HOW TO: Tinting tail lights, The right way (PICS)

great write up! one question tho, i have always been taught to not wax a new paint job (clear coat included) for at least 30 days after it was applied

EDIT:
I tinted this member's tails last week by adding his factory OEM magnetic gray paint to 10 parts clear coat. This was after 8 coats. I've heard its really easy to over tint ur tails with the spray can stuff:

 

I used to exact same spray to do my Audi's taillights last year

 

I figure a professional gun and actual mixed paint would vary in adhesion and drying process compared to paint out of an aerosol can, hence the wait period before waxing on new paint jobs. I gave it an hour or 2 to dry before i sanded and added the compounds, and yes it is easy to over spray

Good job on the lights too, wonder how they would look darker?

 

probably, but I would just go back to the shop where you bought your clearcoat and look at the back of the can....just out of curiosity, I bet on that exact can it would say not to wax within 30 days of application. If it doesnt, I stand correct and will provide you with +1 rep.

 

You are not thinking thoroughly. The vinyl, looks like ASS. It is grey, not black. It is a pain to apply. Vinyl WILL start to wrinkle around the round edges of the tail light. If you spray your tail lights, don't just get rid of them, sell them and make more money, and get stock ones. Yes, paint fades over time... if you do not wax it. I wish I could have my tail light right next to yours to show you the difference. We know what the vinyl looks like, but thanks for sharing.

 

It is my opinion, and I am entitled to it. So are yours. You say 2 years, I have seen 5 years. I know you never said spraying it looked bad, but I do know that vinyl has an orange peel texture. <--- in my (I am sure tons of others) opinion, looks like garbage. I never said YOUR tail lights look bad, so let's keep the personal attacks out. Rims are rims and they look different depending on taste. Tinting your tail lights with vinyl and spraying them BOTH get you to the same result.. tinted tail lights. So why go cheap, through the hassle of install, and quality? And NO, it looks nothing close to spray. Food for thought.

I have all ready stated my points in why spraying them is a better option. But, once again for the people that think they know more than me:

Spray Pros:

• Sell your tail lights and buy stock ones if cops hassle you. Maybe you live in the wrong area to have them.
• You can wax them!
• They let more visible light through
• Much more uniform look with the body

Spray Cons:

• Pricey if you do not have the tools. But it can be done for as little as $50 at shops

Vinyl Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Can peel off to remove

Vinyl Cons:

• Hard to apply
• Orange peel texture
• Lets less visible light through
• Looks grey
• Wrinkles
• That little punk can pick at your tail lights and make them start peeling

/pwnage

 

Take a closer look at your vinyl. I didn't contradict myself. You failed to comprehend. I said the same result, as in tinting your lights in general. But, nowhere near the same quality. Have you had them side by side to compare? Because I am basing my FACTS from proof. I never said what you chose to do is dumb nor looks bad. The material itself for this application, looks like ASS.

 

Your opinion about vinyl tint doesn't belong in this thread. If you feel so strongly about, start your own thread.... PLEASE.

 

Sorry to the OP and others for going off topic.

How did you spray them correctly? Because I have been doing this for 3 yrs on 20+ vehicles. As well as my last car, a 335i. I used to live in Naples, and everyone and their moms have luxury cars. I've done anything from E55s to Tundras. This is the much preferred method. I am just educating people WHY spraying is better. As stated above, this thread was about spraying it. I did not do what the OP did. I used a paint gun and car paint. Style is style and I agree about the rims. But method is not a style.

I'm not sure how long you have been on here (on my phone, can't see join date), but I have been nominated for TOTM and get compliments ALL the time. Especially my tail lights, audio, front end, and the rims. There are more members on here with the Enkei WT4s than any other rims (besides factory rims).

I'm 21, and darn proud of it. I have accomplished much more than I have planned. Age doesn't matter. I would never challenge someone else's knowledge, especially someone I do not know.

 

Nice job Gus! Now I've got something else I need to do if I ever find any free time. lol! Rep given.

 

because this is an open forum and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. he didnt take it to a personal level, he stated that he doesnt like vinyl tints, which you took personally so you attacked his choice of rims

 

From the Pics it looks like i rather do the Night shade, although a paint gun and car paint sounds more professional, i personally dont like the dull look.

 

Looks awesome and not too dark like some are! I want mine to look just like yours, gonna have to try this out.

 

Lol I'll look for the can then. Hope the Gf didnt throw it away.

 

Thanks Murph!

Just be patient with it bud, have fun!

Thanks man1

 

To Viet and Kobang, have you guys watched Semi Pro?

E.L.E. guys! haha

 

das so sick man i always wondered how to do that... and i always thougth u do that inside not out? or is it?