How to Restore Automobile Headlight Plastic Lenses
- 1). Mask off around the lenses to avoid getting polishing compound on the vehicle's finish. Polishing compound is abrasive and will damage the paint.
- 2). Apply plastic polishing compound to the plastic face of the lens. Working in a circular motion with light pressure, polish the lens with a microfiber or flannel cloth until the haze starts to disappear. This may take a few minutes.
- 3). Soak a piece of 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper in water for 5 to 10 minutes. Working from side to side, lightly sand the lens with long, slow strokes. Keep the paper wet while working. The goal is to remove the scratches and pits, not add more. Check your progress periodically by drying the lens and checking the surface.
- 4). Sand the lens with 1500 grit wet/dry paper using long, slow strokes. Work at right angles to your last sanding. Keep the paper wet, and work the entire surface area of the lens.
- 5). Continue sanding, moving to 2000 grit, 2500 grit and 3000 grit paper, switching directions with each new sanding. Keep the paper wet, and work over the entire surface of the lens.
- 6). Dry the lens completely, and polish the lens again with the plastic polish and flannel or microfiber cloth.