Hey guys, first time posting here but long time reader. So first question....


I tinted my tail lights with Rustoleum and the clear coated it with Kylon clear for plastics. Came out really milky so im gonna sand it off and maybe start over. Here is what I want to know, can you use vinyl tint on tail lights that have been sanded? If I cant, I may try the spray method again but want some tips. The tint I used came out very flat where online, it looks glossy even with out the clear coat. I am sanding the lenses from 1000 grit to 2000. I also polished the lights with PlastX. The truck is a 2011 XLT.

 

If your going to tint with rattle can use vht niteshades but first wetsand your tail lights with 1000grit and then spray them. After you get them the shade you want put multiple coats of clear and then wet sand again with 2000 grit and then polish them. Even without the clear coat the vht is glossy after you spray it.

 

I have used VHT before. Did some research saying that the Rusto was better. Shows more light through.

 

You just use less coats of the vht.

 

I have used both, in the past it was VHT, then I tried Rustoleum and liked it okay. I just got a new can of VHT and it is 100x better than Rustoleum. I didnt clearcoat the VHT so I could remove it easy if need be. I spray, let dry, wet sand and then use Meguiars Ultimate compound on it, its as glossy as any paint out there after I use the Meguiars.

 

The possible reasons for the milkiness include (but is not limited to) ...

• when the lights were tinted it was too humid. *This is the reason most of the time.
• not enough drying time in between coat application(s).
• too heavy of a coat applied.

 

I did mine 2.5 years ago on my 07. I used 1 coat of VHT as uniform as I could get it, then had them cleared by a pro. I am happy with them, but it's difficult to get a uniform coat with the VHT, easy to end up using a second coat and before you know it they're blacked out. Mine are as subtle as I could get, did the 3rd brake light also. I'll post pics tomorrow if I remember.

 

Whats the best way of removing the clear coat? I sanded today for and hour and barely got through one layer.

 

I have tinted a lot of cars. My cars and friends the only thing I use is VHT and then clear coat it. You can do it a couple of ways. One wet sand it before or just clean the lens with alcohol and then spray. BUT... if you do it this why you need to make sure u do not over spray on the first coat. because it will bubble. U will need the clear coat because the way also comes out flat.

 

So how should I remove the clear coat? sanded for awhile with 800 and barely got though one spot.