
• attaching a cover over a portion of the lens, wherein a visible portion of the lens remains outside of the cover;
• attaching the lens, light source, and cover to a carrier and forming the automotive component, wherein light from the light source is transmissible form the light source through the lens and which is visible around the cover;
• installing the automotive component on an exterior of a vehicle and exposing the visible portion of the lens to direct sunlight without a hardcoat applied to the lens.