Smoked tail lights: film, paint or replace?

[Herbicidal]

I've done a fair amount of reviewing various threads regarding smoked tail lights. Here's a summary of what I've come up with so far:

Film - I like the film from Lamin-x (http://www.lamin-x.com/) since it's pre-cut and they include everything you need to do the job. Their on-line video makes it look like a piece of cake to install. I know you can buy just the vinyl and make your own from a sheet, but I like the pre-cut myself. Concerns with film are cracking, bubbling, peeling and fading. Anything else?

Paint - I've read that for some folks it's cracked/peeled, faded or it still looks great. Airbrushed for best results? Not sure what the difference is. I'm not as familiar with what would be a high quality smoked paint. I believe for best results a clear coat should be applied too. Maintenance? Apply some wax with UV protectant periodically?

Replacement tail lights - the most expensive option, but easy to put back your originals if need be. Probably can get LED ones too, although I've not really looked to see what Sedan options there are.

For those people that have done film or paint, how long ago did you do it and how does it look today? Would you make the same choice again or do something different? For the replacement tail light crowd (Sedans), feel free to post some pics, I'm still haven't commited to going one way or the other.

Thanks for the feedback!

YarisWorld rocks! :headbang:

[Herbicidal]

Bump. Anyone?

[cali yaris]

My headlights were done with transparent paint in a body shop booth. They have lasted over a year with no problems at all, and I got exactly the shade I wanted. Also, it's the cleanest look.

I also sell this, which you might be able to find a review or DIY on somewhere on the internet:
http://shop.microimageonline.com/product.sc?productId=84&categoryId=12

[Herbicidal]

So with that product, do you just keep applying coats until you get the desired level of smokedness? Has anyone else on the forum bought/used this paint from you? Easy to touch up? Just curious about the results and longevity of the product.

Thanks!

[puetato89]

My headlights were done with transparent paint in a body shop booth. They have lasted over a year with no problems at all, and I got exactly the shade I wanted. Also, it's the cleanest look.


i did my tail lights with trasnperent black, its a whole lot cleaner, doesnt fade(if done right), and had mine for over a 1 1/2, dont know how much a body shop will charge but ive been doing them for a while for $50, but im almost out of that paint,:frown: i need 2 get some more

[Herbicidal]

i did my tail lights with trasnperent black, its a whole lot cleaner, doesnt fade(if done right), and had mine for over a 1 1/2, dont know how much a body shop will charge but ive been doing them for a while for $50, but im almost out of that paint,:frown: i need 2 get some more

Do you have a brand of paint that you use? What do you do to prep the tail lights for paint? Just use a cleaner? Wet sanding?

Thanks!

[Prohibit]

I used VHT NiteShades that you can get at auto zone, o'reillys, advancedautoparts, etc. Took one can, wetsanded it, sprayed it, all done. looks good. lights still shine through fine. $15's all together.

[Herbicidal]

I used VHT NiteShades that you can get at auto zone, o'reillys, advancedautoparts, etc. Took one can, wetsanded it, sprayed it, all done. looks good. lights still shine through fine. $15's all together.

Nice! I really like the paint job on your car. :thumbsup: How's the paint holding up on the tail lights?

[Prohibit]

Nice! I really like the paint job on your car. :thumbsup: How's the paint holding up on the tail lights?

Hey thanks man, it's holding up really well. It's only been tinted for a month or two though. I plan on buying the RS tails eventually, so i figured i'd butcher these tails for experience :bellyroll:

But they actually came out pretty good.

I think I did 2 coats. 3 at the max.

[PHXDEMON]

Best thing to do if you want it to actually last is wetsand with 1500 grit and soapy water and go to a paint store and have them mix a hint of black tint into some clearcoat then just spray the clearcoat with a hvlp gun 1 coat at a time until desired darkness is achieved.

[Herbicidal]

Thanks PHXDEMON. So far everyone on this thread has gone the "paint" route.

Anyone have experience with "film" and care to chime in?

[AND189]

get the new ones mate they look good you cant stuff them plug and play no problems

[Herbicidal]

get the new ones mate they look good you cant stuff them plug and play no problems

Hi there! Do you mean get new tail lights, already smoked?

[wiirenet]

I had my tails smoked with spray paint in a can. Not sure what kind, but it was for smoking lights. We only did 3 coats, that's what the can said we should do max. And it doesn't look good. It just looks like the lights are dirty, they're not 'black.' I'm worried if I add more coats it will block out too much light. Plus I don't know what paint can was used.

[Prohibit]

I had my tails smoked with spray paint in a can. Not sure what kind, but it was for smoking lights. We only did 3 coats, that's what the can said we should do max. And it doesn't look good. It just looks like the lights are dirty, they're not 'black.' I'm worried if I add more coats it will block out too much light. Plus I don't know what paint can was used.

Pretty sure that is VHT Nite Shades.

It's one of the most popular ones, and the back of the can says do not exceed 3 coats.

[wiirenet]

Would you have any advice on that? Or anyone else? Will it really ruin light visibility if I add more coats?

[Herbicidal]

I wonder if you do a wet sand with 1500 grit (or higher) paper and then apply a clear coat if that would give a 'cleaner' look.

[Mouse]

I used the lamin-x on my MX-5. I was very pleased with the result. I've had the lights like that for more than 2 years with no problems. The vinyl is 20 mil I think. It's pretty thick. It's not like tints. I would say it's as thick as the plastic rear window I had on my previous miatas.

Here are some pics.


First Installed:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g16/gotturbo240/chriscar514.jpg

6-months after installation:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g16/gotturbo240/chriscar530.jpg

2-years after installation:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g16/gotturbo240/chriscar580.jpg

Random pics:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g16/gotturbo240/chriscar522.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g16/gotturbo240/chriscar521.jpg

[Herbicidal]

Yeaa! Finally someone with Lamin-x film! Looks good in the pics! Do you recall if it was as easy to apply as the video on their web site makes it look? Honestly, this is the direction I'm leaning toward instead of paint.

[Mouse]

On the MX-5 the lights are curved so I kind of had to massage them on....but other than that it was easy. Just use soapy water and youre good.

[Herbicidal]

Well I decided on the Lamin-x film kit. I'm also getting the 3rd brake light film too. It's a universal cut-to-fit strip. The other pieces are specific to the Yaris sedan. I'll start another thread with before and after pics when it's done. Thanks everyone for your input.

[AND189]

Hi there! Do you mean get new tail lights, already smoked?

yes sorry if you can only because once you spray them and you deside you dont like them or you want to sell the car you have to fork out a new pair if your keen to do it your self see if you can fine a 2nd had pair and keep your originals also i am not sure about your county or state laws but remember that once you "smoke" the lights it makes it harder for people to see the light signal... sorry for the late reply

[basslover911]

Theres some film that isnt just static, that actually has "glue" on it.

ONLY use these, as the static film ones will fall off with heavy heavy rain or going through a car wash. The ones with glue though (its just like glue with window tint) are AWESOME. You can scrub them, wipe them, whatever at the car wash and nothing will happen.

[Herbicidal]

Theres some film that isnt just static, that actually has "glue" on it.

ONLY use these, as the static film ones will fall off with heavy heavy rain or going through a car wash. The ones with glue though (its just like glue with window tint) are AWESOME. You can scrub them, wipe them, whatever at the car wash and nothing will happen.

Hmmmm. I don't know what kind the Lamin-X ones are. :iono: I only hand wash my car, but we do get occasional heavy rains. I guess I'll see how they hold up. They are on their way to me now. I'll probably get them this coming week. Not sure when I'll put them on, maybe next weekend.

[YarisSedan]

Let me know how they turn out. I may be interested in the same set then.

[Saskatchewan17]

I used nightshades on my MS3:

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa148/Saskatchewan17/DSC_0012-1.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa148/Saskatchewan17/DSC_0008-5.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa148/Saskatchewan17/DSC_0006-3.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa148/Saskatchewan17/DSC_0013-1.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa148/Saskatchewan17/DSC_0015-2.jpg

[Mouse]

I use to put my car through the car washes you drive through and never ever had a single problem about the Lamin-x coming off or peeling....NOTHING.

[Herbicidal]

Let me know how they turn out. I may be interested in the same set then.
Will do! :thumbsup:

I used nightshades on my MS3.
Looks good!

I use to put my car through the car washes you drive through and never ever had a single problem about the Lamin-x coming off or peeling....NOTHING.
Excellent news! Thanks.

[schleppy]

I've used lamin-x on headlights for a few years now, and I've never had a single issue.

[Herbicidal]

I've used lamin-x on headlights for a few years now, and I've never had a single issue.

Are you using clear? If so, why? Just curious...thanks.

[schleppy]

Are you using clear? If so, why? Just curious...thanks.

I used clear on one set of headlights for rock protection, and yellow on motorcycle headlights for protection/looks/visibilty (to other cars)