Tools
needed:
800
Grit Sand Paper | Tack Cloths | Paint Thinner | VHT Nite Shade |
Painters Tape | Paper | Soapy Water
Start the process by lightly wet sanding the the lenses with 800 grit
paper. Completely sand the entire surface of the lens
including the corners and edges. Below you can see the upper lens has a
hazy look to it after being sanded and washed.
Now
tape off all of the edges with painters tape. Once everything is masked
off, go back and tape up the back of the lamps with paper. This will
prevent any over spray from entering the tail light housing. Do not be
tempted to skip this step. Before you continue mist your work area with
a light application of water. The mist will help settle any dust out of
the air as well as control any dust that you may stir up while working.
Once
you are sure any area you do not wanted tinted is masked off, wipe the
entire area to be painted with a tack cloth soaked in paint thinner. Go
back and inspect for any traces of dust or smudges. If you
find any clean again with the tack cloth.
With
a clean surface to work with, began applying the VHT Nite Shade. The
hardest part here is controlling the spray. Too much and the lens will
appear black. Not enough and it looks speckled. As with all
painting, the key to success is even coats. To get an even look,
the VHT must be applied until the lens is fairly dark. You can lighten
the appearance by sanding once the tint has cured.
It
is best to apply a clear coat once you are finished. The best option
is a professionally sprayed polyurethane clear coat. Most shops should
be
willing to do this for you for around 30 dollars. Below is the finished
tail light prior to being clear coated. It was as light as I
could get it, yet still darker than I wanted it. If you find
yourself in this position, consider the tinted clear coat method before
you travel down the VHT path.
The
lens shown below was tinted with 7 coats of tinted 5005 Imron clear
coat. Using clear coat produces a lighter more OEM look. If
you want this look consult a local shop or if you have your own HVLP
and safety equipment you can do it yourself. I use 5 parts
clear 2
part activator before adding 1 part jet black.
With
a little time and patience
you can give any car that OEM tinted Mercedes look.
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