What is the fastest method to refurbish plastic headlights?

[Terry]

Remove dust and dirt from the surface. Daily car washing may leave polish or wax layers, so the first step is to wipe these clean. Go to the supermarket and buy some blue, low-viscosity, easily peelable tape to cover the edges of the headlights. If some areas appear hazy or foggy, you can also cover those sections. Soak a piece of 1000-grit sandpaper in cold water for 10 minutes, then evenly wipe the headlight housing. Sand in one direction back and forth to keep the surface moist. After wiping away the sanding powder, apply an appropriate amount of polishing compound/paste using a fiber cloth or microfiber towel onto the plastic housing. Some car headlights come with a built-in UV protective coating, which may be damaged during sanding. If you don’t want the headlights to deteriorate again, you can also apply a new protective layer yourself.

[DeTimothy]

As a seasoned driver, the simplest method I've used is the refurbishment kit: first, apply tape to protect the car paint, then wet-sand the headlight surface with sandpaper, starting from 600 grit up to 2000 grit. Next, apply polishing compound to buff, and finally spray UV sealant. The whole process takes about half an hour, and the materials cost just a few dozen bucks online. The key is to avoid working under direct sunlight, or the sealant may bubble. After sanding, the headlights become as clear as new and also resist UV aging, making it much more cost-effective than replacing them—even beginners can handle it.

[VonMadeline]

Last time I helped my neighbor aunt deal with yellowing headlights, using toothpaste as an emergency solution worked quite well. Dip a sponge in toothpaste and scrub in circular motions, focusing on the whitened edges. It became noticeably brighter in just ten minutes. However, this trick only lasts about a month, so regular waxing is needed for protection. For a thorough treatment, you should prepare the right tools: sandpaper set + UV spray + plastic polishing compound. Remember to dry the surface moisture if working on a rainy day, and apply even pressure when sanding to avoid deepening scratches. If you frequently drive on highways, it's recommended to check the headlight covers every six months.

[LilahRose]

A friend at the auto repair shop shared a clever trick: wet sanding twice with 2000-grit sandpaper, then spraying repair fluid and using a hairdryer's hot air to set it, saving the UV lamp curing time. This cuts 15 minutes off the entire process. Note: operate on sunny days with humidity below 70%, or the coating may turn white. Preventing headlight aging also requires attention—avoid prolonged parking under direct sunlight and don’t use corrosive cleaners when washing the car. If the headlight protective film is damaged, reapply it promptly to prevent yellowing from spreading inward from the edges.