How to Restore Your Headlights Permanently: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Restore Your Headlights Permanently for Just $10 Per Headlight

Over time, headlights can become hazy, yellowed, and oxidized due to exposure to the elements, UV rays, and general wear and tear. Not only do these cloudy headlights look unattractive, but they also reduce their effectiveness and can decrease the value of your vehicle. While many temporary solutions are available, such as store-bought kits or home remedies like toothpaste or baking soda, these methods often require frequent reapplication and don't provide a long-term fix.

In this guide, I'll show you how to permanently restore your headlights using a simple, cost-effective method that will leave them looking as good as new. This process involves wet sanding and applying a UV-resistant clear coat to protect the headlights from future damage. The best part? It only costs around $10 per headlight!

What You'll Need

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

• Sandpaper: 400 grit, 600 grit, and 2000 grit (or higher)
• Spray bottle or hose (for wet sanding)
• Isopropyl alcohol (for cleaning)
• Clear coat spray (UV-resistant and non-yellowing, designed for plastic)
• Scissors
• Garbage bags (to protect your car's paint)
• Painter's tape (extra wide is recommended)
• Paper towels (low lint)
• Carnuba car wax (optional for final polishing)
• Microfiber towel (optional for wax application)

What You can buy in Amazon

Here’s a list of the materials you can purchase from Amazon for your headlights:

• Better longer lasting clear coat: https://amzn.to/3F40h20
• 2000 grit sandpaper: https://amzn.to/3EQBKxk
• Wax: https://amzn.to/4hRS7sg
• Compound polish to remove orange peel: https://amzn.to/4kgeucw
• Rubbing Alcohol to Clean Lens: https://amzn.to/4kcYDLM

Step 1: Prepare Your Headlights

Option 1: Remove the Headlights (If Possible)

If your headlights are easily removable, it's best to take them off the vehicle. This will make the restoration process much easier and allow you to work on them without worrying about damaging your car's paint.

Option 2: Tape Off the Headlights (If Removing Is Not Possible)

If removing the headlights is too difficult (as is the case with some vehicles, like the PT Cruiser), you'll need to tape off the area around them to protect the car's paint. Use extra-wide painter's tape to create a barrier around the headlight, ensuring no paint is exposed. Then, cover the surrounding area with a garbage bag to protect it from overspray during the clear coat application.

Step 2: Wet Sanding the Headlights

Step 2.1: Start with 400 Grit Sandpaper

If your headlights are heavily oxidized, yellowed, or hazy, start with 400-grit sandpaper. If they're in better condition, you can begin with 600-grit.

1. Wet the Headlight: Spray the headlight with water to keep it wet throughout the sanding process. Water acts as a lubricant and prevents deep scratches.
2. Sand in Circular Motions: Using the 400 grit sandpaper, sand the headlight in circular motions. Apply light pressure—you don't want to press too hard. As you sand, you'll notice a milky, yellowish residue coming off. This is the oxidized plastic being removed.
3. Finish with Horizontal Sanding: After sanding in circular motions, finish with horizontal strokes. This will create a surface that the clear coat can adhere to more effectively, reducing the risk of runs.

Step 2.2: Move to 600 Grit Sandpaper

Once you've removed the majority of the oxidation with the 400-grit sandpaper, switch to 600-grit for a finer finish.

1. Wet the Surface Again: Keep the headlight wet as you sand.
2. Sand in Circular Motions: Use the 600-grit sandpaper to sand the headlight in circular motions. You can apply slightly more pressure than with the 400 grit.
3. Finish with Horizontal Sanding: As with the 400 grit, finish with horizontal strokes to prepare the Surface for the clear coat.

Step 2.3: Final Sanding with 2000 Grit Sandpaper

The final sanding step will smooth out the Surface and prepare it for the clear coat.

1. Clean the Headlight: Before moving to the 2000 grit sandpaper, clean the headlight with water and a paper towel to remove any plastic particles that could clog the sandpaper.
2. Wet Sand with 2000 Grit: Using the 2000 grit sandpaper, lightly sand the headlight in circular motions. This step will remove any remaining fine scratches and create a smooth surface.
3. Finish with Horizontal Sanding: As before, finish with horizontal strokes.

Step 3: Clean the Headlight

After sanding, it's important to clean the headlight thoroughly to remove any oils, dirt, or residue.

1. Use Isopropyl Alcohol: Apply isopropyl alcohol to a low-lint paper towel and wipe down the headlight. This will remove any oils from your hands and ensure the Surface is clean and dry.
2. Let It Dry: Allow the headlight to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Apply the Clear Coat

The clear coat is the key to making your headlight restoration permanent. It will protect the plastic from UV rays and prevent future yellowing and oxidation.

1. Prepare the Area: If you haven't already, cover the surrounding area with a garbage bag and tape it down securely to protect your car's paint from overspray.
2. Apply the Clear Coat: Shake the clear coat can well and apply a light, even coat to the headlight. Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the Surface and spray in smooth, sweeping motions. Avoid applying thick coats, as they can run and create an uneven finish.
3. Wait Between Coats: Allow the first coat to dry for about 5 minutes before applying a second coat. Repeat this process for a total of 2-3 coats, ensuring each coat is light and even.
4. Let It Cure: After the final coat, let the clear coat cure for at least 24 hours. This will allow it to dry completely and achieve full clarity.

Step 5: Optional Wet Sanding and Waxing

If you notice any "orange peel" texture (a common issue with spray paint), you can wet sand the headlight with 2000-grit or 3000-grit sandpaper to smooth out the Surface. After wet sanding, apply a coat of Carnuba car wax using a microfiber towel. This will give the headlight a glossy, polished finish.

Step 6: Remove the Tape and Garbage Bags

Once the clear coat has fully cured, carefully remove the painter's tape and garbage bags. Your headlights should now look crystal clear and brand new!

Final Thoughts

By following this method, you can restore your headlights to like-new condition for just $10 per headlight. Not only will your car look better, but you'll also improve its value and safety by ensuring your headlights are functioning at their best. This permanent solution requires no maintenance, so you won't have to worry about reapplying wax or sealant in the future.

With a little time and effort, you can achieve professional-quality results and enjoy clear, bright headlights for years to come!