[vastang757]

So I decided I was tired of always getting flashed when I have my fog lights on so I went ahead and tinted them.

After 5 coats (VERY light coats):


After a total of 7 or 8 coats of VHT and 4 or 5 coats of clear:


After wetsanding and polishing:


I wet sanded w/ 1500 before spraying, 2000 after the first 5 coats, put on another 2 or 3 medium coats and wet sanded w/ 2000, sprayed 3 light coats of clear and wet sanded then 2 medium coats of clear and wet sanded (I know, a little overkill on the clear). Oh yeah, I wiped the lights off w/ rubbing alcohol after each sanding to make sure there was nothing on the lights before painting.

I still think they could have come out better, they look a little hazy up close. I don't think I'm wet sanding enough. It makes me nervous as all hell to do it cause I don't want to do too much (and there are absolutely no pics of the wet sanding step so I don't know if I'm doing too much or not enough). And I'm getting really annoyed w/ polishing. I was using Meguiars rubbing compound and Meguiars NXT tech wax and they still didn't come out as shiny as I thought they would.

Zat (or anyone who has experience w/ this), I need some tips before I take on doing my tail lights and the corner markers.

[vastang757]

[travis_afx]

First im sure there will be plenty that are gonna disagree with me. but you are using way to fine of grit of paper between coats. the only time you should go above 1000 grit is for the sanding of the final clear to buff.

But ive never sprayed vht so im gonna stay out of this one.

[Zatrekaz]

Alright... I am gonna say this as nice as I can: Start over....

You used way to many coats, and way to fine of sandpaper. Plus, you really need to use adhesion promoter since its on the front of the car.

At this point you need to remove everything you have and start over. I would suggest one of two things. You can grab some 320 Grit sandpaper and go to town for a long time, or buy some paint stripper spray from the parts store. Now... if you go with the stripper (which I suggest) you do NOT need to leave it on long. Hit it with a covering spray, let it sit for about 10secs then wipe it off. It will take more than one application this way. The reason for not leave it on long is because this stuff can eat plastic if it sits to long.

Now, once you have a new surface... follow these steps:

1. Scuff the surface with 400 grit paper... don't boar down, just scuff it really well.
2. Spray 2-3 very thin coats of Adhesion Promoter, waitting about 3mins between each coat
3. Let 10mins pass after you last coat. It should appear hazy at this point.
4. You now need to begin applying the VHT.... You only need about 2-3 VERY THIN coats of VHT. Each coat will barely cover, but by the third or second you will have a uniform tinted cover. Allow each coat to become ALMOST dry.
5. After the last coat has completely drived, start with the clear.
6. Spray 3-4 or more... LIGHT coats of clear allowing each to become tacky.
7. Once you have let the last coat dry for about 2 hours, you need to grab some 2000grit sandpaper and wetsand it very lightly to scuff up the coat completely.
8. Once the surface is completely scuffed, you will need to polish it with some form of compound and/or swirl remover.

[sickfox]

Originally Posted by Zatrekaz Alright... I am gonna say this as nice as I can: Start over.... You used way to many coats, and way to fine of sandpaper. Plus, you really need to use adhesion promoter since its on the front of the car. At this point you need to remove everything you have and start over. I would suggest one of two things. You can grab some 320 Grit sandpaper and go to town for a long time, or buy some paint stripper spray from the parts store. Now... if you go with the stripper (which I suggest) you do NOT need to leave it on long. Hit it with a covering spray, let it sit for about 10secs then wipe it off. It will take more than one application this way. The reason for not leave it on long is because this stuff can eat plastic if it sits to long. Now, once you have a new surface... follow these steps: Scuff the surface with 400 grit paper... don't boar down, just scuff it really well. Spray 2-3 very thin coats of Adhesion Promoter, waitting about 3mins between each coat Let 10mins pass after you last coat. It should appear hazy at this point. You now need to begin applying the VHT.... You only need about 2-3 VERY THIN coats of VHT. Each coat will barely cover, but by the third or second you will have a uniform tinted cover. Allow each coat to become ALMOST dry. After the last coat has completely drived, start with the clear. Spray 3-4 or more... LIGHT coats of clear allowing each to become tacky. Once you have let the last coat dry for about 2 hours, you need to grab some 2000grit sandpaper and wetsand it very lightly to scuff up the coat completely. Once the surface is completely scuffed, you will need to polish it with some form of compound and/or swirl remover.

Then fap to them cause they will be the sex.

[vastang757]

Originally Posted by Zatrekaz Alright... I am gonna say this as nice as I can: Start over.... You used way to many coats, and way to fine of sandpaper. Plus, you really need to use adhesion promoter since its on the front of the car. At this point you need to remove everything you have and start over. I would suggest one of two things. You can grab some 320 Grit sandpaper and go to town for a long time, or buy some paint stripper spray from the parts store. Now... if you go with the stripper (which I suggest) you do NOT need to leave it on long. Hit it with a covering spray, let it sit for about 10secs then wipe it off. It will take more than one application this way. The reason for not leave it on long is because this stuff can eat plastic if it sits to long. Now, once you have a new surface... follow these steps: Scuff the surface with 400 grit paper... don't boar down, just scuff it really well. Spray 2-3 very thin coats of Adhesion Promoter, waitting about 3mins between each coat Let 10mins pass after you last coat. It should appear hazy at this point. You now need to begin applying the VHT.... You only need about 2-3 VERY THIN coats of VHT. Each coat will barely cover, but by the third or second you will have a uniform tinted cover. Allow each coat to become ALMOST dry. After the last coat has completely drived, start with the clear. Spray 3-4 or more... LIGHT coats of clear allowing each to become tacky. Once you have let the last coat dry for about 2 hours, you need to grab some 2000grit sandpaper and wetsand it very lightly to scuff up the coat completely. Once the surface is completely scuffed, you will need to polish it with some form of compound and/or swirl remover.

Thank you!!! I cannot tell you how many "writeups" I looked through trying to find one that comes close to being as good as this.

+reps man

[Zatrekaz]

Originally Posted by vastang757 Thank you!!! I cannot tell you how many "writeups" I looked through trying to find one that comes close to being as good as this. +reps man

Np man, just glad I can help. Post pics after you correct em.

[vastang757]

I definitely will. Along w/ the rest of the lights (only ones I'm not touching are the heads)

[6ER THEN I 8ER!]

when i heard 7-8 coats i was facepalming....i agree with Zat on the way too many...my fogs only have 2ish coats overall with the HIDs still bright behind them

[vastang757]

Yeah I don't want em bright. I like how dark they are now. Just want em shiny after I polish em

[Zatrekaz]

Originally Posted by vastang757 Yeah I don't want em bright. I like how dark they are now. Just want em shiny after I polish em

The problem with 7-8 coats is that it will be TO dark. Hardly ANY light will show through. If you not worried about light transfer, then go with about 4 coats tops.... thin coats....very..thin coats...

[vastang757]

Trust me, I know how little light comes through. I don't mind though, I like how they look

[Zatrekaz]

Just do not use that many on your tails. Only use 2-3 coats max there.

[theundeadstang]

Originally Posted by Zatrekaz Now, once you have a new surface... follow these steps: Scuff the surface with 400 grit paper... don't boar down, just scuff it really well. Spray 2-3 very thin coats of Adhesion Promoter, waitting about 3mins between each coat Let 10mins pass after you last coat. It should appear hazy at this point. You now need to begin applying the VHT.... You only need about 2-3 VERY THIN coats of VHT. Each coat will barely cover, but by the third or second you will have a uniform tinted cover. Allow each coat to become ALMOST dry. After the last coat has completely drived, start with the clear. Spray 3-4 or more... LIGHT coats of clear allowing each to become tacky. Once you have let the last coat dry for about 2 hours, you need to grab some 2000grit sandpaper and wetsand it very lightly to scuff up the coat completely. Once the surface is completely scuffed, you will need to polish it with some form of compound and/or swirl remover.

stupid question but...
can i do this same process with headlights?

[vastang757]

Yeah I'm not going dark on any other lights. Just didn't really care about the fogs

[Zatrekaz]

Originally Posted by theundeadstang stupid question but... can i do this same process with headlights?

Sure can... just be sure to tape off all the rubber parts near the lense and make sure the back is covered with tape/newspaper ect.

Also, since your headlights are what you use to see, go easy on the coats. VHT is some powerful stuff that can get dark before you know it. I would not go over 3 light coats. You will notice some less in bightness if using regular bulbs... HIDs will not change to much.