VHT Niteshade
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
2013 C250 Coupe
VHT Niteshade
So I'm looking to tint my tails! I've scanned through google and the forums and a lot of people are debating between the use of films and paints. I've read on other auto forums that Lamin-x can cause cracks over time to the plastic (especially headlights) by overheating.
A lot of people mentioned this VHT Niteshade and I was curious if anyone has tried this product on their benz or know of anyone who has? This is just a short project I'm looking to do until I buy LED tails and have them professionally taken care of. Cheers!
A lot of people mentioned this VHT Niteshade and I was curious if anyone has tried this product on their benz or know of anyone who has? This is just a short project I'm looking to do until I buy LED tails and have them professionally taken care of. Cheers!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
2013 C250 Coupe
Ok, heres how it looks. In person they actually have a more flat black color since I decided not to go with a clearcoat--mostly because I wrapped my roof in matte black vinyl and painted my grill the same. The only thing now is to see how they hold up to arizona sun in the future.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
2013 C250 Coupe
Yea, the paint I used was VHT Niteshade. You can find it at most auto stores--got mine at checker.
I took the tails off before I painted, though the thought of painting on the car did cross my mind...but then the thought of messing up did too, lol.
For any of yall looking to do this, just a heads up, the paint will dry darker. You can't really tell from the photo but the back right light is a tad lighter but you can only tell where the actual tail light curves (edges where it is clear).
I think this is a good way to go about tinting since its paint (don't have to worry about bubbles and discoloration from films) and since everyone has the exact amount of tint in their minds, you can see for yourself in the process.
I took the tails off before I painted, though the thought of painting on the car did cross my mind...but then the thought of messing up did too, lol.
For any of yall looking to do this, just a heads up, the paint will dry darker. You can't really tell from the photo but the back right light is a tad lighter but you can only tell where the actual tail light curves (edges where it is clear).
I think this is a good way to go about tinting since its paint (don't have to worry about bubbles and discoloration from films) and since everyone has the exact amount of tint in their minds, you can see for yourself in the process.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
From: NY
08 c350
yeah i know what you mean im considering this because my tint is peeling, but if i can get a quote and it'll fix up cheap enough ill just do that. painting isnt my strong suit but im going to try it on my grill one sunny day lol
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
2009 C300 Sport 4Matic, 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
I used the JPM paint from eBay. Bought 2 cans, took it to an auto-body place, and they took the tails off, sprayed them, added clearcoat. They charged me $180 though, which was way more than I had anticipated considering I brought my own paint. But I love the look of them and have no regrets.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 943
Likes: 19
From: Gainesville, Fl
C300, 93tt RX7, 88RX7 Vet, 83RX7
Yea, the paint I used was VHT Niteshade. You can find it at most auto stores--got mine at checker.
I took the tails off before I painted, though the thought of painting on the car did cross my mind...but then the thought of messing up did too, lol.
For any of yall looking to do this, just a heads up, the paint will dry darker. You can't really tell from the photo but the back right light is a tad lighter but you can only tell where the actual tail light curves (edges where it is clear).
I think this is a good way to go about tinting since its paint (don't have to worry about bubbles and discoloration from films) and since everyone has the exact amount of tint in their minds, you can see for yourself in the process.
I took the tails off before I painted, though the thought of painting on the car did cross my mind...but then the thought of messing up did too, lol.
For any of yall looking to do this, just a heads up, the paint will dry darker. You can't really tell from the photo but the back right light is a tad lighter but you can only tell where the actual tail light curves (edges where it is clear).
I think this is a good way to go about tinting since its paint (don't have to worry about bubbles and discoloration from films) and since everyone has the exact amount of tint in their minds, you can see for yourself in the process.
DId you just take them of the car and paint them or did you do some prep work to the lights??? What did you do
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
2013 C250 Coupe
Basically I took the lights out, cleaned them with windex, taped out what I did not want to paint, and used a 3M scuff pad (red one) to prep the surface (made sure to re-wipe the surfaces with cloth to get rid of debris). From there, I just took my time applying the Niteshade-- I did 4 coats with about 5-10 minutes of drying time between each one.
