Over time, plastic headlight lenses can become dull, yellowed, and damaged. Instead of spending hundreds on replacements, you can restore them yourself in just 45 minutes with a few simple tools and materials.
What You’ll Need
Tools:
- Flannel polishing cloth
- Latex gloves
- Masking tape
- Wet & dry sandpaper (1000 to 2500 grit)
Materials:
- Plastic polish
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Wash and Sand Horizontally
1. Clean the hazy headlight with warm, soapy water.
2. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry.
3. Mask off the surrounding area to protect your car’s paint.
4. Soak the sandpaper in water and start with the lowest grit (1000 or 1500) depending on the level of damage.
5. Sand in one direction (horizontally) to remove oxidation and surface damage.
Step 2: Rinse and Sand Vertically
1. Rinse the headlight thoroughly.
2. Switch to the next grit (e.g., 2000), this time sanding in a vertical motion.
3. Continue this process, finishing with the 2500-grit sandpaper for a smooth surface.
Step 3: Buff the Lens with Polish
1. Wash the headlight again with clean water and dry it completely.
2. Apply a small amount of plastic polish to a corner of the flannel cloth.
3. Use firm, circular motions to buff the headlight until it becomes smooth and clear.
Step 4: Final Polish and Inspection
1. Let the polish dry completely.
2. Use the clean end of the cloth to buff off any remaining residue.
3. If certain areas are still cloudy, apply more polish and buff again.
4. Inspect the headlight, if done correctly, the lens should be crystal clear!
With this simple method, your headlights will look brand new, improving visibility and enhancing your car’s appearance.
