How to Tint Taillights

Tinted taillights can create a matching or contrasting color effect with the paint. Shapes can be painted in to create a distinctive look and do tricks with the light. Smoked taillights are either painted or covered with a type of tinting film to change the hue of the lights while they're off and on.

Things You'll Need

• Star key wrench set Phillips head or slotted screwdriver Glass cleaner, scrub brush and rag Sand paper (800 grit and 1500 grit) Tinting paint and clear coat sprays, film overlays or window tinting film Masking tape and newspaper Single-edge razor blades or scissors Baby shampoo

Instructions

How to Tint Taillights With Tinting Paint

1. Remove the taillight lenses with a star key wrench or screwdriver. Remove the entire lamp if it's a unit.

2. Clean and sand the lenses. Clean lenses with glass cleaner and dry thoroughly. Wet sand lens exteriors with 800 grit then 1500 grit. Clean off all sanding dust.

3. Mask the trim with masking tape. Mask the bucket of lamp units with newspaper and masking tape.

4. Place lights in a well ventilated area. Spray quick shots of tinting paint from 12 inches to avoid runs. Apply the same number of coats to all lenses for uniform color. Allow four hours to dry and apply clear coat. Dry for another four hours.

5. Remove masking and tape. Reinstall lenses or lamps on the car.

How to Tint Taillights With Film Overlays

1. Clean lenses with glass cleaner and dry completely. Scrub off any stubborn debris or staining with a scrub brush.

2. Spray lens and film with soapy water. Lay the film over the lens.

3. Apply heat from a heat gun while rubbing the film with a small squeegee. Work from the center out.

4. Trim the excess film with a razor blade around the edges of the lens. Apply heat to the edges to seal.

How to Tint Taillights With Static Window Film

1. Wrap paper around the taillight lenses and trace the outline. Unfurl the paper and cut out the shapes. Lay the shapes over tinted window film and cut matching shapes of film.

2. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baby shampoo with 1 quart of bottled water. Wet the surface of the lens and both sides of the window film with shampoo mix.

3. Lay the film shapes over the lens areas they're cut to fit. Press on firmly with a squeegee.

Tips & Warnings

• Mask shapes into painted lenses. Cut paper ovals, stars or other shapes and stick them over sections of the lens. Paint lenses with paper shapes in place. Remove shapes before spraying clear coat. The shapes will show the original lens color through the smoking. Taillights will glow at the proper intensity in the masked shape.

• Check the laws regarding taillight lenses in all the areas you plan to drive. Some regional laws require lights to be visible at a specified distance. Tinting or smoking a taillight lens darkens it and reduces the glow. If your lenses are illegally tinted it can void your insurance coverage. Keep hands clear of heat gun discharge. Do not cut in the direction of fingers or hands with a razor blade.