Are your headlights looking cloudy and discoloured? Over time, oxidation can take a toll on your vehicle's headlights, reducing visibility and compromising safety, especially at night. Not only does oxidation make your car look older, but it can also decrease the effectiveness of your headlights by up to 80%.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to effectively remove headlight oxidation in preparation for a headlight coating.
Here's What You'll Need
Wet sandpaper (approx. 600, 1000, and 2000 grit)
Spray bottle filled with water
Masking tape
Clean cloths or paper towels
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Headlight Oxidation
Step 1: Clean and Prep Surfaces
Clean both headlights to remove surface dirt and grime. If applicable, open the hood and mask around each headlight to protect the surrounding paint and trim.
Step 2: Remove the Oxidation
Start with the coarsest sandpaper (approx. 600 grit) - Wet both the sandpaper and the headlight lens. It's important to keep the area wet to reduce friction. Using firm pressure, sand in a horizontal motion for around 5 minutes. The oxidation residue will appear as a brownish cloudy liquid; continue sanding until the residue becomes clearer, and the entire lens feels smooth to the touch. Rinse the lens and pad occasionally to keep the area clean and to check your progress.
Switch to the second coarsest sandpaper (approx. 1000 grit) - Wet the lens and sandpaper again. Sand in a vertical motion for 3 to 5 minutes. Continue adding water as necessary to keep the lens and pad wet and clean.
Finish with the finest sandpaper (approx. 2000 grit) - This final sanding step smooths out the surface. Sand in a horizontal motion for about 3 minutes while keeping the lens and sandpaper wet.
These are only recommendations. Ensure you read each product's instructions before use.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Once Step 2 is complete and you are satisfied with your results, thoroughly rinse the headlights with water to wash off any remaining debris. Wipe them with a clean cloth and let them dry completely.
Step 4: Apply a Headlight Coating
To prevent future oxidation, apply a headlight coating with UV protection such as Detour's One-Step Headlight Restoration Spray.
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