How to Tint Tail Lights
Take out each of the tail lights., Sand the tail lights., Place masking tape over any areas you don't want to spray., Apply the spray tint., Apply the clear coat., Sand the tail lights again., Apply some rubbing compound., Polish and wax the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Take out each of the tail lights.
In order to spray your taillight you will first need to remove them from the car.
To do this, open the trunk and pull back the carpet liner.
There should be two bolts securing the back of each taillight.
You will need to remove these.
Before you can pull the tail lights out completely, you will need to disconnect the bulbs.
You can do this by pulling out the prongs that connect them to the light.
This may take some force.
Now you can completely remove the tails lights. -
Step 2: Sand the tail lights.
Before spraying your taillight, you will first need to sand them to provide a completely smooth surface for the spray tint.
Wet a piece of 800 grit sandpaper and rub it against the taillight until the surface is dull and scuffed up.
You can use a little dish soap if you like.
Repeat the sanding process for each taillight.
When, you're done, wipe the lights clean with a cloth or some paper towel and allow them to dry.
Check to see if you have sanded the surface of the lights evenly.
Next, take a piece of 1000 grit sandpaper and repeat the sanding process with it.
When you're done, wipe the taillight clean and allow to dry.
Finally, take a piece of 2000 grit sandpaper and sand the lights a final time, using smooth, firm strokes.
Clean the lights and allow them to dry.
The lights should now feel completely smooth and have a hazy, cloudy color.
Give the lights a wipe down with some cleaning product
- such as rubbing alcohol, gasoline, or window cleaner
- and allow the lights to dry.
A good tip when using the sandpaper is to let it soak in some water before sanding
- this will make the paper more flexible and easier to use. , In most cases this will be the reverse light, which must remain untinted according to several state laws.
Regardless of the law, tinting your reverse lights may make it very difficult to see when driving at night, so if you choose to leave it uncovered, stick masking tape to the correct area and use a sharp utility knife to give the tape a clean line on either side.
One alternative option, if you'd rather tint your whole light, is to purchase some aftermarket lights, which you can plug into the trailer hitch.
This will provide you with the extra light you need for reversing at night, but will not ruin the effect of your tinted tail lights., Once the lights are completely dry and you have masked off the applicable areas (if necessary), place the tail lights on a stable work surface to begin the spraying process.
Give the can of spray tint a vigorous shake, then hold it about seven inches away from the light, for best coverage.
Spray a light, even layer all over both tail lights, making sure both lights achieve the same color.
Leave this first layer of tint to dry for 20 to 30 minutes.
Once the first layer of tint is dry, you can apply a second layer of tint.
When you are done, let the lights stand for 20 to 30 minutes until they are dry to the touch.
Then apply a third layer of tint and let that dry completely.
In the majority of cases, three coats of spray tint will be enough to achieve the desired level of tinting.
When you are happy with the level of tinting, leave the lights outside in the sun to cure for 45 minutes to an hour.
This step is optional, but will give you a better idea of what your finished tail lights will look like.
Remember to remove any masking tape before moving on to the next step. , The process of applying the clear coat is very similar to applying the spray tint.
Once the final layer of spray tint has dried and you have cured the tail lights, place the taillight back on the work surface and spray them with a light layer of clear coat.
You can use a clear coat with a glossy finish, if you like.
Once you have finished spraying, allow the clear coat to dry for about 20 minutes before applying the next layer.
Although some tinting professionals claim that 3 to 5 layers of clear coat should be enough, others argue that you should apply between 7 and 10 layers for the best results.
This provides better protection for the spray tinting.Make sure to allow each layer of clear coat to dry completely between applications.
This is the part where most people become impatient and attempt to apply the clear coat too quickly.
However, this can ruin your tint job because if the clear coat isn't allowed to dry completely between applications the coating can start to run. , Once the tail lights are completely dry (this may take a couple of hours) you will need to repeat the sanding process.
Make sure to soak the sandpaper in water first, and this time use gentler strokes, making sure each stroke is going in the same direction.
Use the 800 grit sandpaper, then the 1000 grit sandpaper, followed by the 2000 grit sandpaper.
When you are done, the tail lights should have a light, hazy finish. , Once the tail lights have been evenly sanded, get some rubbing compound and apply a generous amount to an application pad or clean cloth.
Apply the rubbing compound evenly over the tail lights using a wiping motion.
Then use a vigorous circular motion and some elbow grease to really work the rubbing compound into the tail lights, to fill in all of the fine scratches caused by the sanding. , Once you have finished applying the rubbing compound, wipe your tail lights down with a microfiber cloth, then use the same technique to apply a polishing compound.
Give the lights another wipe down, before applying the wax product of your choice. , Once your tail lights have been waxed, they are ready to be reinstalled in your vehicle.
Remember to reconnect the light bulbs before sliding the lights into place, then secure the bots and replace the carpeting.
Now the only thing left to do is to take a step back and admire your handiwork! -
Step 3: Place masking tape over any areas you don't want to spray.
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Step 4: Apply the spray tint.
-
Step 5: Apply the clear coat.
-
Step 6: Sand the tail lights again.
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Step 7: Apply some rubbing compound.
-
Step 8: Polish and wax the lights.
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Step 9: Replace your tail lights.
Detailed Guide
In order to spray your taillight you will first need to remove them from the car.
To do this, open the trunk and pull back the carpet liner.
There should be two bolts securing the back of each taillight.
You will need to remove these.
Before you can pull the tail lights out completely, you will need to disconnect the bulbs.
You can do this by pulling out the prongs that connect them to the light.
This may take some force.
Now you can completely remove the tails lights.
Before spraying your taillight, you will first need to sand them to provide a completely smooth surface for the spray tint.
Wet a piece of 800 grit sandpaper and rub it against the taillight until the surface is dull and scuffed up.
You can use a little dish soap if you like.
Repeat the sanding process for each taillight.
When, you're done, wipe the lights clean with a cloth or some paper towel and allow them to dry.
Check to see if you have sanded the surface of the lights evenly.
Next, take a piece of 1000 grit sandpaper and repeat the sanding process with it.
When you're done, wipe the taillight clean and allow to dry.
Finally, take a piece of 2000 grit sandpaper and sand the lights a final time, using smooth, firm strokes.
Clean the lights and allow them to dry.
The lights should now feel completely smooth and have a hazy, cloudy color.
Give the lights a wipe down with some cleaning product
- such as rubbing alcohol, gasoline, or window cleaner
- and allow the lights to dry.
A good tip when using the sandpaper is to let it soak in some water before sanding
- this will make the paper more flexible and easier to use. , In most cases this will be the reverse light, which must remain untinted according to several state laws.
Regardless of the law, tinting your reverse lights may make it very difficult to see when driving at night, so if you choose to leave it uncovered, stick masking tape to the correct area and use a sharp utility knife to give the tape a clean line on either side.
One alternative option, if you'd rather tint your whole light, is to purchase some aftermarket lights, which you can plug into the trailer hitch.
This will provide you with the extra light you need for reversing at night, but will not ruin the effect of your tinted tail lights., Once the lights are completely dry and you have masked off the applicable areas (if necessary), place the tail lights on a stable work surface to begin the spraying process.
Give the can of spray tint a vigorous shake, then hold it about seven inches away from the light, for best coverage.
Spray a light, even layer all over both tail lights, making sure both lights achieve the same color.
Leave this first layer of tint to dry for 20 to 30 minutes.
Once the first layer of tint is dry, you can apply a second layer of tint.
When you are done, let the lights stand for 20 to 30 minutes until they are dry to the touch.
Then apply a third layer of tint and let that dry completely.
In the majority of cases, three coats of spray tint will be enough to achieve the desired level of tinting.
When you are happy with the level of tinting, leave the lights outside in the sun to cure for 45 minutes to an hour.
This step is optional, but will give you a better idea of what your finished tail lights will look like.
Remember to remove any masking tape before moving on to the next step. , The process of applying the clear coat is very similar to applying the spray tint.
Once the final layer of spray tint has dried and you have cured the tail lights, place the taillight back on the work surface and spray them with a light layer of clear coat.
You can use a clear coat with a glossy finish, if you like.
Once you have finished spraying, allow the clear coat to dry for about 20 minutes before applying the next layer.
Although some tinting professionals claim that 3 to 5 layers of clear coat should be enough, others argue that you should apply between 7 and 10 layers for the best results.
This provides better protection for the spray tinting.Make sure to allow each layer of clear coat to dry completely between applications.
This is the part where most people become impatient and attempt to apply the clear coat too quickly.
However, this can ruin your tint job because if the clear coat isn't allowed to dry completely between applications the coating can start to run. , Once the tail lights are completely dry (this may take a couple of hours) you will need to repeat the sanding process.
Make sure to soak the sandpaper in water first, and this time use gentler strokes, making sure each stroke is going in the same direction.
Use the 800 grit sandpaper, then the 1000 grit sandpaper, followed by the 2000 grit sandpaper.
When you are done, the tail lights should have a light, hazy finish. , Once the tail lights have been evenly sanded, get some rubbing compound and apply a generous amount to an application pad or clean cloth.
Apply the rubbing compound evenly over the tail lights using a wiping motion.
Then use a vigorous circular motion and some elbow grease to really work the rubbing compound into the tail lights, to fill in all of the fine scratches caused by the sanding. , Once you have finished applying the rubbing compound, wipe your tail lights down with a microfiber cloth, then use the same technique to apply a polishing compound.
Give the lights another wipe down, before applying the wax product of your choice. , Once your tail lights have been waxed, they are ready to be reinstalled in your vehicle.
Remember to reconnect the light bulbs before sliding the lights into place, then secure the bots and replace the carpeting.
Now the only thing left to do is to take a step back and admire your handiwork!
About the Author
Jerry Griffin
A passionate writer with expertise in practical skills topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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