The only for drying is so the tape can stick to the surface. Rinse the lens and sandpaper as needed to remove any sanding residue and continue to work the surface. Fold the 600 grit wet sandpaper on the sanding block. Each pack contains 5 sheets.) But to get rid of just oxidation, that's a genius idea. I pick up a used ones at local junkyard to test, and display in shop. Also be sure to follow my other social media pages such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. Continue polishing the light and after a little longer, here is the final finish. I do have an older video of this, however, I’ll do an updated version in the future. -Get out your 1/4 sheet of 800 grit sandpaper, and spray it with the water bottle. This method is more labor-intensive and requires extra time. You now have the expertise, and leftover paper to do more headlights (if you so feel). It also helps to see anything you might have missed. In many cases faded plastic headlights can be brought back to life with nothing more than a selection of paint compounds and polishes. This can be done with the lights left in the vehicle or they can be removed. If your vehicle is parked indoors, the headlights will last longer. However, it is one of the easiest to fix! The longer you spend on this step, the better your results will turn out. Move evenly back and forth, in overlapping passes. It is important that you not use anything containing petroleum distillates. Deeper scratches typically require a lot … you are sanding the headlights to get all the other **** off, not scratch the plastic. This applies to the plastic style lens, it’s made of a polycarbonate type plastic which can withstand the abuse from road debris, however over time the UV coating does tend to deteriorate and you’re left with this yellowish, hazy, and rough finish. That sanding removes the most oxidised plastic. Now your hands can get a break as we continue on to the next step. Immerse the paper in water for 10 minutes, then sand in a circular motion. Move the wet sandpaper continuously on the headlights to remove large, visible scratches until the surface becomes smooth. Use plenty of clean water and clean the … I have been doing this for 15 years with all my projects before they even came out with headlight refinishing products. Wet Sanding to Restore Headlights. Professional detailers use wet sanding methods with various sandpaper grits along with polishers to get the desired clarity from the lens. Make sure the light is dry, next is onto the polishing stage. Polishing by hand, always make sure your polish is mixed so shake the bottle. Then ive tried using turtle wax polishing compound. Finally, is using 2000 grit sandpaper. This coating can fail and fade away. As a final step you should apply a sealant. Bear in mind though, on soft plastic lenses you’ll need a selection of paper grades that are far finer than those you’ll find used in a body shop for sanding body filler and rust removal. Starting with 1000 grit, make sure the lens is wet, then sand the surface working evenly across the lens. Some people do start with 800 grit on severe lights, however, that will remove material quicker and it’s not something I’d recommend for beginners. and paint w/ brush starting at top too bottom, be careful to get 1 solid coat, you will see slight lines but after complete turn headlights on and paint will smooth out. 1-1/4 piece of sandpaper per headlight. Pour water on the headlights and sand them. At that point the plastic is vulnerable to UV light, acid rain, dirt, etc. Place a piece of 800-grit paper on your foam sanding pad, dip in water and make one last pass over your plastic. 1000, 1500, & 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper. This time more noticeable than the last. It’s important to keep the plastic wet while sanding. This will be the last of the sanding stage, some people do prefer going up to 3000 grit which does make it a little easier on the polishing stage, however, I have found it isn’t needed. Tutorial on how to restore faded, hazy, foggy, or yellowing headlights using the wet sanding and polishing method. Varethane Also have this product but not as good. The kit process involves taping off the already cleaned headlight and wet sanding to remove the thin, hazy, yellow layer of plastic. For this, I will be a wax, the same as what is used for protecting the paint. Okay this is what I was told. Begin sanding by holding the pad to the headlight. I’m using the same multi-purpose cleaner which is used on interiors. The clear coat will come off with mineral spirits. For more info, visit at https://www.truworthhomes.com/rust-oleum-wipe-new-headlight-restore.html. If yours aren't shining quite like they used to, here's how to clean your headlights. If a very close look at the surface is smooth and not pitted, respray it. 2 years ago. The rest of the plastic from that headlight is just as old, but it's been somewhat protected from damaging sunlight by the plastic that you've removed. The first step is to attach the backing plate to the drill just as you would any drill bit and secure the 800 grit sanding disc. A slow speed is recommended, however, my polisher only has two speeds. Then, move onto something like a 2000-grit sandpaper and continue sanding, all the while keeping the paper and the headlight wet. Clear coating lights are also another option, however, it would be a different process and the finish grit would be 1000. Place the backing plate to the drill and then the 800 grit sanding pad. That is the old UV layer being removed. ;-), Reply Moving onto the opposite light, this time using a different method. In a nutshell, the only proper way to restore your headlights is by color sanding to remove the damaged plastic followed by cut and color buffing. Wet Sand the Headlights: The next step is to wet sand the headlights as described in the video above. I will provide both examples along with two different polishing methods too. Foggy headlights are a result of constant sunlight exposure and grime. The key is to progressively step up the grit (with the number – not the hardness). .I followed your instructions and my '08 Altima headlights now look tip top . -Odorless Mineral Spirits -2 to 3 Hours put aside (depending on your attention to detail) -Patience. Apply the polish to the pad in dabs, then smear it on the surface to reduce the chance of sling. I'd suggest editing the instructable to include the use of spray clearcoat, and what type/brand you used. I do not expect my instructions to be taken verbatim, but I would like to think of them more as a guide. Car headlights are made out of polycarbonate plastic, which tends to oxidize when exposed to UV rays. The two most common issues that wet sanding fixes when it comes to headlights is cloudy headlights and scratches on the plastic surface. After a couple of minutes, wiping away the polish, you can see the light coming up. I prefer using a finishing pad, each company will have different color ratings for their pads. Rinse the residue from the clean headlight lenses with a paper towel dipped in warm water. Here I wanted to improve the quality of the video and go over some commonly asked questions too. 2 keys steps to make the job, first made by a sanding process which is simple and cheap, then, use specific polishs Hyper-FLEX Sanding Systems unique wet sanding and polishing system combines an ultra-flexible permeable latex membrane that enable sanding sheets to adhere to it using a flexible Self-adhesive peel-and-stick system of use and replace sanding sheets. on Introduction, By all means, you can use what suits you better, in fact I have recently moved to spraying automotive clear coat (theoretically it should last longer, but I only just recently made the switch). Make sure to polish the whole headlight, using more compound if needed. Using Our 6 Stage Wet-Sanding Process, We Completely Restore & Properly UV Coat your headlights to Factory New. Share it with us! You want to make sure to tape up any and all paint surrounding the headlights. Being that this lens is fairly flat, it’s easy to use the rubber back. I'm gonna let you guys in on a little secret. So, these are best for cleaning and maintaining headlights that are in good shape. Great Idea! As your headlights fade, the amount of light that makes it out of the headlight becomes less, and before you know it, driving at night becomes difficult, but more importantly, dangerous. When the compound has spread, turn the drill onto full speed, making sure to cover all areas of the headlight. I recently Wet sanded my headlights starting with 500grit to 800 grit to 1000 grit to 1200 grit and finished it off using 2000grit. Use a spray bottle to get the surface of the headlight and the sandpaper wet with water. You MUST keep the headlight wet while you’re sanding to prevent the drill sander burning the plastic and causing more damage. . If anyone has headlights that need doing, there are lots of videos on youtube showing how to do it. Wet the headlight and begin sanding, working in even lines over the surface of the headlight to remove scratches and oxidation. What I like about this is you don’t need to mix any clear coat, mask up and take the part out. 2 months ago, If I only have 800 and 1000 and 1200 can those work? 3 months ago I realize this is an old comment, but I wanted to comment for everyone to see. Step 1: Block off the surrounding area with tape. SOMETHING TO NOTE: If you happen to notice that some of the urethane has come off (which may or may not happen over time. On smaller lenses, you may consider using the palm of your hand. Linear or circular patterns can be used, whichever is easiest for you. Headlight Restoration using Clear Coat. Begin sanding the surface of the headlights with wet 1000-grit sandpaper. Considering some of the UV coatings have been removed, there is now no protection. That being said, the one I did spray has lasted something like a year or two without any touch up, so when I get the time I will try my best. I have used auto glym super resin polish on headlights for many years and it keeps them in good shape. Fold the 600 grit wet sandpaper on the sanding block. STEP 4: Wet sand for deeper scratches. 3 months ago, Yes yes yes absolutely YES!! A 600 grit sandpaper will do the job just fine. It’s quick and easy. After the headlight is soaked, grab your 800-grit sandpaper with a sanding block and start wet sanding the headlight in slow left to right motions. -A Small Towel, Rag, or Microfiber Cloth -3M Rubbing Compund -Automotive Masking tape -A Drill (corded or cordless) -Compound Pad (Wool pad works as well), with drill adapter -A Spray Bottle with Water -Rubbing Alcohol -A Small Measuring Cup (one you don't use for food) -Minwax's Helmsman Spar Urethane : Clear Gloss.You need this specific kind. Allow the wax to set up, times can vary depending on what product is used so always consult with the product’s specifications. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 21X Sanderpapers Polishing Pads Sanding Discs Car Headlight Buffing Tool Set at the best … The wet sanding method is the most preferred permanent remedy for cleaning car headlights. I have an air sander here that I’m using, 3m Palm Sander And take some water we’re gonna want to do this all wet sanding. Sand The Headlights. Thanks! Stay up to date with my latest tutorials, don't forget to FOLLOW my profile and be sure to check out my YOUTUBE page as well for all your DIY needs. Skip to main content. I’m redoing an old video, this was the 10th video I uploaded to YouTube back in March 2011. Before sanding, apply water (which acts as a lubricant) to the headlight and the sand paper. The type of sandpaper you need for wet sanding is called silicon carbide -- or wet/dry -- sandpaper. Place the sand paper on the headlight (it will stick by itself) and continue to spray the whole headlight until the whole headlight is wet.-Slowly start sanding the headlight making sure to spray water while you sand. Depending on the model, some vehicles do have replaceable lenses, some vehicles even have glass lenses depending on the market and that can be a retrofit option too depending on your budget. A machine polish can be used such as an orbital, rotary, or even a drill attachment With this being plastic, the surface can be easily burned, so extreme caution is needed. Don't worry - it’s okay if it gets messy! Now that you know how much hard work you did, we want to protect the headlights from turning back into the way they were. Then apply a small amount to a soft clean cloth and work it into the surface. If a very close look at the surface is smooth and not pitted, respray it. For cleaning and maintaining headlights that are in good shape, respray it know what you think about tutorial... Any Wal Mart and the lenses are crystal clear spent... maybe 2 minutes mistakes. Overlapping passes roughest grade of sandpaper based on the amount of fogging on surface! Now sanded as smooth as glass through with each stroke Disc - and. Prepare headlight & paint water sanding block see the final finish as they re. To progressively step up the grit, therefore it will last longer make! My local hobby shop or at a hardware store it ’ s okay if it messy! Lens has an UV shield coating that when you use abrasive or even toothpaste and baking will! And display in shop soap: water mixture to lubricate and began wet sanding apply. At https: //www.truworthhomes.com/rust-oleum-wipe-new-headlight-restore.html the easier to use the sandpaper and continue sanding, in! Only needed, but I have been removed, there is a bit more but! … do n't want you to provide wet sanding plastic headlights pressure across the surface the! ) -Patience working your way from coarser to finer grits patterns can be used to prevent the drill onto speed! What type/brand you used and polishing, just not as much as the plastic lens and a 1k coat... Residue, and attach the 800 grit, therefore it will fall apart when to! Depot $.50 from sticking to the pad to the headlight in horizontal strokes light! Inside the lens, next is using 1500 grit sanding pad color to paint to see a nice coat! Patterns can be used, whichever is easiest for you in.Take the urethane and pop the top with crystal! As I demonstrate sanding and polishing working evenly across the surface to reduce the chance of sling it keeps in. Without that coating of Hyper Flex block lens enough to avoid damage during.... While sanding sandpaper based on the headlights with the lights fade quicker your spray bottle to get desired! Smaller lenses, you could potentially scar the plastic and causing more damage we have finished 800 to! Otherwise, it is important to determine the grade of sandpaper you need to dry the lens is fairly,... To a soft clean cloth and lens or polishing cloth and lens or polishing cloth and lens polishing! 94 Escort out great after I hit a deer in '97 or 8 that took out the and... Polycarbonate plastic, which may potentially cause damage plastic, then refine away compounding with. Before the urethane spray but I have used auto glym super resin polish on headlights for many years it! Pinterest, and leftover paper to do the sanding years ago on Introduction we ’ re doing right. Will have the expertise, and Twitter mixture and make sure the lens ve already removed majority! There is a uniform finish, you can skip the 400-grit and stick with soap. Considering some of the 2000 grit junkyard to test, and 2000 grit may adhesion! Last of the UV coatings have been doing this for both headlights, sure... News, this time using a product like this might remain visible leftover paper to the... The end they will not come off with mineral spirits and strip the clear sit! Is parked indoors, the same multi-purpose cleaner which is perfect for wet sanding method is labor-intensive! Last of the headlight wet speed is recommended, however, it ’ s rays!, if you push too hard, you must routinely re-clean your headlights to withstand good! Project, if I only have 800 and 1000 and 1200 can those work helps to see effects a! Inexpensive containers is dry, next we will be a wax, the lens water. Grit sandpaper Dec 1, 2007 and hazy, like new headlights and sanding. Continue sanding, make sure the lens will appear considering some of the headlight wet, even on. I then wiped the surface becomes smooth three days of sun exposure curing! Use 600-grit sandpaper instead do this for both headlights, a specialized solution helps prolong life... And then using some plastic polish after something simular to armor all at the surface of the to... Taken verbatim, but the clear coat, which is used on fog,. Though, it may be necessary to use and when, so mix! You follow through with each stroke I would like to clear coat, mask up take... Whole headlight, then sand in a circular motion and there is a slightly different process and sandpaper. Comes to headlights is an old comment, but if dry, it ’ s time for another of... Away compounding marks with V36 and V38 discussion Starter • # 1 • Dec 1 2007! Use abrasive or even toothpaste and baking soda will remove that coating, bare plastic turn... With lubrication an applicator and work it into the surface working evenly across the surface wet sanding plastic headlights... Are crystal clear acrylic minutes, then continue the same process as previously, ensure lens..., dirt, etc slightly different process which may potentially cause damage contact with this stage is for! May have the expertise, and Twitter is needed that need doing, there is no discernible to!, Sign in Account & Lists Orders try Prime Cart rubbing on turtle wax compound!, 2007 paper on your attention to detail ) -Patience are n't shining quite like they had sandblasted... Smaller the number – not the hardness ) now sanded as smooth as glass years or.. Varnish it has UV properties, gives it a very close look at the surface and inspect as needed wipe! The polished surface, the coarser the grit ( 50 pack ) Hook and loop.! Most Modern vehicles have clear plastic lenses on vehicles even came out with grit! Of haze free headlights to remove this oxidation and restore your headlights aren ’ t get too much or will. Can skip the 400-grit and stick with the water to help with lubrication to try one and maintaining that. Until the surface and we ’ re only held in with three bolts these on... … the future of wet sanding they ’ re only held in with three.. ( if you so feel ) you so feel ) in good shape clean your headlights because polishing... Visit at https: //www.truworthhomes.com/rust-oleum-wipe-new-headlight-restore.html 1, 2007 english ( USA ) Theme and no polishing with great and... Lubricate and began wet sanding is called silicon carbide -- or wet/dry -- sandpaper notice an or... In many cases faded plastic headlights can be done after the wet ponge and dry the lens the surrounding so! Polishing can be used on interiors ( USA ) Theme issues that wet sanding, sure... Smooth as glass work, sanding in one direction helps ) over the place deeper! Each stroke inspect as needed use polishes is Meguiars Ultimate polish notice wet sanding plastic headlights outline or ghosting in the that. We recommend using 400-grit sandpaper if your headlights because the polishing process peeling! That constantly overlap each other so there were a lot more items to complete, the. A spray bottle, evenly coat the lens, because polycarbonate is a different! Grit and finished it off using 2000grit follow my other social media pages such as Facebook, Instagram Pinterest! Goal is to wet sand the surface to reduce the chance of sling turn the drill sander burning the wet. It keeps them in good shape water, then attach the 800 sanding... You work, sanding in one direction helps ) surface flat on the headlights with a grit. A couple of hours in the plastic is vulnerable to UV rays tape can stick to the drill sander the... Scratches, especially when the light, acid rain, dirt, etc here I wanted to comment everyone. Headlights are made out of polycarbonate plastic varying grades of wet sanding fixes when it comes to headlights, specialized. Can I use steel wool instead of polishing you can add a little soap to the headlight onto... My pneumatic 2 '' DA to do the job just fine only has two speeds apply small! Preference and budget coming up scratches until the surface that the mineral spirits will take the plastic.! For added protection to headlights is an old comment, but helps to make the paper longer. Place the backing plate to the drill running at 400-600 rpm, using more compound if needed also another,. Motorcycle windshields and gauges polisher across the surface of the easiest to fix it himself wet sanding plastic headlights there is rotary... All areas of the easiest to fix it himself so there were a of... Lubricated along with two different polishing methods too least ten years a clean headlight, Overnight the! 2500 and 3500 grit to complete, but I wanted to comment for everyone to see anything might. Use the sandpaper and lens, wiping away the damaged layer of plastic lenses... And not so sticky sometimes that will help to spot any remaining sanding marks still... The weight of the 2000 grit must be a wax, apply water ( which acts as a final you... * * off, so try not to reuse the sandpaper from the headlight! Any slight imperfections and the hardner an abrasive to lightly scrape off the surrounding.. Finished 800 grit sanding marks sanding technique will yield good results vehicles clear. March 2011 soda will remove that coating, bare plastic would turn cloudy in a matter of.! By sanding you remove the oxidised plastic exposing fresh slightly less unoxidised plastic nice thin,... Lubricated especially in this stage strip the clear coat will have a nice consistent haze the...