What is the method for headlight polishing?
3 Answers
Use 320-grit sandpaper to sand while spraying water, and promptly wipe away any residue. Use 800-grit sandpaper to remove the marks left by the 320-grit, then use 2000-grit to remove the 800-grit marks. Wipe away the residue with a towel and polish until the surface is shiny. Polishing wax must also be used; otherwise, the headlight may become foggy, impairing visibility. Using coarse sandpaper to remove scratches and oxidation layers may inevitably cause secondary scratches.
I often polish my car headlights myself and find that while the job is simple, it requires careful attention: first, thoroughly clean the headlight surface, using a mild detergent to scrub off dirt; then prepare sandpaper of different grits, starting with coarse 800-grit for wet sanding to evenly remove the oxidized layer. Once smooth, switch to finer 1200-grit and 2000-grit sandpaper to continue sanding, ensuring no traces remain. After drying, apply a specialized polishing compound and use a polisher at low speed in circular motions, being gentle to avoid overheating and damaging the plastic. Finally, apply a sealant wax for protection against UV aging. The tools can be bought at a hardware store for just a few dozen dollars, saving hundreds compared to a repair shop. The whole process takes two to three hours, leaving the headlights shining bright and significantly improving driving visibility—quite a rewarding experience.
From a professional perspective, polishing headlights is a meticulous DIY task: first assess the condition of the headlights, as only slight oxidation is suitable for this process; after cleaning, apply masking tape to protect the car body; use sandpaper starting with a low grit like 600 for wet sanding, gradually increasing to 1500 grit to finish; the key is to apply even pressure and avoid lingering in one spot to prevent scratches; then evenly apply polishing compound and use a polisher at medium speed, promptly wiping away excess compound; apply a UV sealant layer to prevent recurrence. Patience is crucial throughout the process, as rushing can easily damage the headlight plastic; choose high-quality materials to avoid inferior products accelerating re-oxidation.
