How to Tint Automobile Tail Lights

Tinted tail lights set your vehicle apart from others on the road.

Tinted tail lights look dark and smoky. Smoky tail lights can be purchased as aftermarket accessories, but they are expensive. Tint your own tail lights using materials found at an auto parts store to get the smoky look for far less money. Almost anyone who can use basic tools can tint tail lights in less than three hours.

Things You'll Need

• Ratchet wrench, 8 mm or 10 mm
• Roll of tint from an auto parts store
• Scissors
• Spray bottle
• Water
• Utility knife
• Heat gun or blow dryer

Instructions

1. Remove the tail light from the vehicle with a ratchet wrench and an 8 mm or 10 mm socket. To do this on a car, open the trunk lid and pull down the trunk fabric material to reach the tail-light bolts. For trucks, there are holes large enough to fit the socket into and remove the bolts. Pull the lights out, unplug the wiring behind them and place the tail lights on a flat work surface.

2. Unroll the tint and place it over the tail lights to measure it. Use scissors to cut the tint slightly larger than the outer edges of the tail lights. Now use a sharp utility knife to cut out the white reverse-light area. This is not required for show vehicles, but if your vehicle is driven on public streets, it is illegal to cover the reverse light with tinting.

3. Spray water on the outer surface of the tail lights where the tint will be placed. Peel the backing off the tint and place the tint on the tail light, directly on the water. The water helps the tint slide around if it needs to be moved to help line up the edges. Smooth any wrinkles out of the tint by pushing the wrinkles to the edges of the tint to release trapped air. Do this for each tail light.

4. Heat the tinted tail lights using a heat gun or blow dryer. Heating the tint makes it shrink slightly and adhere better to the tail lights. Use a utility knife to trim excess tint off the edges of the tail lights. Install the tail lights in your vehicle.