How To: VHT Nite Shades (Light Tinting)
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
How To: VHT Nite Shades (Light Tinting)
Ok, I’ve gotten a few questions about how I did my lights, so here’s a little write up for anyone interested! It’s very easy…but maybe this will help anyway.
Parts/Tools Needed:
VHT Nite Shades - # of cans varies depending on the area being covered. I used less than 1 can for everything in the pictures below.
Duplicolor Clear Coat – Again, # of cans varies depending on the area being covered. I used 2 cans for everything in the pictures below
Windex/SprayWay/etc
Microfiber Cloth
3M Scuff Pad – most parts stores carry this, but you might have to ask for it
Masking Tape, maybe
Prep:
1 – Remove lights to be tinted, if possible.
2 – Clean lights thoroughly with glass cleaner and microfiber towel.
3 – Lightly scuff all areas to be tinted with the 3M scuff pad.
4 – Wipe “dust” left by scuff pad with the microfiber towel.
5 – Mask off any areas you don’t want painted!
Install:
1 – Place similar items side by side (tail lights, side markers, etc) to ensure even coverage.
2 – Spray VHT on lights in even, light coats. Wait about 5-10 minutes between each coat until the desired darkness is reached. I used 4 coats for my darkness...but coat thickness will vary, so your results may be different. One thing to note, VHT will dry slightly darker than it appears when wet, so take that into consideration when achieving your desired darkness. My advice would be to leave them just slightly lighter than what you want.
3 – Wait about 30-45 minutes for the VHT to dry, then spray the Duplicolor Clear Coat over them, again using light, even coats. Be sure to use plenty, I would recommend several coats!
4 – Remove any masking tape at this time.
5 – After 6 hours or so, reinstall lights on the car.
6 – Admire your work!
7 – (Optional Step) After 48+ hours, you can follow up with wet sanding and rubbing compound for an even smoother, glassier look. Without this step, they will still look very good…but after, just wow!
Pictures of finished product (tail lights, center brake light, side markers, and turn signals in the mirrors):
Parts/Tools Needed:
VHT Nite Shades - # of cans varies depending on the area being covered. I used less than 1 can for everything in the pictures below.
Duplicolor Clear Coat – Again, # of cans varies depending on the area being covered. I used 2 cans for everything in the pictures below
Windex/SprayWay/etc
Microfiber Cloth
3M Scuff Pad – most parts stores carry this, but you might have to ask for it
Masking Tape, maybe
Prep:
1 – Remove lights to be tinted, if possible.
2 – Clean lights thoroughly with glass cleaner and microfiber towel.
3 – Lightly scuff all areas to be tinted with the 3M scuff pad.
4 – Wipe “dust” left by scuff pad with the microfiber towel.
5 – Mask off any areas you don’t want painted!
Install:
1 – Place similar items side by side (tail lights, side markers, etc) to ensure even coverage.
2 – Spray VHT on lights in even, light coats. Wait about 5-10 minutes between each coat until the desired darkness is reached. I used 4 coats for my darkness...but coat thickness will vary, so your results may be different. One thing to note, VHT will dry slightly darker than it appears when wet, so take that into consideration when achieving your desired darkness. My advice would be to leave them just slightly lighter than what you want.
3 – Wait about 30-45 minutes for the VHT to dry, then spray the Duplicolor Clear Coat over them, again using light, even coats. Be sure to use plenty, I would recommend several coats!
4 – Remove any masking tape at this time.
5 – After 6 hours or so, reinstall lights on the car.
6 – Admire your work!
7 – (Optional Step) After 48+ hours, you can follow up with wet sanding and rubbing compound for an even smoother, glassier look. Without this step, they will still look very good…but after, just wow!
Pictures of finished product (tail lights, center brake light, side markers, and turn signals in the mirrors):
Last edited by FormulaZR; 05-27-2009 at 02:28 PM.