Restoring cloudy or yellowed headlights through sanding and polishing is an effective way to improve visibility and enhance a vehicle’s appearance. The process begins with thoroughly cleaning the headlights using soap and water to remove dirt and debris. Once clean, the headlight surface is wet-sanded using progressively finer grit sandpaper—starting around 800–1000 grit and moving up to 2000–3000 grit—to remove oxidation and surface imperfections. Keeping the surface wet during sanding is essential to avoid scratching and ensure an even finish.
After sanding, the headlights are dried and polished using a plastic or headlight polish applied with a microfiber cloth or a polishing pad on a drill or buffer. This step restores clarity by smoothing micro-scratches left from sanding. Finally, a UV sealant or clear coat is applied to protect the headlights from future oxidation and prolong the restoration results. This method is a cost-effective way to restore brightness and extend the lifespan of headlight lenses without replacing them.