Restore Plastic Headlights: 800?1500?3000 Wet Sand + Polish

Cloudy, yellowed headlights don’t just look bad—they reduce nighttime visibility. Instead of replacing expensive assemblies, restore clarity with a proven sanding ladder: 800 ? 1500 ? 3000 grit, followed by polish and sealant. This removes oxidation, smooths the plastic, and brings lenses back to crystal clear.

Why Headlight Sanding Works

UV light and road grime degrade plastic over time. Polishing alone won’t cut through oxidation; sanding removes the damaged layer evenly. Each grit step reduces scratches, preparing the surface for polishing. Done right, headlights look nearly new again.

Tools & Materials

• 9×11 in wet/dry sandpaper sheets: 800, 1500, 3000 grit
• Sanding block or foam pad
• Spray bottle with water + drop of soap
• Microfiber towels
• Plastic polish or headlight restoration compound
• UV sealant or clear coat spray
• PPE: gloves, eye protection, respirator

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 800 grit — Cuts oxidation, levels surface.
• 1500 grit — Refines scratches, smooths clarity.
• 3000 grit — Pre-polish finish, ready for compound.

Step-by-Step: Headlight Restoration

1. Mask the area. Tape around headlights to protect paint from sanding.
2. Sand at 800 grit. Using 800 grit (25-pack), wet-sand until oxidation is gone and surface looks evenly dull.
3. Refine at 1500 grit. Switch to 1500 grit (50-pack). Sand until surface feels smooth and haze is finer.
4. Final pass at 3000 grit. Move to 3000 grit (100-pack). Sand lightly until lens looks satin-clear.
5. Polish. Apply headlight polish with foam applicator or DA polisher until clarity returns.
6. Seal. Protect with UV sealant or clear coat spray to prevent rapid re-yellowing.

Special Cases

Severely yellow lenses: Start coarser (400–600 grit) before 800 ? 1500 ? 3000.
Cracked lenses: Sanding won’t fix—replacement needed.
Glass headlights: Use glass-specific sanding and polishing process instead.

Pro Tips

• Keep surface wet—plastic heats quickly and melts.
• Sand in straight strokes, alternating direction per grit.
• Replace paper often—oxidation clogs grit fast.
• Always finish with UV sealant—sanding alone exposes plastic to faster UV damage.
• Work evenly across lens—don’t focus too much in one area.

Aftercare

• Wash headlights regularly to prevent grime buildup.
• Reapply UV protectant every 6–12 months.
• For touch-ups, lightly sand with 3000 grit and re-polish.

FAQs

• Do kits work? Yes, but DIY sanding with sheets gives more control and lower cost.
• Why stop at 3000 grit? It balances clarity and safety—finer sanding risks over-thinning plastic.
• Can toothpaste fix headlights? Only very mild haze—serious oxidation needs sanding.
• How long does it last? With sealant, 1–2 years before reapplication needed.

Video: Headlight Restoration Demo

Closing: Cloudy headlights are reversible. With 800 ? 1500 ? 3000 wet sanding and polish, lenses regain factory clarity—just don’t forget to seal for lasting results.