Transform Your Car’s Look: How to Tint Tail Lights with Spray Like a Pro

Want to give your car a custom, sporty look without breaking the bank? Tinting your tail lights with spray is a relatively affordable and easy DIY project that can transform the rear end of your vehicle. This guide will walk you through the process, providing tips and tricks for achieving a professional-looking finish.

Why Tint Your Tail Lights?

Tinting your tail lights offers a number of benefits, both aesthetic and practical:

• Enhanced Style: Tinted tail lights give your car a more aggressive and modern appearance, complementing custom wheels, body kits, or other modifications.
• Improved Privacy: The darker tint can make it harder for people behind you to see inside your car, enhancing privacy, especially at night.
• Protection from UV Rays: The tint can help protect your tail lights from fading due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Reduced Glare: Tinted tail lights can reduce the glare from your brake lights, making them less distracting to drivers behind you.

Choosing the Right Tint

Before you start, you need to choose the right type of tint.

• Spray Tint: This is the most common and affordable option, available in various shades and finishes.
• Vinyl Film: Offers a more durable and professional-looking finish, but it’s more expensive and requires more technical skill to apply.

For this guide, we’ll focus on using spray tint, as it’s the most user-friendly option for a DIY project.

Gather Your Supplies

To tint your tail lights with spray, you’ll need the following:

• Spray tint: Choose a color and shade that complements your car’s overall design.
• Masking tape: This will help you create clean lines and protect areas you don’t want to tint.
• Newspaper or drop cloths: To protect your car’s paint from overspray.
• Cleaning supplies: Isopropyl alcohol, microfiber cloths, and a spray bottle.
• Gloves: To protect your hands from the tint.
• Paint thinner: For cleaning up any spills or overspray.
• Razor blade: For removing any excess tint.
• Heat gun: For smoothing out the tint and removing any air bubbles.

Preparing Your Tail Lights

Before you start spraying, it’s crucial to prepare your tail lights properly:

1. Clean the Tail Lights Thoroughly: Wash your car and use isopropyl alcohol to clean the tail lights, removing any dirt, grease, or debris.
2. Mask Off the Surrounding Areas: Use masking tape to protect the surrounding areas of your car from overspray. This includes the bodywork, trim, and any other parts you don’t want to tint.
3. Remove the Tail Lights (Optional): For a more professional finish, you can remove the tail lights from your car. This gives you easier access to the entire surface and allows for smoother application. However, be sure to disconnect the electrical connectors before removing the lights.

Applying the Spray Tint

Now, it’s time to apply the spray tint:

1. Shake the Spray Can Well: Shake the spray tint can vigorously for at least one minute to ensure the contents are thoroughly mixed.
2. Apply Thin Coats: Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the tail light and apply thin, even coats. Avoid applying too much tint in one go, as this can lead to drips and runs.
3. Let Each Coat Dry: Allow each coat of tint to dry completely before applying the next. The drying time will vary depending on the type of spray tint you use.
4. Apply Multiple Coats: For a darker tint, apply multiple coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
5. Use a Heat Gun (Optional): If you’re using a heat gun, use it to smooth out the tint and remove any air bubbles. Work carefully and avoid overheating the tint, as this can damage it.

Finishing Touches

Once the tint has dried completely, you can remove the masking tape and clean up any overspray.

1. Remove the Masking Tape: Carefully peel off the masking tape, making sure to avoid pulling on the tint.
2. Clean Up Any Overspray: Use a razor blade to remove any excess tint from the surrounding areas.
3. Inspect the Finish: Inspect the finished product for any imperfections or areas that need to be touched up.
4. Reinstall the Tail Lights (Optional): If you removed the tail lights, reinstall them, making sure to reconnect the electrical connectors.

Important Tips and Considerations

• Practice on a Test Surface: Before applying the tint to your tail lights, practice on a scrap piece of cardboard or plastic to get a feel for the application process.
• Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Spray tint contains chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask if necessary.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Apply the tint in a shaded area to avoid it drying too quickly and causing streaks or bubbles.
• Test the Visibility: After the tint has dried, test the visibility of your brake lights and turn signals at night to ensure they are still visible to other drivers.
• Legal Considerations: Check your local laws regarding tail light tinting. Some areas have restrictions on how dark the tint can be.

Beyond the Basics: Achieving a Professional Look

Here are some additional tips for achieving a truly professional-looking finish:

• Use a Primer: A primer can help the spray tint adhere better to the tail light surface.
• Apply Multiple Thin Coats: Thin coats are always better than one thick coat. This helps to avoid drips and runs.
• Use a Clear Coat: A clear coat can protect the tint from scratches and fading.
• Consider a Professional Installation: If you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, consider having your tail lights tinted professionally.

The Final Word: Unleash Your Car’s Inner Sportiness

Tinting your tail lights with spray is a great way to give your car a custom, sporty look without spending a fortune. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that enhances both the style and functionality of your vehicle. Remember to always prioritize safety and legal compliance when customizing your car.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: How long does it take for spray tint to dry?

A: The drying time for spray tint can vary depending on the type of tint, temperature, and humidity. Typically, it takes several hours for the tint to dry completely.

Q: Can I use spray tint on other parts of my car?

A: Spray tint is primarily designed for use on tail lights and headlights. It may not be suitable for other parts of your car, such as the bodywork or windows.

Q: How long does spray tint last?

A: The lifespan of spray tint can vary depending on the quality of the tint, the application process, and the car’s environment. Typically, it can last for several years if properly maintained.

Q: Can I remove spray tint?

A: Yes, you can remove spray tint using a paint thinner or a dedicated tint remover. However, it can be a challenging process and may damage the tail light surface.

Q: Is it legal to tint my tail lights?

A: The legality of tail light tinting varies by region. Check your local laws and regulations before tinting your tail lights.