How to tint tail lights?

[Ammunition]

Hello - I would like to know what is the correct materials, and method to smoke tail lights? I have seen many videos on YouTube that demonstrate how to do this, but they always come out looking like they have a vinyl overlay, or like it was blatantly done as a home brew project like this one -



I would want the smoke to come out looking like it was done by the manufacturer, just like how the Valenti smoked tail lights look -


Is this look achievable as a DIY project with the right tools, and materials? or is the best thing I can do is bring the tail lights to a shop and hope that they are able to make it look like the later image?

Do you need to get a translucent vinyl overlay, or is there a spray that you need to apply in order to do this?

Any input, or information on how to achieve that factory look would be appreciated - thanks!

[skyloran]

i want to smoke out my tail light too.. been looking around. and i was recommanded by couple Japanese friends saying Nokya paint product are great.

http://mtqinc.com/nokyausa/paint/smoke.php

would like any suggestion on it, if any 86 owner done it on your car.

[8R6]

use a few super light coats of smoke tint spray, then a shitload of clear over it. done.

[Kiske]

Automotive 2k urethane clear will make them shine! Here are my old ones. This is vht nightshades then a coat of candy red/clear.


The only way to get the rattle can stuff to shine is to wetsand and polish the shit out of them. If you have to ask how then it is probably best to leave it to others. Polishing rattle can VHT nightshades/clear to shine is hell.


Cheapest way to do it is to prep them and tint them yourself then take them to a bodyshop and tell them you need them to slap on 2 coats of clear ASAP.

[Lunatic]

I used tail light paint from my local parts store. Don't remember the brand but my tail lights turned out great.

[TagMaster11]

I used 2 coats of RED VHT tint and 3 coats of clear coat .. lots of wetsand and polishing with Ultimate compound from Meguiars..

Maybe not the best picture, but for a First time try, I like the way they came out.

[Slade]

I'm gonna tint mine red probably this weekend. Can you use any clearcoat?

[fumanchu1]

you mean that you want them to come out like this?

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[fumanchu1]

didn't notice this was such an old thread thanks slade. Also did you not read the posts like 2nd or 3rd one say it

[hosfordryan]

Originally Posted by fumanchu1

Attachment 121983

you mean that you want them to come out like this?

How did you do this? And how much light goes through during the day? Is it bright enough?