Restoring Car Headlight Lenses: 1000–3000 Grit Sandpaper Sheets

Foggy headlights reduce visibility and make cars look older. With the right sanding process, you can restore lenses to crystal clarity. Using 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets in progressive grits ensures the oxidation layer is removed and the surface is polished. eQualle’s wet dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets are perfect for this task.

Why Sand Headlight Lenses?

UV rays break down the plastic surface, leaving a cloudy, yellowed layer. Sanding removes this damaged layer step by step until the lens is ready for polishing. Skipping grits can leave visible scratches that reduce clarity.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle fine sandpaper sheets
• Masking tape to protect paint
• Spray bottle with clean water
• Microfiber cloths
• Plastic polish and UV sealant

Best Grit Sequence for Headlight Restoration

• 1000 grit — Removes oxidation and surface haze. 1000 Grit (100-pack).
• 1500 grit — Refines scratches from 1000 grit. 1500 Grit (25-pack).
• 2000 grit — Prepares the lens for polishing. 2000 Grit (25-pack).
• 3000 grit — Ultra-fine sanding before final polish. 3000 Grit (50-pack).

Step-by-Step Headlight Sanding

1. Mask the area. Protect surrounding paint with tape.
2. Start with 1000 grit sandpaper sheets. Wet sand horizontally until oxidation is removed.
3. Switch to 1500 grit. Sand vertically to refine scratches.
4. Move to 2000 grit sandpaper sheets. Wet sand in circular motions until evenly frosted.
5. Finish with 3000 grit. Achieve a nearly clear surface before polishing.
6. Polish. Use compound and seal with UV protectant.

Special Cases

For very severe haze, begin with 600 grit before entering the 1000–3000 sequence. For lightly hazed lenses, starting at 1500 grit may be enough.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand to prevent heat damage to plastic.
• Alternate sanding directions with each grit for even coverage.
• Use sandpaper sheets that don’t clog with dust for consistent results.

Aftercare

• Reapply UV sealant every 6–12 months to maintain clarity.
• Keep leftover sheets flat in envelopes for future use.
• Touch up with 3000 grit as needed to refresh lenses.

FAQs

• Do I need polish after sanding? Yes—sanding only prepares the lens, polish restores clarity.
• Which grit is most important? 3000 grit ensures lenses polish to full transparency.
• Which pack should I choose? A 1000 Grit (100-pack) is the most used starting point.

Watch & Learn

Restore crystal-clear headlights with eQualle 9x11 in sandpaper sheets. Shop the full range in the Fine Sandpaper Collection.