Headlight Restoration with Sandpaper Sheets: 600–3000 Grit Sequence

Cloudy or yellowed headlights reduce visibility and make vehicles look aged. Instead of replacing them, you can restore clarity using 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets. eQualle’s wet dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets are perfect for plastic lens restoration, delivering professional results at home.

Why Sandpaper Works for Headlights

Plastic headlight lenses oxidize under UV rays. Sanding removes the oxidized layer and refines the surface step by step until it’s ready for polishing. The right grit sequence ensures clarity without deep scratches.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle fine sandpaper sheets
• Spray bottle with water
• Masking tape to protect paint
• Polishing compound
• Microfiber cloths

Best Grit Sequence for Headlight Restoration

• 600 grit — Removes heavy oxidation. 600 Grit (50-pack).
• 1000 grit — Refines scratches and clears haze. 1000 Grit (100-pack).
• 2000 grit — Prepares lenses for polishing. 2000 Grit (25-pack).
• 3000 grit — Ultra-fine finish before compound. 3000 Grit (50-pack).

Step-by-Step Restoration

1. Mask around headlights. Protect surrounding paint with tape.
2. Start with 600 grit. Wet sand in horizontal strokes until oxidation is gone.
3. Switch to 1000 grit. Sand vertically to refine and reduce scratches.
4. Move to 2000 grit. Wet sand in circles for a consistent, frosted look.
5. Finish with 3000 grit sandpaper sheets. Restore near-clarity before polishing.
6. Polish. Apply compound and buff until lenses are crystal clear.

Special Cases

For extremely yellowed headlights, start at 400 grit. For lightly hazed lenses, you may begin directly with 1000 grit.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand to prevent melting plastic.
• Use sandpaper sheets that don’t clog with dust for even sanding.
• Finish with a UV protectant spray to maintain clarity longer.

Aftercare

• Reapply UV protection every 6–12 months.
• Keep leftover sheets flat in envelopes for future projects.
• Touch up lightly with 3000 grit if haze returns.

FAQs

• Do I need a polishing compound? Yes—sanding alone won’t achieve full clarity.
• Can I dry sand headlights? No, always wet sand to avoid heat damage.
• Which pack is best? For multiple cars, a 1000 Grit (100-pack) is the most economical.

Watch & Learn

Bring headlights back to life with eQualle 9x11 in sandpaper sheets. Browse more options in the Fine Sandpaper Collection.