Robbio204

When I first had my car, I was playing around and put tint film on the middle of the reverse light (white part). I actually peeled the film off before it completely dried.
I'm looking to do that again actually...The photo attached is what it looked like.
What I did was basic...traced the light with a pencil and paper and then cut out the tint film accordingly, put windex on the light and placed it on the light
.
I wasnt sure whether the tint film would last because of the weather and the tint is for windows and that it usually inside...
What should I do? I heard tint spray is hard to remove
Please help!

pakiplaya

i believe u have 3 options:

1) use the tint spray again but tape off everything but the part u want tinted or take the tail lights out and then do it with taping.
2)use vinyl tint film , use a air squeegee thingy and remove the air bubbles.
3)professional tinting...

DRAWBACK: option 1 and 3 and probably gonna be unable to be undone. You could buy new taillights if you wanted.

2 might be the best. ebay or any vinyl supply retailer should be able to get you tinited transparent films....

just my $.02

AkaSigFreak

lamin-x makes tail lights films sets. They are pre-cut for the entire light but you could modify as needed. They also sell generic sheets that can be custom cut (might be better if you are only doing the reverse lights). I want to tint the red but leave the white.
http://www.lamin-x.com/product-p/mb226.htm

Robbio204

Thanks for the suggestions and help!

I'm really forward on getting the films.
Does it have to be a certain type?Can I just go to autozone or walmart and get some film?
Will it last well?

Spec_Davis

i would spray it. I think i looks better.

pakiplaya

Robbio204

well will the films last long? has anyone used them. I would rather just use tint removal spray when I sell back my car after some years..

Azn_C300

paint it. It'll look better and is more durable when done right.

german-anger

paint or vinyl. But I'm not sure I'd do just the white part.... either whole or leave the white...



btw.. spray can be undone if you use something called "lens painter" ... basically you use isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) to take it off.. its basically a rattlecan.

http://www.k2motor.com/lenspainter.html

micropower99

Hey yours looks fantastic, where did you get yours done? I want to tint mine (like yours) and leave the white part untinted.

TheDarkSide

For anyone looking for the middle part of the tint...

I own a graphics/plotter and i have the Vector file for the exact middle shape so a professional can cut it for you. You can go to your local graphics store and give them the file to cut it. Bring your own material though! Stickercity.com sells bulk-uncut sheets by the feet.

PM me if you would like the Vector File.

If a graphics shop tries to charge you for a setup fee, that is BS! All they have to do is put in the material, open the vector file, and cut it. They should only charge you to cut it. If they say otherwise, for instance: "we need to change the vector file to work with our software" thats BS! don't fall for it.

I would cut it for you guys but I dont have any smoke taillight film in stock and I dont think I'm aloud to sell on here with out being a sponsor.

killacam7479

how do you spray it? I really want this done but not sure how to proceed (leave white, tint red to a medium tint).

german-anger

For example with the 'lens painter' stuff its basically a smoke.. It will darken what you spray with a gray/black hue. Basically spray evenly and spray light layers and let it dry, worst thing is making the paint run, because it will run dark black =(. But yeah use masking tape and mask off the white part and then spray everything else. I also suggest masking off the body of the car with newspaper or something just so you don't end up overspraying the stuff onto the car.

TheDarkSide

smoked taillight protection film has an outdoor life of 10years. I dont think painting it is more durable .

BTW- Smoked Vinyl and Smoked Protection Film are two DIFFERENT things.

Vinyl is 1mm (micro).
Smoked Protection Film is usually 17mm (micro) but there are some cheap companies making 8mm too.

Azn_C300

The comparison was between vinyl and paint, not protection film and paint learn to read. Vinyl has a general life of 2-4 years with a max of 7 years, thus painting is more durable. Then there's the added issue of film/vinyl is applies to the outside, and although this does protected the light housing, it does also expose it to scratches, chips, and all the other elements. With cheaper films you might find on ebay, there's a possibly of bubbling, cracking, peeling, and yellowing. Painting is on the inside and protected from those elements. Best would be painting, and using a clear protection film. And paint protection film can go down to 6mm (3M), which is what Nascar uses.

JS Design Factory (http://www.jsdesignfactory.com/) runs their operation right out of our shop, so I know all the shortfalls of vinyl. Paint over vinyl. Paint vs Protection Film Can make an argument either way.

who8888

What is the difference between clear and clear (40 mil) lamin-x fog light covers? Is it thickness? If so, is 40 mil better? Also do you need the film protectant that they sell?

Robbio204

how about these, does anyone know about them? any opinions?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/08-Me...3A1|240%3A1318

Robbio204

they are "3 mil" thickness, is that good? can some one post links of other places to get similar ones (that are thicker)?