How to Restore Scratched Headlight Bulb Correctly

Modern car manufacturers use molded polycarbonate (plastic) to protect the headlights that cover the h13 headlight bulb led and the reflector inside the housing of the headlight. The sun’s ultraviolet rays degrade the plastic and cause yellowing over time. Driving in sandy, dusty, or salty areas will cover the headlight with a scratch patina. This type of damage causes the headlight bulb to lose apparent brightness and reduce visibility due to the decrease in the amount of light penetrating the cover. Polishing the headlight covers will eliminate the damage and restore the headlights to full functionality.

In the automotive lighting industry, LED headlight would be the main tendency. Before you buy the led headlight bulbs, you should have a clear mind about their functions, benefits, and the installation steps. Some led headlight just housing with a powerful led bulb and an additional led ring, while the common led used with a combination of much smaller led light bulbs to emit the light.

Explanation

Mask of the headlight of the surrounding painted areas with painters tape. Tape to the edge of the headlight covers and leave no paint exposed.

Clean the headlights with a soft cloth and water. Remove any dirt or insects that can be attached to the headlamps.

Wrap a piece of wet or dry 600 grit sandpaper around a smooth sanding block. Moisten the paper and block with clean water. Sprinkle clean water on the headlight.

Sand the entire surface until it has a uniform foggy appearance. Rinse the headlight with clean water. Repeat until all the deep scratches and wells are gone.

Wrap a piece of 1500 sandpaper wet or dry around a soft sanding block. Moisten the paper and block with clean water. Sprinkle clean water on the headlight.

Sand through the scratches of the first pass, until it disappears completely. Rinse the headlight with clean water.

Wrap a piece of 2000 sandpaper wet or dry around a soft sanding block. Moisten the paper and block with clean water. Sprinkle clean water on the headlight.

Sand through the scratches of the second pass until it disappears completely. Rinse the headlight with clean water.

Apply the polishing compound with a soft cloth. Rub the low beam h13 headlight with the rag in a circular pattern while moving across the surface. Polish the headlamp, rinse with clean water and check for cloudiness. Repeat until the headlight is clear.

Apply a layer of plastic enamel with a soft, clean cloth. Buff that the glaze up to the headlight is bright and clear.

Remove the painter’s tape. Clean the area to remove residual plastic dust or polishing compound with a clean cloth.

Scratched and Punched H13 Headlight Bulb

Tips and warnings

  • Keep the sandpaper moist during sanding. The water cools and lubricates the sand while carrying the plastic dust that will cover the sandpaper and reduce its effectiveness.
  • The treatment of the headlights with a good plastic enamel with UV inhibitors in which it will help preserve the roofs and prolong the intervals between polishing work.
  • Kits from various manufacturers are available for sale with sandpaper and polish included. These kits are good for people who prefer to use power tools. Look for h13 headlight bulb cover polishing kits in auto parts stores and the automotive department of large retail stores.
  • Do not overdo the plastic sand. The first sanding removes bites, scratches, or discoloration. The subsequent sanding progressively eliminates the grooves left by the thicker sandpaper, until the plastic is clear and smooth. Excessive sanding with a single grit of sand could damage the plastic cover or create unnecessary work for you.

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