To restore fogged plastic headlights, mask them and cover the paint. Start with dry sanding, then wet sand with 800-2500 grit sandpaper. Apply a compound, liquid polish, and finish with isopropyl alcohol. Evaluate and repeat if necessary, then apply a protective coating.
For heavily damaged headlights, use sandpaper to remove the outer layer of oxidation, allowing the headlights to shine brightly once more. Start with 1000 grit wet/dry paper and a small bucket of water to dip it in. Sand smooth, then move up to 1500 grit, 2000 grit, 2500 grit, and 3000 grit. Some restoration kits make this easier by including an adhesive.
Permanently restore your headlights like if they were straight out of the factory by wet sanding and spraying a clear coat. Use wet 1000 grit sandpaper and light pressure to sand the plastic in circular patterns. When small scratches look identical across the entire headlight, sand. Place the sand paper on the headlight and continue spraying until the whole headlight is wet.
Wet sand with 1,000 grit sandpaper using a water spray bottle to provide a lubricant for sanding. Lightly sand the headlight surface with the 1,000 grit sheet and continue to apply water so that the surface remains wet. Switch to 2,000 grit sanding sheets after the 1,000 grit sanding sheet. Pre- soak the sandpaper in a bucket of water, and use a good lubricant to ensure the sanding aid remains wet.
The best method is wet sanding, starting with a lower (around 800) grit, then moving to higher grits to get a finer and smoother surface. Wet sand from 320 grit all the way up to 1200 grit, then spray with two even coats of automotive grade clear coat.
📹 Plastic Headlight Wet Sanding & Polishing
A video on how I wet sanded and polished my headlights to make them look almost new.
How do you clean the inside of a plastic headlight?
To clean your car’s headlights, open the hood and locate screws near the side opening. Lift the headlights out of their slit and remove the lenses, following the manual. Fill a bucket with hot water and mix a cleaning detergent to remove dirt inside the headlights. Dip an abrasive pad into the hot water to rub dirt buildup on the back of the headlight lenses without scratching them. Dry the lenses and apply a coat of glass wax to keep the restoration safe for longer. Snap the headlight lenses back into the box and reinstall them in your car. Be careful not to touch the reflective layer around the bulb, as it can be darkened by touch.
Clean the car’s headlights with magnets by following these steps:
- Remove the headlights from their slits.
- Remove the electrical cords and screw them back into place.
- Clean the mirrors and reflectors with a clean cloth.
- Reconnect the electrical wiring and screw the headlights back into place.
How do you rejuvenate plastic headlights?
In order to restore cloudy headlights, it is necessary to use a cleaning solution, wipe the surface clean, apply a coating solution, and then allow it to dry. A second coat should then be applied, followed by a repetition of the aforementioned process on the second highlight. The Meguairs Two-Step Headlight Restoration Kit, available at the RAC shop, provides protection against ultraviolet radiation for a period of over 12 months. In the event that one is uncertain or lacks the requisite confidence, it would be prudent to engage the services of a professional automotive repair facility to perform the task.
How do you remove condensation from headlight housing?
Condensation in headlights can be caused by various factors, including moisture ingress, bulb replacement, and condensation. To remove condensation, remove bulbs and connectors, place desiccant packets in the housing, and blow warm air into the housing using a hair dryer. Moisture affects headlights by causing condensation and reducing visibility. To fix major headlight condensation, replace the bulb immediately. However, removing condensation in headlights is crucial for a clearer view. To prevent condensation from forming, use a hair dryer on a low-heat setting and remove the condensation from the housing.
Can you wet sand plastic headlights?
To restore foggy headlights, apply water as a lubricant on the headlight surface and lightly wet sand using 1, 000 grit sandpaper. Follow consistent sanding motions for an easier restoration process. Yellowing headlights impair visibility at night and pose a safety hazard. Headlight restoration is easy and doesn’t require expensive repairs. A comprehensive guide on how to permanently restore headlights and quick temporary fixes is provided. This DIY solution is a cost-effective alternative to expensive mechanic services.
How to wet sand plastic?
Wet sanding is a common method for smoothing out drywall without creating harmful dust. It involves using foam blocks, toothpaste, baking soda, or vinegar, with gloves on and proper preparation of the work area. For applying paint, primer can be wet sanded before the base coat. Drywall wet sanding is another method, but it may take longer but offers health benefits. The first step is to understand that less is more when it comes to wet sanding drywall. Control the amount of water used to avoid damaging the drywall with valleys, craters, and melted spots. Wearing gloves and preparing the work area accordingly are essential for proper wet sanding.
How to remove oxidation from inside headlights?
The use of bug spray containing 25% DEET represents an efficacious and expeditious method for the removal of oxidation from headlights. This is achieved by the melting of the headlight plastic and its oxidation. The spray is an effective method for cleaning hazy, oxidized headlights, maintaining their cleanliness for approximately a week, and preserving their appearance.
How do you remove haze from plastic headlight covers?
The speaker intends to apply WD-40 to the headlights and will observe for an immediate change. Once the cleaning process is complete, the WD-40 should be removed using a clean cloth.
How do I make my headlight housing clear?
A liberal quantity of window cleaning solution should be applied to the headlight and allowed to soak for a brief period. Subsequently, the surface should be wiped clean with a microfiber cloth, after which the headlight should be treated with polish and rubbed firmly in a circular motion.
How do you get moisture out of a headlight without removing it?
In order to facilitate the drying of moist air within a headlight unit, it is recommended that a hairdryer be used to direct hot, dry air into the vent or into the external environment. It is essential to ensure that the air is heated and dried to the greatest extent possible.
What liquid do you wet sand with?
Water with a small amount of detergent is the best liquid for most materials, as it reduces scuffing and helps wet paper and material completely. WD-40 can be used as a lubricant for sanding bare metal. Wet sanding is used to achieve an even surface finish after dry sanding, as it removes large scratches left by dry sanding. If done correctly, the surface will gradually level out, and the scratches will become smaller until they are no longer visible when light reflects off of them. This process differs from one material to another and is essential for maintaining a smooth and polished surface.
📹 How To Wet Sand Headlights! – Chemical Guys
Oxidized headlights can ruin the entire look and value of your vehicle. Whether it be a brand new car or an older vehicle, …
Great article thank you. I know the length of how long it will last depends on various scenarios, but after they start fading again, do I complete the whole process such as sanding/polishing again, or just polish/seal? Thank you in advance. What additional sealant can I use from you guys? Ps: you look like my nephew.
Brother, I just wet sanded my headlight which had some scratches on it from a car cover. I used your Chemical Guys lube, soapy water and 1500 & 3000 grit. The scratches are gone but there’s a 😭 “haze” left on the portion I sanded. I don’t have any compound or polish (I thought I did 😭) am I screwed now. What should I do in the meantime? Thank you all @ChemicalGuys- big fan 👍