How to Resurface Plastic Headlights

When glass cleaner is used to remove road grime from headlights it may also remove UV blockers.

The outer surface of a plastic headlight is exposed to high speed impact of road debris (such as sand, dust, bugs, water and oils), ultra-violet radiation from the sun, and oxidizing agents. All of these will dull, mar and degrade the surface of the plastic. As the headlight clarity degrades, visibility becomes impaired for the driver and for oncoming traffic. Resurfacing the plastic of the headlight restores clarity by removing the outer layer of damage.

Things You'll Need

• Glass cleaner
• 600-grit sandpaper
• 1500-grit sandpaper
• Soft cloth
• Towel
• Car wax containing UV blockers
• Painter's tape

Instructions

1. Spray glass cleaner on the headlights and wipe clean with a soft cloth to remove any road grime. The glass cleaner will also strip any waxes from the headlight and prepare it for resurfacing.

2. Sand the surface of the headlight using the 600-grit sandpaper and water. Rinse the sandpaper and headlight frequently to remove build up. Sand the entire surface in a circular motion (to avoid creating grooves in the headlight surface) until the outer damaged layer is removed and clarity is restored.

3. Wash and dry the headlight using either the glass cleaner or soap and water and a soft towel.

4. Polish the surface of the headlight with light pressure using the 1500-grit sandpaper. Sand in circular motions and rinse both the headlight and sandpaper frequently to avoid clogging. Sand the surface of the headlight until any fine scratches and dulling are removed, then wash and dry the headlight.

5. Apply two or three coats of quality car wax or plastic protection product to the plastic headlight. Clean and wax the headlights every few months to maintain surface protection and extend the life of the plastic.

Tips & Warnings

• Mask the surface near the headlights with painter's tape if you have some concern about marring the car's finish. The abrasive material in the sandpaper can cause some damage to a finish.

• Depending on the depth of the damage to the headlight, several sheets of 600-grit sandpaper may be needed to restore clarity.

References

• Headlight Restoration: DIY Headlight Restoration