PPF Headlight Prep

Three Stents · 08-09-2025, 04:34 PM

I'm going to put PPF on my headlights. There are a couple dings on the plastic lens. What the prep to make it smooth? 3000 grit sandpaper?

John in VA · 08-09-2025, 08:05 PM

3000 grit would be a final step, after using coarser to finer wet/dry grades & before wiping with isopropyl alcohol. Try one of the headlight restoration kits from a big box parts store to get them as smooth as possible for a good result with the PPF.

stbm5 · 08-09-2025, 08:46 PM

unless there is hazing i wouldn't be sanding it. use clay bar then isopropyl alcohol/panel prep.

spazzz · 08-09-2025, 10:20 PM

Are you just protecting from future dings?
The headlights can't be all that bad on a '23.

I would just use a fine polish to get the road film off/shine them up and spray with what you would use for your tack solution to get rid of the polish residue.

Three Stents · 08-10-2025, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spazzz

Are you just protecting from future dings?
The headlights can't be all that bad on a '23.

I would just use a fine polish to get the road film off/shine them up and spray with what you would use for your tack solution to get rid of the polish residue.

as I said, "couple". I'm assuming the plastic needs to be smooth or the film will enhance the imperfections. I have restored my wifes 2011 Mini Cooper headlights and they look brand new. I'll start with a clay bar and go from there

afadeev · 08-10-2025, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three Stents

I'm going to put PPF on my headlights. There are a couple dings on the plastic lens. What the prep to make it smooth? 3000 grit sandpaper?

You can polish plastic (just like all other surfaces on your car) in multiple steps of coarseness. How deep are you dings? How badly do you want to make surfaces perfect?

Regular paint polish will work. Just go super-gentle and super carefully since plastic is soft and will require way less pressure and time-on-target than paint.

If you want something fancier, there are many plastic / headlight cluster polishing compounds (sold at AutoZone, Walmart, etc.). I would start with Griot's one:
https://www.griotsgarage.com/plastic...Cm88oTW8&gQT=1

HTH,
a

08-09-2025, 04:34 PM	#1
Three Stents Second Lieutenant 246 Rep 226 Posts Drives: 2023 X5 sdrive40i M Sport PKG Join Date: Jul 2025 Location: Ramona, Ca iTrader: (0)	PPF Headlight Prep I'm going to put PPF on my headlights. There are a couple dings on the plastic lens. What the prep to make it smooth? 3000 grit sandpaper?
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08-09-2025, 08:05 PM	#2
John in VA Colonel 2114 Rep 2,776 Posts Drives: 2015 228i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leesburg, VA iTrader: (6)	3000 grit would be a final step, after using coarser to finer wet/dry grades & before wiping with isopropyl alcohol. Try one of the headlight restoration kits from a big box parts store to get them as smooth as possible for a good result with the PPF. __________________ ____________________________________________ 2015 BMW 228i in EstorilBlau II Metallic / Terra Dakota Leather - 6-speed manual, M Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Lighting Package, Premium Package, Harman Kardon premium sound, Anti-theft alarm system, Blue Metallic Matt Accent Moldings, Aluminum Hexagon Interior Strips, Anthracite Headlining
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08-09-2025, 08:46 PM	#3
stbm5 Major 824 Rep 1,115 Posts Drives: 2018 M5 DG Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: 72211 iTrader: (0)	unless there is hazing i wouldn't be sanding it. use clay bar then isopropyl alcohol/panel prep.
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08-09-2025, 10:20 PM	#4
spazzz Second Lieutenant 226 Rep 223 Posts Drives: 2008 535xi MHD&XHP,2013 X1 35i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Madison,WI iTrader: (0)	Are you just protecting from future dings? The headlights can't be all that bad on a '23. I would just use a fine polish to get the road film off/shine them up and spray with what you would use for your tack solution to get rid of the polish residue.
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