Sanding Auto Headlights: Restore Clarity and Brightness

Cloudy or yellowed headlights reduce visibility and make vehicles look older. Sanding is a proven method to restore clarity, removing oxidation and scratches before polishing. With the right grit sequence, headlights can look almost brand new.

Why Sanding Headlights Matters

Headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic, which oxidizes over time from UV exposure. Sanding removes the oxidized layer and smooths the surface for polishing or clear coat application. Skipping sanding leaves haze, reducing effectiveness of restoration kits.

Essential Tools

• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper
• Sanding block or foam pad
• Spray bottle of water for wet sanding
• Microfiber towels
• Polishing compound and UV-protective clear coat

Best Sandpaper Grits for Headlights

• 800 grit: Remove oxidation and haze (800 Grit (25-pack)).
• 1500 grit: Smooth scratches left by coarse grit (1500 Grit (50-pack)).
• 3000 grit: Final sanding for crystal-clear polish (3000 Grit (100-pack)).

Step-by-Step: Sanding Headlights

1. Clean headlights. Wash thoroughly with soap and water, then dry.
2. Start with 800 grit. Wet sand in horizontal strokes to remove oxidation.
3. Switch to 1500 grit. Wet sand in vertical strokes to refine scratches.
4. Finish with 3000 grit. Wet sand lightly until headlights look uniformly clear.
5. Polish. Apply compound and buff with microfiber or polishing pad.
6. Seal. Apply UV-protective clear coat to prevent re-oxidation.

Special Cases

For heavily damaged headlights, start with 400–600 grit before moving up. For minor haze, you may begin directly at 1500 grit.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand—dry sanding scratches plastic easily.
• Sand in alternating directions with each grit for even coverage.
• Seal headlights immediately after polishing to lock in clarity.

Aftercare

• Reapply UV sealant every 6–12 months for long-lasting clarity.
• Clean headlights with mild soap, not harsh chemicals.
• Touch up light haze early with 3000 grit before it worsens.

FAQs

• Can toothpaste replace sanding? Toothpaste only polishes lightly—sanding removes deeper oxidation.
• Do restoration kits work? Yes, but sanding is the most important step for lasting results.
• Will sanding damage headlights? Not if done correctly with wet sanding and fine grits.

Watch & Learn

Sanding headlights restores brightness and improves driving safety. Shop our ultra-fine sanding sheets to bring back crystal-clear clarity to your headlights.