Sanding Plastic Headlight Covers: 800–2000 Grit Sandpaper Sheets

Plastic headlight covers often become cloudy, scratched, or yellowed from sun exposure. The fastest way to restore them is a careful sanding sequence using 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets. eQualle’s wet dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets are ideal for refining plastic surfaces and preparing them for polishing compounds.

Why Sand Plastic Headlight Covers?

UV damage creates a rough outer layer that diffuses light. Sanding removes this layer step by step until the lens is smooth and clear. Without sanding, polishing compounds can’t fully restore transparency.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle fine sandpaper sheets
• Masking tape to protect car paint
• Spray bottle with clean water
• Microfiber towels
• Plastic or headlight polishing compound

Best Grit Sequence for Headlight Covers

• 800 grit — Removes oxidation and surface damage. 800 Grit (25-pack).
• 1200 grit — Refines sanding marks. 1200 Grit (25-pack).
• 2000 grit — Prepares the lens for polishing. 2000 Grit (25-pack).

Step-by-Step Sanding Guide

1. Mask around headlights. Protect paint and trim with masking tape.
2. Start with 800 grit sandpaper sheets. Wet sand horizontally until the cloudy layer is fully removed.
3. Switch to 1200 grit. Sand vertically to refine scratches and bring back partial clarity.
4. Finish with 2000 grit sandpaper sheets. Wet sand in circles to achieve a uniformly frosted surface, ready for polishing.
5. Polish. Apply compound with a microfiber cloth until the lens becomes crystal clear.

Special Cases

For very severe haze, start at 600 grit before 800. For lightly fogged lenses, begin directly with 1200 grit.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand to prevent overheating the plastic.
• Sand in alternating directions with each grit to ensure full scratch removal.
• Use sandpaper sheets that don’t clog with dust for consistent performance.

Aftercare

• Seal the lens with UV protectant after polishing.
• Reapply protectant every 6–12 months for lasting clarity.
• Keep leftover sheets flat for future restorations.

FAQs

• Can I stop at 1200 grit? Not recommended—2000 grit ensures full clarity before polishing.
• Do I need polishing compound after sanding? Yes—sanding alone leaves the lens hazy.
• Which pack should I buy? For repeat projects, 1200 Grit (25-pack) is the most versatile.

Watch & Learn

Bring back headlight clarity with eQualle 9x11 in sandpaper sheets. Browse the full selection in the Fine Sandpaper Collection.