How to Restore Automobile Headlight Plastic Lenses
Polycarbonate headlights are becoming the standard in today's cars. While durable and crack resistant, the lenses are prone to yellowing, clouding and scratching. This can dramatically reduce their effectiveness. There are many products on the market that can restore these lenses to their original condition, but there is an alternative. With a little elbow grease, you can polish and restore these lenses at home with a few simple steps and common items available at any parts store.
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Things You'll Need
- Masking tape or painter's tape
- Polishing compound
- Flannel or microfiber cloth
- 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper
- Water
- 1500 grit wet/dry sandpaper
- 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper
- 2500 grit wet/dry sandpaper
- 3000 grit wet/dry sandpaper
Instructions
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1
Mask off around the lenses to avoid getting polishing compound on the vehicle's finish. Polishing compound is abrasive and will damage the paint.
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2
Apply plastic polishing compound to the plastic face of the lens. Working in a circular motion with light pressure, polish the lens with a microfiber or flannel cloth until the haze starts to disappear. This may take a few minutes.
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3
Soak a piece of 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper in water for 5 to 10 minutes. Working from side to side, lightly sand the lens with long, slow strokes. Keep the paper wet while working. The goal is to remove the scratches and pits, not add more. Check your progress periodically by drying the lens and checking the surface.
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4
Sand the lens with 1500 grit wet/dry paper using long, slow strokes. Work at right angles to your last sanding. Keep the paper wet, and work the entire surface area of the lens.
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5
Continue sanding, moving to 2000 grit, 2500 grit and 3000 grit paper, switching directions with each new sanding. Keep the paper wet, and work over the entire surface of the lens.
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6
Dry the lens completely, and polish the lens again with the plastic polish and flannel or microfiber cloth.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember when sanding to keep the paper wet at all times. Sand lightly and carefully in long, straight lines.
Check your masking tape regularly to be sure you are not sanding through it and damaging the paint.
