DIY taillight tinting: step by step instructions, features and reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Probably, every car owner would like his car to look as stylish as possible, and everyone around him would envy him. This result can be achieved in a lot of different ways - the modern market offers a variety of spectacular paints, polishes, vinyl stickers and other tuning materials. But many, having put in order the glass, body, rims, often forget about the rear lights. Although they are not considered the main element of the car, but with the right approach, they will attract the views of other motorists in the stream, as well as passers-by. Therefore, along with tuning the body, tinting the taillights will not be superfluous at all if you need to give the exterior some exclusive details.

Tinted headlights and the law

Before deciding on such an operation, you need to remember that if you violate the regulations (that is, dim the lights incorrectly), then the traffic police will issue a fine for this. Its amount is almost the same as for tinting, which is not made according to GOST.

Therefore, many are afraid to do something with the headlights, so as not to break the law and not pay extra fines.

Applying Methods

Refusedecorating a car in this way only because of fines is not quite the right decision. You just need to find out what is allowed and allowed, and what is prohibited, and then you can safely modify the car. Tinted rear lights will not only give the car a modern look, but also protect the glass or plastic of the headlight from various scratches and clouding. The surface will become as even as possible if the application process is carried out using a special film.

There are two methods to dim your headlights. This is the use of paint and tinted rear lights with a film. Which of these two methods to choose? Each driver will decide for himself. Both tuning methods have their pros and cons, differ in cost, labor and time investment.

Paint tinting: features

This method of painting headlights is the most economical. However, it is quite labor intensive. It is necessary to thoroughly clean the surface, sand the plastic or glass, and only after that you can proceed directly to painting. The dimming process takes a long time. And the results are not always what you would like. This taillight tinting is suitable for those who do not want to invest large sums in tuning their car.

Vinyl Film Features

This method will take much less time than the previous version. Also, this method is less time consuming than in the case of staining. But there is one point with which there may be certain difficulties. Film needs to be appliedso that there are no wrinkles on the surface. Among the advantages of using this method is the ability to quickly remove the film at any time. There are many shades. There are all colors (for example, the red tinted taillights look great). Shade can be matched to a specific car.

Tinting with paint: how to apply varnish or paint

If it is decided to darken using paint, the first step is to purchase a special preparation. It is best to choose tinted varnishes. They are much easier to apply and use. The cost of these paints and varnishes can be quite high. But the result is worth it. To process two lanterns, only one spray will be enough. Work related to painting headlights is recommended to be carried out in ventilated bright rooms. It is best to do this outdoors. It is necessary to choose a clear, but not too sunny day.

Do-it-yourself tinting of rear lights using paints or varnishes is carried out in several stages. The first step is to dismantle the headlights. This will allow the varnish to lie on the surface as evenly as possible. Please note that then the lights will need to be installed back. This requires skill.

Further, the surface of the glass or plastic of the lantern must be degreased. To do this, you can use traditional alcohol or use special tools. After the process is completed, the headlamp is allowed to dry. Shake the can before spraying the paint. Next, the paint is applied as thin and even as possible. Then the headlight is allowed to dry a little. It is necessary to lay it in such a place that small debris and dust do not get on the painted surface. Next, another (or more) layer of paint is applied - at the same time, it is necessary to paint until the light transmission of the headlight is not exceeded. When the lanterns are completely dry, they should be polished to a mirror state. After that, the optics can be put back on the car and enjoy the result.

Tinted film: instructions

The following tools will be needed for work: a building hair dryer, a sharp enough knife, a solution of alcohol and a regular spatula. The first step in tinting the rear lights involves a thorough cleaning of the surface. First, the headlights are cleaned by removing moisture from them. It is convenient and effective to do this with a microfiber cloth. Also, experts recommend the use of special preparations for cleaning. An alcohol solution is then sprayed onto the surface of the film and onto the headlight. This is done in order to simplify the tinting process.

In order for the vinyl film to lie flat and take the shape of the rear lights, it is stretched. This is done independently by hand or using a hair dryer. The material must be heated, and then the film will become flexible. It is important not to overheat the vinyl. Otherwise, wrinkles will appear.

What's next

Now we have the most important stage of work. It is necessary to stretch the material with a spatula and stick the film on the headlights. If something comes out of the edges, it is cut off with a knife. Reviews say that tinting the rear lights with a film with your hands should be done very carefully. You can damage the flashlight and hands in the process. This completes the process, and you can enjoy the result.

Tinted headlights and fines

As all car owners know, the country has introduced a ban on too much tinted auto glass. This is done to improve safety, as visibility is reduced and the driver of the car may not notice the brake light or turn signal.

In general, the taillights do not affect the visibility of the road situation in any way, however, if the tinting is done incorrectly, then the car owner faces not only a fine, the amount of which is similar to the fine for window tinting, but also the difficulty of driving other cars behind. Driver reviews repeatedly confirm this.

It is legal to drive a car with white taillights. Other light fixtures in yellow, red and orange are also allowed. Tinted rear lights ("Priora" is no exception) can significantly change the shades of the emission of the lamp. Therefore, work must be done very carefully and carefully. Otherwise, you will have to pay a fine of 500 rubles. Inspectors often interpret such tuning as a malfunction of the car. In the worst case, you can lose your driver's license for 6-12 months under paragraph 13 of Art. 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

When operating blacktaillights, an accident can happen, and in this case the driver who drives with tinting will be to blame. Then you will have to pay not only a fine, but also the repair of the affected car.

There is an option when you can protect yourself from fines and still drive a beautiful and spectacular car. Reviews of car owners say that for this you need to do a blackout in a specialized salon. How much does taillight tinting cost? The price in large cities of Russia is from one and a half thousand rubles, depending on the model of the car and the geometry of the headlight itself. This is a relatively small amount. But by paying it, you can protect yourself from traffic police inspectors and protocols. In practice, most often no one will fine anyone, especially if the headlights are tinted competently and skillfully. In this case, the brightness of the glow practically does not decrease. If the inspector sees a gross violation, he may ask to fix the problem on the spot. Reviews say film is the easiest to do.

Conclusion

As you can see, with certain skills, this tuning method can be done independently. If you do everything correctly and follow the instructions, then this will not be considered a violation.