First DIY ever, so please feel free to point out any corrections and/or clarifications needed.
Disclaimer: I take zero responsibility for any damage that may be caused as a result of this DIY.
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DIY: Wetsanding Headlights
I. Intro
Simple DIY on how to wetsand your headlights to remove yellowing and/or scratches. Keep in mind that by doing this you are essentially removing the UV protection in your headlight thus they may yellow again in 5-6 months. To keep them from yellowing, try to wax the headlights at least 2 times a month for protection. If your headlights have a minor case of yellowing, i recommend you try "Meguiar's PlastX" first and see if you still need to wetand afterwards.
II. Materials Needed (I found all my supplies in Autozone, however they should be readily accessible at most hardware/auto stores)
- 1500 Grit Wet/dry sandpaper
- 2500 Grit Wet/dry sandpaper
- 3000 Grit Wet/dry sandpaper (2500 Grit should work if you can't find 3000)
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Meguiar's PlastX (Or any other plastic polisher)
- Car Wax/Sealant
- Painter's Tape
- Microfiber Towels
III. Procedure
1) Fill up a bucket with water and place the sandpaper in it. You want to pre-soak the sandpaper for at least 10 minutes before you start using it
2) Wash your headlights with soap and water
3) Tape up the area around your headlights with painter's tape to protect it while you sand. You don't want to sand off the paint on your car
.
3) Spray the headlights with water and start sanding with 1500 grit. You do not have to apply much pressure, rather more or less let the sandpaper glide across the headlights in one direction (i.e. side to side, or up and down). You want to sand each headlight for about 20-30 minutes at each grit, or until the sanding is uniform across the headlights and the yellowing/scratches have been removed. Keep spraying the headlights with water as you sand.
4) Repeat Step 3, but this time use the 2000 grit sandpaper for 20-30 minutes
5) Repeat Step 3, but this time use the 3000 grit sandpaper for20 - 30 minutes. After the 3000 grit, you headlights will still be hazy. Do not be alarmed as this is normal, the next 2 steps will work magic and clear them up
6) Hose down the headlights and wipe them dry to remove any sanding residue. You should be left with a hazy but uniform headlight
7) Apply a liberal amount of Meguiars Plastix to the headlight. Thoroughly rub it into the headlights as if you marinating a steak. After entire headlight has been massaged, quickly wipe off the Plastix with a microfiber towel before the Plastix dries.
8) Repeat above step 2-3x or until headlight is clear of haze. Afterwards wipe down headlight with water to remove any remaining residue
9) Apply your favorite wax to the headlight to finish it up. You may want to do this step with every car wash to ensure the yellowing does not return
10) Step back, and admire your clear headlights! Yum
IV. Discussion
1) Some actually have a shop clearcoat their headlights for them after sanding to ensure the yellowing does not return. I may try this in the future...
2) Others use a 50/50 mix of urethane and mineral spirits instead of Plastix and said that the yellowing does not return. This is another possible solution...
Hope this helps!
Disclaimer: I take zero responsibility for any damage that may be caused as a result of this DIY.
-------------------------------
DIY: Wetsanding Headlights
I. Intro
Simple DIY on how to wetsand your headlights to remove yellowing and/or scratches. Keep in mind that by doing this you are essentially removing the UV protection in your headlight thus they may yellow again in 5-6 months. To keep them from yellowing, try to wax the headlights at least 2 times a month for protection. If your headlights have a minor case of yellowing, i recommend you try "Meguiar's PlastX" first and see if you still need to wetand afterwards.
II. Materials Needed (I found all my supplies in Autozone, however they should be readily accessible at most hardware/auto stores)
- 1500 Grit Wet/dry sandpaper
- 2500 Grit Wet/dry sandpaper
- 3000 Grit Wet/dry sandpaper (2500 Grit should work if you can't find 3000)
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Meguiar's PlastX (Or any other plastic polisher)
- Car Wax/Sealant
- Painter's Tape
- Microfiber Towels
III. Procedure
1) Fill up a bucket with water and place the sandpaper in it. You want to pre-soak the sandpaper for at least 10 minutes before you start using it
2) Wash your headlights with soap and water
3) Tape up the area around your headlights with painter's tape to protect it while you sand. You don't want to sand off the paint on your car
. 3) Spray the headlights with water and start sanding with 1500 grit. You do not have to apply much pressure, rather more or less let the sandpaper glide across the headlights in one direction (i.e. side to side, or up and down). You want to sand each headlight for about 20-30 minutes at each grit, or until the sanding is uniform across the headlights and the yellowing/scratches have been removed. Keep spraying the headlights with water as you sand.
4) Repeat Step 3, but this time use the 2000 grit sandpaper for 20-30 minutes
5) Repeat Step 3, but this time use the 3000 grit sandpaper for20 - 30 minutes. After the 3000 grit, you headlights will still be hazy. Do not be alarmed as this is normal, the next 2 steps will work magic and clear them up
6) Hose down the headlights and wipe them dry to remove any sanding residue. You should be left with a hazy but uniform headlight
7) Apply a liberal amount of Meguiars Plastix to the headlight. Thoroughly rub it into the headlights as if you marinating a steak. After entire headlight has been massaged, quickly wipe off the Plastix with a microfiber towel before the Plastix dries.
8) Repeat above step 2-3x or until headlight is clear of haze. Afterwards wipe down headlight with water to remove any remaining residue
9) Apply your favorite wax to the headlight to finish it up. You may want to do this step with every car wash to ensure the yellowing does not return
10) Step back, and admire your clear headlights! Yum
IV. Discussion
1) Some actually have a shop clearcoat their headlights for them after sanding to ensure the yellowing does not return. I may try this in the future...
2) Others use a 50/50 mix of urethane and mineral spirits instead of Plastix and said that the yellowing does not return. This is another possible solution...
Hope this helps!
