Headlights are important for driving safety. Stone chips can impair their performance and appearance. In this article, we will show you how to repair headlight stone chips at home. We also answer frequently asked questions.

Causes and frequency of stone chips in headlamps

Stone chips are usually caused by loose stones and debris on the road. These are thrown against the headlights at high speed. Common causes are poor road conditions, roadworks and heavy rain, which whirl up stones and dirt.

Immediate measures in the event of a stone chip

If a stone chip occurs, you should inspect and document the affected area immediately. Masking the cracks or fractures with clear adhesive tape or special repair films can prevent the damage from worsening.

These temporary measures help to prevent the ingress of water and dirt. They minimise the risk of the crack spreading further while driving. It is advisable to take the vehicle to a workshop as soon as possible. A more thorough inspection and repair can be carried out there.

Step-by-step instructions for removing stone chips

You will need some basic tools and materials to repair stone chips on headlights. These include:

• Microfibre cloth
• Masking tape
• Plastic tools or a credit card
• Sandpaper in various grits (800, 1000, 1500 and 2000)
• Plastic polish or polishing compound
• UV-resistant clear coat spray or headlight sealer
• Water spray bottle
• Drill with polishing attachment.

These materials are available at most DIY stores or online. They offer an inexpensive solution for DIY repairs.

Step 1: Cleaning the headlight

Start by thoroughly cleaning the headlight with a mild car cleaning agent and water. Remove dirt and debris from the surface and allow the headlight to dry completely.

A clean surface is crucial, as dirt particles can impair grinding and polishing. Use a microfibre cloth to ensure that there are no scratches on the surface.

Step 2: Protect the surrounding areas

Protect the surrounding areas of the headlight, e.g. the paint and other plastic parts, by masking them with masking tape. This will prevent damage during the repair.

The masking tape forms a barrier and prevents sandpaper from damaging the car paintwork. Make sure that the tape is applied firmly and smoothly. This is the only way to prevent abrasives from penetrating under the tape.

Step 3: Wet sanding the surface

Soak sandpaper with a grain size of 800 in water. Spray additional water onto the headlight. Sand the surface with gentle, circular movements. Make sure that both the sandpaper and the headlight remain damp at all times.

This step helps to remove loose particles and prepare the surface for finer sanding. Wet sanding prevents overheating and damage to the headlights.

Step 4: Change to finer sandpaper

As soon as the stone chips are no longer visible, switch to sandpaper with a finer grit (1000, 1500 or 2000). Repeat the wet sanding process to further refine the surface.

Start with a medium grit such as 1000 and work your way up to the finer grit. The fine sandpaper helps to further smooth the surface and prepares it for polishing.

Note: Finer grits ensure a smoother surface and better results.

Step 5: Cleaning and drying the headlight

Thoroughly clean the headlight again with water to remove any residue from the sanding process. Dry it completely with a clean microfibre cloth.

Thorough cleaning ensures that any sanding residue that could affect polishing and sealing is removed. It is important to dry the surface completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 6: Application of clear coat or UV sealer

Apply clear lacquer or a UV sealant to the headlights. This will renew the protective layer and extend the life of the restoration. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

The clear coat or UV sealant protects the headlights from further damage. In addition, both products help to maintain the clear appearance of the headlights. Apply the chosen product in several thin coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 7: Remove the masking tape and tidy up

Once the clear lacquer or UV sealant has dried, carefully remove the masking tape. Then clean the surrounding areas. Take care not to leave any residue or excess product on the painted surfaces.

Clean and careful removal of the masking tape will ensure that your repair is finished properly. In addition, no visible edges are left behind.

Headlight repairs: alternative to sandpaper

A simple and effective alternative to the sandpaper method is to use the repair kit from. This innovative method allows you to repair damage quickly and precisely.

Apply the light-curing repair gel from the BLUFIXX-Pro headlight set to the damaged area. Then cure it with the LED light supplied. The gel remains mouldable until it has hardened so that you can adjust it as required.

BLUFIXX offers a simple solution for repairing stone chips on headlights. The light-curing gel can be easily applied to the damaged area. It hardens within seconds under the blue light.

This method does not require any special preparation of the surface. It can be applied directly to the crack or damage. Once cured, the repaired material is immediately ready for use and provides a permanent solution for your headlights.

For more information and detailed instructions, please visit our website. There you will also find other innovative BLUFIXX products.

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