Need DIY Tinted Tailights Instructions!
Moderate User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,003
Likes: 21
From: Albany, NY
I went back through. What's there not to understand?
Honestly, if you can't follow the instructions, you probably shouldn't take on the task as you will run the risk of needing to buy new taillights.
The instructions for painting goes for ANY size/shape/color taillight you want.
You must initially scuff so you can apply the VHT. You may actually want to use an adhesion promoter before applying the VHT since you seem to have never painted before? Adhesion promoter will help the VHT stick to the plastic part. If properly done, adhseion promoter is not needed.
After you do your sanding, wipe clean using a paint Prep cleaner or alcohol.
You need to spray an initial tack coat. This means you spray a light but even 1st coating and let it "tack" up before spraying your 2nd/3rd coats to darken the lens up. You must not allow the tack coat to fully dry or you'll need to wait for it to sure, do a light sanding and then start over again.
I waited a day before sanding down the VHT and applying the clear so to let it harden up before doing a final sanding and applying my clear coats which not everyone does.(makes it last much longer though)
Honestly, if you can't follow the instructions, you probably shouldn't take on the task as you will run the risk of needing to buy new taillights.
The instructions for painting goes for ANY size/shape/color taillight you want.
You must initially scuff so you can apply the VHT. You may actually want to use an adhesion promoter before applying the VHT since you seem to have never painted before? Adhesion promoter will help the VHT stick to the plastic part. If properly done, adhseion promoter is not needed.
After you do your sanding, wipe clean using a paint Prep cleaner or alcohol.
You need to spray an initial tack coat. This means you spray a light but even 1st coating and let it "tack" up before spraying your 2nd/3rd coats to darken the lens up. You must not allow the tack coat to fully dry or you'll need to wait for it to sure, do a light sanding and then start over again.
I waited a day before sanding down the VHT and applying the clear so to let it harden up before doing a final sanding and applying my clear coats which not everyone does.(makes it last much longer though)
Last edited by dirtydog; Apr 22, 2011 at 07:57 AM.
Moderate User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,003
Likes: 21
From: Albany, NY
i just dont wanna see you get stuck with sanded down vht sprayed tails that are chipping/fading/peeling in a month. If you spray just vht as Geezir expressed, the coating will wear down, easily scuff, fade and not last. if you don't mind doing them every year, that method is fine. Because I cleared mine, even with cheap can clear, I wax mine when I wax my truck and they look perfect still.
I re-worded and added some stuff for you so to make it better understood in laymans terms. i suppose if you have no clue, it would be easy to lose understanding which is why I was concerned for you.
Well I really appreciate the help! The concern as well, Thank You for takin the time to explain it. This forum has been a lot of help for me lately. I appreciate everything gents! Thanks again Dirty