Painting (smoked) factory tail lights?

[jonathancasey19]

Anyone have a recommendation as to how I should properly paint my factory tail lights ie. Paint used, layers, prep etc.... to achieve the desired "smoked" look? Most of the time, I see guys who tried it and the paint job looks ugly, peals or is too dark. I love the look of a smoked light but to achieve the desired darkness without a ticket from PO PO might be tricky.

 

[Kspen90]

Whatever you do don't spray it in very thick at all or it will make the light look like it has "veins" running through it, I ruined a set that way. Just wipe them down with windex or something similar and spray on extremely light coat until you achieve desired darkness.

 

[jonathancasey19]

Whatever you do don't spray it in very thick at all or it will make the light look like it has "veins" running through it, I ruined a set that way. Just wipe them down with windex or something similar and spray on extremely light coat until you achieve desired darkness.

Was there a specific color used (rattle can I'm assuming) from auto store?

 

[Chevy1925]

My buddy did mine and first wet sanded them down with 1500 grit, then took some clear and put a certain percentage of black into the clear for one quart (i think it was 10%). then sprayed to desired tint. Mine is "medium" as he calls it but the light is black unless in direct sunlight, then you see jsut a bit of the yellow/red of the tail light comin through. Whats nice is when you hit the brake lights/turn signals/reverse lights its only a little darker than factory and easily visable in day light. I guess its kinda like a candy affect???

 

[kenny]

It will help if you first heat the lamp housing's in an oven before painting them. It will help prevent it from leopard coating...

 

[jonathancasey19]

My buddy did mine and first wet sanded them down with 1500 grit, then took some clear and put a certain percentage of black into the clear for one quart (i think it was 10%). then sprayed to desired tint. Mine is "medium" as he calls it but the light is black unless in direct sunlight, then you see jsut a bit of the yellow/red of the tail light comin through. Whats nice is when you hit the brake lights/turn signals/reverse lights its only a little darker than factory and easily visable in day light. I guess its kinda like a candy affect???

That would be IDEAL!!!! You can see in this picture of my buddies LLY with smoked lenses. They look good but the only downside is visibility.

 

[CancerPipe]

Vht nightshades. Wet sand before you spray and use light coats. Lay down 4-5 coats of clear. Wetsand and buff. I can send you a picture of mine if you like.

 

[jonathancasey19]

Vht nightshades. Wet sand before you spray and use light coats. Lay down 4-5 coats of clear. Wetsand and buff. I can send you a picture of mine if you like.

I've heard of VHT nightshades b4. Yeah please do if you don't mind. My email is [email protected]

Thanks

 

[BUST'EM 504]

I used vht on mine. I didnt sand or buff and mine came out fine I taped off for my reverse light. I put about 4 light coats

 

[Chevy1925]

heres what they look like. the flash made the reflector in the lights shine a bit but they are a few shades darker than the pic shows.

 

[Kspen90]

Vht nightshades. Wet sand before you spray and use light coats. Lay down 4-5 coats of clear. Wetsand and buff. I can send you a picture of mine if you like.

X2

 

[jonathancasey19]

Friend just said, "Don't use VHT!!! It will fade and look like shit!!!"

 

[seth999]

I sanded until smooth with 1000-15000 grit then did 2 coats Vht and 3 clear

 

[jnieberlein]

I used VHT in the spring and haven't noticed any fading didnt sand or buff just cleaned them real good and sprayed real light coats took about 7 the first 4 didn't make much of a difference, I messed up my third brake light and it almost looks like just black spray paint, put it on too thick was in a hurry, good luck

 

[dieselboy04']

I use hvt night shades and haven't had a problem other then going to dark. But I did find out if you use paint thinner and a rag you can wipe it off if you haven't cleared it.

 

[paint94979]

i had mine done by a body shop... IIRC 190$ to do all 3 the color of my truck (black)

 

[02sfguy]

i have done 2 sets for people and have had great success with rustoleum lens tint. I have had a lot of guys try the VHT stuff and it turned out awful. What i did was wet sanded with 1000 gr sand paper. (not a lot just enough to loosen any small particles/bugs. then wipe it down with a clean dry cloth. Next i used a small amount of acetone to remove any oil and residue that may be on the lens. then you are ready to spray.

key things to remember...
1. after you acetone the plastic do not touch with your skin or you will transfer oil to it again

2. use a 4x4 with screws in it to elevate the lens and get an even coat without having to touch it.

3. your first coat should just be a light mist to give it a tacky feeling and base layer

4. begin to apply coats, and remember you can always add more you cant take it away so be smart on how much you use.

5. allow 25 min or so between coats and after each coat has dried put a small average powered flash light behind the lens to check your lens transparency.

6. take you time and enjoy. i hope this helps, and remember do not use VHT use the Rustoleum lens tint spray :thumb:

 

[CancerPipe]

Nightshades only fades I'd you don't clear over it. It'll almost fade out like black primer if you leave it uncovered. Had mine on for a few years and it still looks good.