What Grit Sandpaper is Used for Headlight Polishing?
2 Answers
First use 1500 grit, then 2000 grit, followed by 3000 grit, and finally polish with 3M sandpaper. Below are the detailed steps: 1. Car Headlights: Car headlights are a crucial component. After prolonged use, you may notice that the light emitted becomes dim and yellowish, especially with halogen headlights, where this effect is more pronounced. There are two main reasons for the reduction in brightness: first, external factors like windblown sand and debris leave scratches and dust on the lens; second, the heat generated by the bulb inside accelerates the aging and yellowing of the plastic lens. 2. Headlight Lens: The headlight lens is made from polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastic through injection molding. Whether it's halogen, xenon, or LED lights, they all generate significant heat when illuminated. This heat speeds up the plastic's aging process, causing the lens to lose clarity and transparency, eventually turning dim and yellow, which directly impacts the lighting performance.
The selection of sandpaper grit is crucial when polishing headlights. As someone who has long enjoyed DIY car maintenance, I must share some experience. If your headlights are slightly oxidized or have minor scratches, I would recommend starting with 1500-grit sandpaper. However, for more severe cases like deep scratches or yellowing, it's best to begin with 800-grit wet sandpaper, gently sanding with water to remove most imperfections. Then gradually progress to 2000-grit, 2500-grit, and finally use 3000-grit or higher polishing compound. Remember, extra caution is needed with coarse sandpaper - excessive force can leave harder-to-remove sanding marks or even scratch the entire surface. I once tried skipping steps and using coarse-grit sandpaper directly, only to make the headlights even cloudier, forcing me to start over. Keep the process wet, avoid high temperatures, and don't set the electric polisher speed too high. After each sanding, rinse with water to check for smoothness and uniformity - this ensures the final result will be crystal clear like new. In summary, adjust the grit range according to different conditions, and patience is key.
