How to Polish a Glass Headlight
by Gail Logan
Headlights are essential to the safe use of an automobile, and, as such, should be carefully maintained. Over time, headlights can become foggy or hazy as small scratches develop in the headlights. When this happens, the light beams issuing from the headlines can be impeded, reducing visibility. Fortunately, the headlights can be restored to their original clarity with the right materials in a few minutes.
Step 1
Wash your car's headlights to remove surface dirt. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Step 2
Apply polishing compound to a microfiber or flannel cloth. Rub the cloth into the headlights in a circular motion. Continue to rub until the haze begins to lift, about ten minutes per headlight. Be careful to avoid the surrounding paint with the polishing cloth.
Step 3
Fill a bowl with water and soak a piece of 1000-grit sandpaper in the bowl for ten minutes. Sand the headlights lightly, stroking in a single direction. Wet the surface as you work.
Step 4
Rub the polishing compound into the headlights again with the flannel or microfiber cloth.
Step 5
Wash the headlights thoroughly with the car wash soap and cloth. Dry thoroughly and wax the light covers with car wax to seal them against developing haze.
References
Things You'll Need
- Car wash solution
- Cloth
- Lint-free cloth
- Water
- 1000-grit sandpaper
- Polishing compound
- Flannel or microfiber cloth
- Car wax
Writer Bio
Gail Logan is a magazine editor and freelance writer based in Atlanta, AL. She received her B.A. in Journalism from Patrick Henry College. For the past four years, she has written home design, travel and food features for national magazines, including "Coastal Living," "Texas Home and Living," "Log Home Design," and "Country's Best Log Homes." When not writing, she mentors inner-city children.
