Next, take a piece of 1000 grit sandpaper and repeat the sanding process with it. When you’re done, wipe the taillight clean and allow it to dry. Finally, take a piece of 2000 grit sandpaper and sand the lights a final time, using smooth, firm strokes. Clean the lights and allow them to dry. The lights should now feel completely smooth and have a hazy, cloudy color. Give the lights a wipe down with some cleaning product - such as rubbing alcohol, gasoline, or window cleaner - and allow the lights to dry. A good tip when using the sandpaper is to let it soak in some water before sanding - this will make the paper more flexible and easier to use.
One alternative option, if you’d rather tint your whole light, is to purchase some aftermarket lights, which you can plug into the trailer hitch. This will provide you with the extra light you need for reversing at night, but will not ruin the effect of your tinted taillights. [3] X Research source
Once the first layer of tint is dry, you can apply a second layer of tint. When you are done, let the lights stand for 20 to 30 minutes until they are dry to the touch. Then apply a third layer of tint and let that dry completely. In the majority of cases, three coats of spray tint will be enough to achieve the desired level of tinting. When you are happy with the level of tinting, leave the lights outside in the sun to cure for 45 minutes to an hour. This step is optional but will give you a better idea of what your finished tail lights will look like. Remember to remove any masking tape before moving on to the next step.
Although some tinting professionals claim that 3 to 5 layers of clear coat should be enough, others argue that you should apply between 7 and 10 layers for the best results. This provides better protection for the spray tinting. [6] X Research source Make sure to allow each layer of clear coat to dry completely between applications. This is the part where most people become impatient and attempt to apply the clear coat too quickly. However, this can ruin your tint job because if the clear coat isn’t allowed to dry completely between applications the coating can start to run.
Use the 800 grit sandpaper, then the 1000 grit sandpaper, followed by the 2000 grit sandpaper. When you are done, the taillights should have a light, hazy finish.
Depending on the effect you wish to achieve, you can choose a regular black tint, or go for something a little more out there, like yellow, red, gunsmoke or optic blue. [9] X Research source You can even find some film tint that’s pre-cut to fit certain car models, so if you have a popular type of car, look out for those.
If you’re having difficulty, spray some more solution on the outside of the film and use a heat gun or hair dryer to help stretch out the film and make it more malleable. [12] X Research source Just don’t hold the heat source too close to the film or apply heat for too long, as this may weaken or shrivel it.
If you don’t have a squeegee, you can improvise using a credit card or a spatula wrapped in a microfiber towel. You can also continue to use the heat gun or hair dryer at this point to help you to smooth the film.
