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F2EEMAN

F2EEMAN

Well-known user
Jun 5, 2010
299
19
WestMids
Right, as you know Iv had an attempt at tinting my rear lights. After a slow start I managed to get them as dark as I wanted (two 500ml cans later) They're not the greatest quality but certainly passable, one is alot more smooth than the other although I did them at the same time and some how I'v managed to miss (not do as dark) slight bits on the outer edges of lights. So I havent lacquered them, I'm gonna wait till summer and strip em and do a full on pro jobby :whistle:

I think for a quick blast in the garage for something to do hasnt turned out too badly :)

Maybe a good t-cut with a decent cloth that isnt full of grit would bring the shine out some more.

Before

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After

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They're looking good mate - not a bad job at all! Just a word of warning, you may find that you need to fit some sort of red reflectors for the new MOT and you could possibly get a bit of unwanted attention from the rozzers, but still looking good!
 
Thanks everyone, The photos are too kind on my blemished attempt! But from 6ft away look lovely haha... even better in the dark! :)

Silentstu said:
Ties the spoiler in nicely mate
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Thanks mate, that was my main reasoning behind it really. Was abit risky putting the black spoiler on a silver cat with bright red rear lights, but i think your right its really bought it all together

macvic711 said:
They're looking good mate - not a bad job at all! Just a word of warning, you may find that you need to fit some sort of red reflectors for the new MOT and you could possibly get a bit of unwanted attention from the rozzers, but still looking good!
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gav said:
Think the 3rd brake light makes up for the reflector as it only has to be a really small reflector
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Well, I'm thinking about doing the 3rd brake aswell. Just need to get another tint can and maybe find a spare lense from somewhere.
Although I did these to an old spare set I had, so come MOT time I'll swap em round. They're not completely black, some red does come through esp on the 'boobs' but Im not sure would be enough for say vosa. But Iv come up with a plan to get some reflective quality back into the light but will be next year when I it will be worth the time and effort

droidgordie42 said:
nothing wrong with a bit of home spraying lol
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Bit of an engine cover fetish there mate? haha I bet the mrs appreciates you hogging the line!
 
Third brakelight isn't a reflector, it's a light lens only, and an optional one at that. As far as i am aware, reflectors have to be placed as near to the extreme outer edges of the vehicle as possible, so that following motorists can see the width of that vehicle. Having said that, good effort Alex, be carefull T-cutting the tint, it'll be soft with no laquer on it. Why don't you just spend another 30 mins and chuck a couple of laquer coats on it? just the two coats will put a better gloss on there. (y)
 
WildV6 said:
Looking good there mate, and some good advice from Al above ^^^^^^^
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It's what I was going to do I'v got the lacquer to do it but scared of ruining something that looks half decent lol. Plus one of them isn't very smooth and on inspection has some light scratches from cleaning with a new cloth :/ would lacquer make it look worse or better?
 
Cloudy lacquer is down to temperature and too thick a coat. If it's in a rattle can it needs to be properly shaken and at the right temp, if needs be warm the can with a heat gun etc. Also make sure the light unit is in a warm place too as if you throw warm lacquer on a cold surface it can cloud or even run straight off. Worst case it can react too due to chemicals at different temps. Try drying the lights properly, in a warm room over night or warm them with a heat gun etc from a sensible distance and DO NOT over heat the lacquer as it will bubble and strip anything underneath it. Once dry, try wet flatting back with 1500 and then 2000 then polish up and see if clouding goes. If it doesn't, you'll need to flat back to the black :(
 
V6SINGH said:
Cloudy lacquer is down to temperature and too thick a coat. If it's in a rattle can it needs to be properly shaken and at the right temp, if needs be warm the can with a heat gun etc. Also make sure the light unit is in a warm place too as if you throw warm lacquer on a cold surface it can cloud or even run straight off. Worst case it can react too due to chemicals at different temps. Try drying the lights properly, in a warm room over night or warm them with a heat gun etc from a sensible distance and DO NOT over heat the lacquer as it will bubble and strip anything underneath it. Once dry, try wet flatting back with 1500 and then 2000 then polish up and see if clouding goes. If it doesn't, you'll need to flat back to the black :(
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Thanks mate, I'll give it a go. How long would you say "dry" enough to sand take?
 
Ok, Some how, by some miracle... I went to check on the lights this morning to find.... They were clear! :D .... Still some running on the upper lip though but Its not very noticable unless your starring at them. It's gotten rid of all of the blemishes and scratches on the original tint which im happy with. I think I'm going to leave them as they are atm though in fear of cocking up further trying to sort out the drips. There is a slight difference to shineyness although one is still more shiney than the other, but overall look pretty damn good for a quick job :)
 
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