How to Sand Headlights for Clear Visibility

Foggy or yellowed headlights not only make your car look old but also reduce nighttime visibility. Sanding is the key to restoring clarity before applying a protective coating. With the right grit sequence, you can safely remove oxidation and scratches for headlights that look like new.

Why Sand Headlights?

Headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic, which oxidizes over time under UV light. This causes haze, yellowing, and reduced brightness. Sanding removes the oxidized layer and restores transparency, making your lights safer and clearer.

Tools You’ll Need

• Masking tape to protect surrounding paint
• Spray bottle with water
• Microfiber towels
• Plastic polish or UV sealant
• Silicon carbide wet/dry sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Headlight Restoration

• 800 grit: Initial removal of oxidation and heavy haze.
• 1200 grit: Refining scratches and smoothing surface.
• 2000 grit: Pre-polish sanding for clarity.
• 3000 grit: Ultra-fine finishing for a crystal-clear look.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Headlights

1. Mask off the area. Protect car paint with masking tape before sanding.
2. Start with 800 grit. Wet sand using 800 grit (25-pack) in horizontal strokes to remove haze.
3. Move to 1200 grit. Switch to 1200 grit (25-pack) to refine scratches and smooth the surface.
4. Polish with 2000 grit. Use 2000 grit (100-pack) wet to prepare headlights for finishing polish.
5. Finish with 3000 grit. Ultra-fine 3000 grit (50-pack) sanding brings maximum clarity.
6. Polish and seal. Apply plastic polish followed by a UV-resistant sealant to protect against future yellowing.

Special Cases

For heavily oxidized headlights, start with 600 grit before progressing through the sequence. If headlights have deep scratches, extra passes with 800 grit may be needed.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand to reduce heat and prevent plastic damage.
• Sand in alternating directions with each grit (horizontal then vertical) for even results.
• Keep headlights sealed with a UV protectant to maintain clarity long-term.

Aftercare

• Reapply UV sealant every 6–12 months for best protection.
• Wash headlights gently—avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Store leftover sandpaper in a dry location.

FAQs

• Can I restore headlights without sanding? Temporary wipes exist, but sanding is the only long-lasting solution.
• How long does sanding restoration last? With proper sealing, results can last 1–2 years before touch-up.

Watch & Learn

Sanding headlights is a simple DIY project with dramatic results. Shop our headlight sanding collection for the grits you need.