Chloe Zhang
Faded, foggy, and yellowed headlights are not only unsightly, but they can also be dangerous. Over time, plastic headlights are exposed to UV rays from the sun, causing them to break down and degrade, resulting in reduced light output at night. This can impair your vision while driving and put you and your passengers at risk. While you may be tempted to try home remedies such as toothpaste or baking soda, these are not long-term solutions and may not be effective in restoring plastic surfaces. Instead, there are several DIY methods and products available specifically for polishing and restoring plastic headlights to their original shine.
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What You'll Learn
Clean the headlights with a mild cleanser or soap and water
Cleaning your car headlights is an important safety precaution, as foggy headlights can reduce light output at night, impairing your vision. Headlight fogginess is caused by the breakdown of the plastic surface due to exposure to UV rays.
To clean your headlights, start by washing them with a mild cleanser or soap and water. Use a clean rag or towel to buff away any residual cleanser from the lens. You can also spritz any stubborn bits with clean water and then polish until dry. It is important to avoid household cleaners or dish soaps, as they may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the plastic lens. Instead, use car wash soap or a cleanser specifically designed for cleaning headlight lenses, which can be found at most auto supply stores.
Once the headlights are clean, you can move on to the restoring and polishing stage. This involves using a selection of light abrasives, such as sandpaper or polishing compounds, to remove any remaining haze and light scratches. After this step, you may want to apply a UV sealant to protect the headlights from future damage and prevent further oxidation.
There are also some alternative methods for cleaning your headlights. One option is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by sanding and waxing. Another method is to use toothpaste as a cleaner, scrubbing it onto the headlights with a clean piece of cloth before rinsing with water. These alternative methods may require more effort and provide less effective results compared to using a mild cleanser or soap and water.
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Use a polishing compound to remove scratches and haze
Faded plastic headlights can be easily restored using light abrasives, even by hand, without the need for expensive specialist equipment or dedicated headlight restoration kits.
If you are using power tools, you can buff and polish your headlights using a cotton buffing wheel on an angle grinder or a felt roloc polishing pad with a drill or die grinder. You would use a blue rouge buffing compound bar with these kinds of buffing wheels, making sure to run it on a low setting that won't heat the plastic surface too much, which could cause damage to the headlamp.
If you are restoring your headlights by hand, you should first wash the cloudy headlight with warm soapy water. Rinse with plenty of clear water, then let it dry. Then mask the area around the lens so you don’t scratch the paint. Soak the sheets of sandpaper in water, then start with the grit that suits your situation. Sand in one direction. With sandpaper, the higher the number, the finer the grit. For instance, if the headlight is just dull or yellowed, start with 1,500 grit and work up to 2,500 grit. If there are light scratches, start with 1,000-grit paper. If there are deep scratches or severe haze, you may need to start with 400 grit.
A polishing compound will usually get better results and save you from having to buy more abrasives. Wet one corner of a flannel cloth with the polishing compound. Using firm pressure, polish the headlight in a circular pattern until it becomes smooth and clear. You can also use a clean, soft cloth to apply the polishing compound in a circular motion uniformly to the entire surface. Polish using light pressure until it dries to a light haze. Using a clean cloth, buff the surface clean.
For best results, follow with a product like NOVUS 1 Clean & Shine, which will give your headlights the best shine.
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$7.01
Buff the headlights with a cotton buffing wheel or a microfiber cloth
Buffing is an important step in the process of polishing faded plastic headlights. It helps to remove any remaining polish residue and can enhance the clarity and shine of the headlights. Here is a detailed guide on how to buff your headlights with a cotton buffing wheel or a microfiber cloth:
Preparing the Headlights for Buffing
Before you begin buffing, it is important to clean the headlights and apply the appropriate products. Start by washing the cloudy headlight with warm soapy water and rinsing it thoroughly with clear water. You can use car wash soap and avoid household cleaners or dish soaps, as they may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the plastic lens. After rinsing, let the headlight dry completely.
Next, apply a polishing compound or a product specifically designed for headlight restoration, such as NOVUS 2 Fine Scratch Remover, following the manufacturer's instructions. You can use a clean, soft cloth to apply the product in a circular motion uniformly across the entire surface of the headlight.
Buffing with a Cotton Buffing Wheel
If you choose to use a cotton buffing wheel, you will need to attach it to an angle grinder or a similar power tool. Make sure to use a low setting to avoid overheating and potentially damaging the plastic surface of the headlight. Apply a blue rouge buffing compound bar to the buffing wheel instead of a polishing compound. Gently buff the headlight, ensuring that you do not apply too much pressure, as this can also damage the plastic. Work on the headlight until you achieve the desired level of clarity and shine.
Buffing with a Microfiber Cloth
A microfiber cloth is a gentler alternative to a cotton buffing wheel and is suitable for more delicate surfaces. After applying the polishing compound or headlight restoration product, allow it to dry. Then, use the microfiber cloth to buff off any remaining polish residue. Work in a diagonal, overlapping pattern across the entire headlight, polishing "off" the edges of the surface. Ensure you do not polish "onto" the edges of surrounding body panels to avoid damaging the paint. Finish by inspecting the headlight from different angles to ensure an even and shiny finish.
Additional Tips
- Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling cleaning products and power tools.
- If your headlights are severely faded or milky white, you may need to wet sand them before buffing to achieve better results.
- Consider applying a UV sealant after buffing to prevent future oxidation and prolong the clarity of your headlights.
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Apply a UV sealant to prevent further oxidation
Faded plastic headlights are a common issue for car owners. Over time, exposure to UV radiation causes chemical reactions in the plastic, leading to oxidation and a cloudy, foggy, or yellowed appearance. While sanding and polishing can effectively restore the headlights' clarity, applying a UV sealant is essential to prevent further oxidation and maintain their shine.
There are several products available on the market that can be used to seal headlights and protect them from UV radiation. One option is to use a clear coat or lacquer, such as Meguiars Keep Clear Headlight Coating or E-TECH Restored Headlight Clear Coat. These coatings provide a protective barrier that shields the headlights from UV rays, preventing further oxidation and maintaining their clarity. It is recommended to apply at least three coats of the UV sealant to ensure maximum protection.
Another option is to use a paint protection film (PPF), which is a hydrophobic and impact-resistant film that can be applied to the surface of the headlights. PPF acts as a barrier against UV rays, road debris, and scratches, providing long-lasting protection for your headlights. Ceramic Pro KAVACA Ceramic Coated PPF is a popular choice for those seeking a professional and permanent solution.
Additionally, there are other sealants and waxes specifically designed for headlight protection, such as Cerakote Headlight Coating wipes, Jet Seal, and Gtechniq C4. These products can be applied to the headlights after polishing to provide a protective layer that helps prevent oxidation and maintains clarity.
By applying a UV sealant, you can effectively prevent further oxidation of your plastic headlights, ensuring that they remain clear and shiny for longer. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the chosen sealant to ensure proper application and maximum protection.
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Use a plastic polish like Flitz Paste Polish or NOVUS Plastic Polish
Faded plastic headlights can be a safety hazard as they impair your vision on the road at night. The good news is that you can restore them using a plastic polish like Flitz Paste Polish or NOVUS Plastic Polish.
Flitz Paste Polish is a premium polish that can be applied by hand or with a polishing cloth. It is a concentrated cream that can clean, polish, deoxidize, and protect plastic surfaces. To use Flitz Paste Polish, start by sanding the headlight with 1000 to 2000 grit sandpaper to remove the corrupted top layer and roughen the surface. Then, wash and dry the headlight to remove any remaining contaminants. Apply a thin film of Flitz Paste Polish to the plastic lens and rub it in. Finally, use a buffer or a sturdy microfiber cloth to buff the lens to a high shine. You may need to repeat the process a few times for the best results.
NOVUS Plastic Polish is another effective option for restoring faded plastic headlights. It is available as a kit with easy-to-follow instructions and user-friendly tools. The kit includes NOVUS 1 Clean & Shine, NOVUS 2 Fine Scratch Remover, and NOVUS 3 Heavy Scratch Remover. To use the NOVUS Plastic Polish kit, start by applying NOVUS 1 Clean & Shine to the headlights and wiping it off with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Then, apply NOVUS 2 Fine Scratch Remover and use a clean, soft cloth to polish the surface with a firm back-and-forth motion to remove scratches or haze. Reapply NOVUS 2 and polish the entire surface using circular motions and light pressure until it dries to a light haze. Finally, buff the surface clean with a clean cloth. For deeper scratches, you may need to use NOVUS 3 Heavy Scratch Remover before buffing.
Both Flitz Paste Polish and NOVUS Plastic Polish are effective options for restoring faded plastic headlights. They can help improve the appearance and functionality of your headlights, making your vehicle safer to drive in low-light conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic headlights fade due to oxidation caused by exposure to UV radiation from sunlight over time.
You can polish faded plastic headlights by hand or using power tools. First, wash the headlights with warm soapy water and dry them. Then, use sandpaper with grit ranging from 400 to 2000 to roughen the surface and remove the corrupted top layer. Finally, apply a polishing compound or plastic polish and buff the surface until it shines.
Yes, alternative methods include using toothpaste, baking soda, or other home remedies. However, these may not be as effective or long-lasting as polishing compounds specifically designed for headlight restoration. Some recommended products include NOVUS Plastic Polish, Flitz Paste Polish, and Rain-X.
To maintain your plastic headlights and prevent fading, it is recommended to wash them frequently with a mild detergent and a soft-bristle brush or sponge. You can also use a UV sealant, such as Aqua Coat Hydrophobic Rinse Aid or Lavish Ceramic Foam, to protect the headlights from UV damage.
Yes, faded or foggy headlights can reduce the effectiveness of your headlights, impairing your vision while driving at night or in conditions of limited visibility. This can be a safety hazard and may cause issues with vehicle inspections or government agency checks.
