How to Properly Restore Headlights
Author: Jason / Date: August 8, 2022 / Tags: headlights
(RareCarMarket.com) – Most car enthusiasts know by now that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is, meaning those one-step headlight restoration projects are as mythical as a unicorn. However, all is not lost. Even if your car has very hazy headlights, you can still restore them; it just takes a bit more work than spraying on a compound (or using toothpaste??) and wiping it off.
Restoring headlights is no small task. It takes work to bring them back to life. First, you’ll need to organize a few things, sometimes sold as a kit, or you can buy the individual items separately. You’ll need:
- A few pieces of wet/dry sandpaper, typically 1000, 2000, and 3000 grit
- Polishing compound
- UV sealant
- Paste wax
- A roll of painter’s or masking tape
- A few microfiber towels
To begin, clean your headlights by washing them with soap and water. Be sure to wash the area around the lights as well to ensure the tape will stick properly. Next, tape around the headlights to prevent accidentally damaging any surrounding paint while you sand.
The sanding stage is next. Wet the sandpaper and the headlight and begin sanding with the lowest or coarsest grit, in this case, 1000. Use light pressure, or it could result in irreparably deep scratches. Repeat the process with the higher grits (finer) of sandpaper.
Next comes polish and wax. This step is much easier with power tools, but you can do it by hand. Apply the polishing compound with a microfiber towel or buffing pad and begin rubbing it into the lens using a circular motion. Once you’ve done that, wax the surrounding plastic like you would your car. Last but not least, apply the UV sealant to maintain all your hard work.
There you have it! You’ve successfully restored your headlights. It might not be as easy as some products advertise, but it’s well worth investing your time and money to help you see better at night.
Copyright 2022, RareCarMarket.com