Q&A for How to Restore Sun Damaged Plastic

Oxidation residue is the cause of foggy headlights. Commercially-available kits are available to do the job of restoring headlights. Online results also include the use of glass cleaner, toothpaste, baking soda and vinegar, and are demonstrated on YouTube.

Your best bet is to use some plastic conditioner, which may help reverse any damage caused by UV light. Start by washing the surface with warm water and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and debris from the surface. If it's really dirty, use a mixture of 5 fl oz (15 mL) of any liquid laundry detergent and 16 fl oz (470 mL) of warm water to clean it. After you wash the plastic, dry it off well with a clean, dry cloth. Use a plastic conditioning product and add about a coin-sized amount to the plastic. Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth. Wipe the cloth in a circular motion until the conditioner is no longer visible on the plastic. Then, wipe off the excess, let it dry, and you should be good to go!

If you've got white plastic that's faded to yellow, you can actually restore it with hydrogen peroxide! Tape off or cover any colored areas with some clear tape or masking tape so they're protected. Use a 12% hydrogen peroxide cream instead of the liquid and brush an even layer over the area. You can use a paint brush or foam brush. If you don’t have these, an old toothbrush will work just fine. Then, seal the plastic item in a plastic bag or garbage bag to keep the cream from drying out. Find a spot to place your item outdoors, if possible. You want to put it under direct sunlight, but not on a hot surface such as asphalt. Rotate the bag every hour or so until the white color is restored. Rinse off the cream before it dries with a damp rag and you're all set.

The simplest solution may be to paint over the plastic surface. For that job, spray paint is the easiest way to go. Wash off the plastic with some soap and water so it's nice and clean, then dry it off completely with a clean towel. Take some 220 to 320-grit sandpaper and gently scrub the plastic surface to rough it up and give your paint something to stick to. Then, wash and dry it again. Tape off any sections you don't want to get paint on and coat the discolored area with an even layer of the spray paint. Let it dry for 30 minutes and add additional layers if necessary.