How to Sand Auto Headlights for Crystal Clarity (600, 1000, 2000 Grit Step-by-Step Guide)

Over time, car headlights become cloudy, yellowed, or scratched due to UV rays, dirt, and weather exposure. This not only makes your car look older but also reduces visibility at night. The good news? You can restore your headlights at home with just a few sheets of sandpaper and some polish. In this guide, we’ll explain how to wet sand headlights step by step using 600, 1000, and 2000 grit sandpaper for professional, crystal-clear results.

Why Sanding Headlights Works

Headlight lenses are made of polycarbonate plastic that oxidizes and forms a rough, cloudy layer. Sanding removes this damaged surface and gradually refines the lens until it’s smooth enough to polish clear.

Benefits of sanding headlights include:

• Improved visibility: Restores brightness and beam strength.
• Safety: Clearer headlights improve nighttime driving safety.
• Better aesthetics: Makes your car look newer and well-maintained.
• Cost savings: Restores headlights for a fraction of replacement cost.

Choosing the Right Grits

• 600 grit: Removes oxidation, yellowing, and surface damage.
• 1000 grit: Refines scratches left by 600 grit and smooths the lens.
• 2000 grit: Creates a nearly clear finish ready for polishing compounds.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• Wet/dry sandpaper: High-quality sheets in 600, 1000, and 2000 grits.
• Spray bottle with water: Keeps surfaces lubricated while sanding.
• Sanding block or pad: Helps maintain even sanding across curved headlights.
• Polishing compound: Final step to restore crystal clarity.
• Microfiber cloths: For drying and buffing.
• Masking tape: Protects paint around headlights during sanding.

Step-by-Step Sanding Guide

1. Prep and mask. Wash headlights with soap and water. Dry them and mask off surrounding paint with painter’s tape.
2. Start with 600 grit. Use 600 grit (25-pack) wet/dry sandpaper. Spray water and sand in horizontal strokes until the oxidation layer is removed. The lens will look cloudy—that’s normal.
3. Move to 1000 grit. Switch to 1000 grit (25-pack). Sand in vertical strokes, refining scratches from the 600 grit. Keep the surface wet at all times.
4. Finish with 2000 grit. Apply 2000 grit (50-pack). Sand in circular motions until the lens feels smooth and hazy-clear.
5. Polish. Use a polishing compound and microfiber cloth to buff the headlights until they become transparent again.

Special Considerations

Severely damaged headlights: May require an extra stage starting with 400 grit before moving to 600 grit.

UV protection: After sanding and polishing, apply a UV sealant to prevent the lens from re-yellowing.

Plastic headlights only: Do not use this method on glass headlights.

Pro Tips

• Sand in alternating directions between grits to track progress.
• Always wet sand—dry sanding can scratch or melt plastic.
• Replace sandpaper often to maintain effectiveness.
• Work slowly—don’t rush through grits for the best clarity.
• For faster polishing, use a drill-mounted polishing pad.

Aftercare

• Reapply UV protection every 6–12 months.
• Clean headlights with mild soap—avoid abrasive cleaners.
• If cloudiness returns, repeat the 2000 grit sanding and polishing step.

FAQs

• Do I need clear coat after sanding? Yes, applying a UV-resistant clear coat or sealant will extend the clarity of your headlights.
• Can I stop at 1000 grit? No—the lens will stay hazy unless you finish with 2000 grit and polish.
• Will toothpaste work instead of polish? Toothpaste can help temporarily, but it doesn’t last like a proper polishing compound.
• How long will restored headlights last? With UV protection, results can last up to two years.

Watch & Learn

Shop headlight sanding sheets: Get 600, 1000, and 2000 grit sandpaper in convenient packs. Shop super fine sandpaper.

Closing Thoughts

Restoring headlights doesn’t require expensive kits—just the right sandpaper and patience. By working through 600 → 1000 → 2000 grits and finishing with polish, you’ll bring your headlights back to crystal clarity. This simple DIY project improves both the appearance of your car and your safety on the road.