DIY Guide: How to Tint Your Tail Lights for a Custom Look

Tinting your tail lights is a popular modification that can significantly enhance the appearance of your vehicle, giving it a sleek, custom look. While it’s possible to pay a professional to do this, it’s also a project that many DIY enthusiasts can tackle at home with the right tools, patience, and a bit of know-how. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right tint to the final polishing, ensuring a professional-looking finish.

**Important Considerations Before You Start:**

* **Legality:** Before you begin, it’s crucial to research the legality of tail light tinting in your state or region. Many areas have regulations regarding the visibility of tail lights and brake lights, and heavily tinted lights may be illegal and result in fines or the need to remove the tint. Always prioritize safety and compliance with local laws.
* **Visibility:** Tinting your tail lights will reduce their brightness. Consider the level of tint you choose carefully. A light tint will offer a subtle aesthetic change with minimal impact on visibility, while a dark tint will offer a more dramatic look but significantly reduce brightness. If you opt for a dark tint, consider installing brighter LED bulbs to compensate.
* **Responsibility:** Take responsibility for the safety implications of your modifications. Regularly check your tail lights to ensure they remain visible and functional.

**Tools and Materials You’ll Need:**

* **Tail Light Tint Film or Spray:** This is the core of the project. You have two primary options:
* **Tint Film:** This comes in sheets or rolls and is applied like a sticker. It offers more control during application and is generally considered more forgiving for beginners. It’s also easier to remove if needed.
* **Tint Spray:** This is an aerosol spray that applies a thin layer of tint. It can provide a very smooth, even finish but requires more skill and precision to avoid runs and uneven coverage. It is usually a permanent alteration unless specific remover is used.
* **Heat Gun or Hair Dryer:** Used to make the tint film more pliable and conform to the curves of the tail light. A heat gun is more effective but requires careful use to avoid overheating and damaging the plastic.
* **Spray Bottle with Water and a Drop of Dish Soap:** This mixture acts as a slip solution, allowing you to reposition the tint film during application and helping to prevent air bubbles.
* **Squeegee or Application Card:** Used to smooth out the tint film and remove air bubbles. Choose a squeegee with a soft edge to avoid scratching the surface.
* **Microfiber Towels:** For cleaning and drying the tail lights and work area. Lint-free towels are preferred.
* **Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol):** For cleaning the tail lights and removing any residue.
* **Masking Tape:** To protect surrounding areas from overspray if using tint spray.
* **Razor Blade or Sharp Knife:** For trimming excess tint film. A new, sharp blade is essential for clean cuts.
* **Scissors:** For rough cutting the tint film to size.
* **Gloves:** To protect your hands from chemicals and keep the tail lights clean.
* **Safety Glasses:** To protect your eyes from overspray and debris.
* **Polish and Microfiber Polishing Pad (Optional):** For buffing the finished product.
* **Clear Coat (Optional but Recommended for Spray Tint):** Protects the tinted finish from fading and scratches. Look for a UV-resistant clear coat.
* **Sandpaper (Various Grits – 1000, 2000, 3000; Optional for Smoothing Imperfections with Spray Tint):** For correcting minor imperfections in the spray tint finish before clear coating.

**Step-by-Step Guide to Tinting Your Tail Lights:**

**Phase 1: Preparation is Key**

1. **Gather Your Supplies:** Before you even touch your car, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials within easy reach. This will prevent interruptions and ensure a smoother workflow.
2. **Choose Your Workspace:** Select a well-lit and ventilated area to work in. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the tint film to dry too quickly or the spray tint to cure unevenly. A garage or shaded area is ideal. Make sure the area is clean and free of dust and debris, which can contaminate the finish.
3. **Remove the Tail Lights (Recommended but Not Always Necessary):** While you can tint your tail lights while they’re still on the vehicle, removing them provides easier access and allows for more precise application. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or online resources for instructions on how to safely remove your tail lights. Disconnecting the electrical connectors is essential before removal. If you choose to leave them on the vehicle, thoroughly mask off the surrounding areas with masking tape and paper or plastic sheeting to protect them from overspray.
4. **Clean the Tail Lights Thoroughly:** This is the most crucial step for a successful tint job. Any dirt, grease, or contaminants on the surface will prevent the tint film or spray from adhering properly and result in a poor finish. Use isopropyl alcohol and a clean microfiber towel to thoroughly clean the tail lights. Wipe in one direction to avoid spreading contaminants. Pay close attention to edges and corners, where dirt tends to accumulate. Repeat the cleaning process until the tail lights are spotless. Let them dry completely before proceeding.

**Phase 2: Applying the Tint Film (If Using Film)**

1. **Cut the Tint Film to Size:** Measure the surface of your tail light and cut a piece of tint film that is slightly larger than the area you need to cover. This will give you some extra material to work with and allow for trimming later. It’s always better to have too much than not enough. Lay the film on a flat surface and use scissors or a sharp knife to make the cut. A cutting mat can help protect your work surface.
2. **Prepare the Slip Solution:** Fill a spray bottle with water and add a single drop of dish soap. Shake gently to mix. The soap helps the water to lubricate the surface, allowing you to reposition the film easily. Avoid using too much soap, as it can leave a residue that interferes with adhesion.
3. **Spray the Tail Light and the Tint Film:** Liberally spray both the surface of the tail light and the adhesive side of the tint film with the slip solution. This will prevent the film from sticking immediately and allow you to move it into the correct position. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
4. **Apply the Tint Film:** Carefully peel the backing off the tint film, exposing the adhesive side. Try to avoid touching the adhesive side with your fingers, as this can leave fingerprints or contaminants. Gently apply the film to the tail light, starting from one edge and working your way across. Use your fingers to smooth out any major wrinkles or creases.
5. **Position and Adjust the Film:** With the slip solution in place, you should be able to easily slide the film around on the surface of the tail light. Adjust the position of the film until it is perfectly aligned and covers the entire area you want to tint. Take your time and be precise. If you make a mistake, simply peel the film off and reapply it.
6. **Squeegee Out the Air Bubbles and Excess Water:** Once the film is in the correct position, use a squeegee or application card to remove air bubbles and excess water. Start from the center of the film and work your way outwards, using firm, even pressure. Overlap each pass of the squeegee to ensure that all the water is removed. If you encounter stubborn air bubbles, you can try using a heat gun or hair dryer to gently warm the film. This will make it more pliable and easier to smooth out.
7. **Trim the Excess Film:** Once you have removed all the air bubbles and excess water, use a sharp razor blade or knife to trim the excess film around the edges of the tail light. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the tail light. Hold the blade at a low angle and use a smooth, continuous motion. A new blade is essential for clean cuts.
8. **Heat and Conform the Film:** Use a heat gun or hair dryer to gently heat the film, especially around curves and edges. This will make the film more pliable and allow it to conform to the shape of the tail light. Be careful not to overheat the film, as this can cause it to shrink or bubble. Use the squeegee to press the film into place as it cools.
9. **Final Inspection:** Once the film has cooled, inspect the tail light for any remaining air bubbles, wrinkles, or imperfections. If you find any, you can try using the squeegee and heat gun to correct them. If the imperfections are too severe, you may need to remove the film and start over. However, minor imperfections often disappear within a few days as the film fully adheres and the remaining moisture evaporates. Let the film cure in sunlight. After that it is ready to polish if needed.

**Phase 3: Applying the Tint Spray (If Using Spray)**

1. **Mask Off Surrounding Areas:** If you haven’t removed the tail lights from the vehicle, thoroughly mask off the surrounding areas with masking tape and paper or plastic sheeting. This will protect your paint from overspray. Be precise and ensure that all areas you don’t want tinted are completely covered.
2. **Apply Light Coats:** This is where patience and technique are critical. Hold the spray can about 8-12 inches away from the tail light and apply a very light, even coat of tint spray. Move the can in a smooth, consistent motion to avoid drips and runs. Remember, it’s better to apply several light coats than one heavy coat.
3. **Allow Each Coat to Dry:** Allow each coat of tint spray to dry completely before applying the next. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times. Typically, 10-15 minutes between coats is sufficient. The tint will appear lighter when wet and darken as it dries. Judge the darkness of the tint as it dries to know when you have reached the desired tint level.
4. **Repeat Coats Until Desired Tint is Achieved:** Continue applying light coats of tint spray until you achieve the desired level of darkness. Remember to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Periodically step back from the tail light to assess the overall appearance and ensure even coverage.
5. **Inspect for Runs or Imperfections:** Carefully inspect the tinted tail light for any runs, drips, or imperfections. If you spot any, you can try to correct them by lightly sanding the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper (1000 grit or higher) after the tint is completely dry. Be very careful not to sand through the tint. A better strategy is to prevent them from happening in the first place by doing light coats. Use rubbing alcohol on lint free rag to wipe away any imperfections.
6. **Apply Clear Coat (Recommended):** Once the tint has dried completely and you are satisfied with the finish, apply a few coats of UV-resistant clear coat. This will protect the tint from fading, scratching, and weathering. Follow the same spraying technique as with the tint spray, applying light, even coats and allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Clear coat is a crucial step to get the best and most professional look to your tail lights.
7. **Wet Sand and Polish (Optional):** If you want to achieve a perfectly smooth, glossy finish, you can wet sand the clear coat with progressively finer grits of sandpaper (2000 grit, then 3000 grit) after it has dried completely. Then, use a polishing compound and a polishing pad to buff the clear coat to a high shine. This step requires patience and skill, but it can produce a stunning result. Be careful not to sand through the clear coat.

**Phase 4: Finishing Touches and Reinstallation**

1. **Remove Masking Tape (If Applicable):** Once the tint (and clear coat, if used) has dried completely, carefully remove the masking tape from the surrounding areas. Pull the tape away from the tinted tail light at a low angle to avoid peeling off the tint.
2. **Clean Up Any Overspray (If Applicable):** If there is any overspray on the surrounding paint, you can remove it with a clay bar or rubbing compound. Be careful not to scratch the paint.
3. **Reinstall the Tail Lights (If Removed):** Carefully reinstall the tail lights back onto the vehicle, following the reverse of the removal instructions. Reconnect the electrical connectors and ensure that the lights are functioning properly.
4. **Test the Lights:** Before driving, test all of your tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they are working correctly. Have a friend or family member help you test the brake lights. Ensure the lights are bright enough for visibility.

**Tips and Tricks for a Professional Finish:**

* **Practice Makes Perfect:** If you’ve never tinted tail lights before, consider practicing on a scrap piece of plastic or even an old tail light before attempting to tint your vehicle’s lights. This will allow you to get a feel for the materials and techniques involved.
* **Work in a Clean Environment:** Keep your work area clean and free of dust and debris. This will help prevent contaminants from getting trapped under the tint film or spray.
* **Use Quality Materials:** Invest in high-quality tint film or spray. Cheap materials may not adhere properly or may fade quickly.
* **Be Patient:** Don’t rush the process. Take your time and pay attention to detail. A rushed job is more likely to result in mistakes and a poor finish.
* **Use a Heat Gun Sparingly:** A heat gun can be a valuable tool, but it can also damage the tail light if used improperly. Use it sparingly and always keep it moving to avoid overheating the plastic.
* **Sandpaper is Your Friend:** If you are using spray tint, don’t be afraid to use fine-grit sandpaper to correct minor imperfections. Just be careful not to sand through the tint.
* **Consider Professional Installation:** If you are not confident in your ability to tint your tail lights yourself, consider having them professionally installed. This will ensure a high-quality finish and avoid any potential problems.
* **LED Bulbs for Increased Brightness:** If you choose a dark tint, consider upgrading to LED bulbs. LEDs are brighter and more energy-efficient than traditional halogen bulbs, which will help to compensate for the reduced brightness caused by the tint.
* **Regular Maintenance:** Clean your tinted tail lights regularly with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the tint.

**Troubleshooting Common Problems:**

* **Air Bubbles:** Air bubbles are a common problem when applying tint film. To remove them, try using a squeegee or application card to smooth them out. If the air bubbles are stubborn, you can try using a heat gun or hair dryer to gently warm the film. If the bubbles persist, use a very fine needle to poke a tiny hole in the center of the bubble and then smooth it out with the squeegee.
* **Wrinkles:** Wrinkles can occur if the tint film is not applied smoothly or if it is stretched too much. To remove wrinkles, try using a heat gun or hair dryer to gently warm the film and then smooth it out with the squeegee. If the wrinkles are severe, you may need to remove the film and start over.
* **Runs and Drips (Spray Tint):** Runs and drips are a common problem when using spray tint. To prevent them, apply light, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. If you do get a run or drip, you can try to correct it by lightly sanding the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper after the tint is completely dry. Be very careful not to sand through the tint.
* **Peeling:** Tint film can peel if it is not applied properly or if it is exposed to harsh weather conditions. To prevent peeling, make sure to thoroughly clean the tail lights before applying the film and use a high-quality tint film. If the film does start to peel, you can try to reapply it using a heat gun or hair dryer. If the peeling is severe, you may need to remove the film and start over.
* **Fading:** Tint can fade over time, especially if it is exposed to direct sunlight. To prevent fading, use a UV-resistant tint film or spray and apply a clear coat. You can also park your vehicle in the shade or use a car cover to protect the tail lights from the sun.

Tinting your tail lights is a relatively simple and affordable way to customize the look of your vehicle. By following these steps and tips, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will enhance the appearance of your car and make it stand out from the crowd. Remember to prioritize safety and legality, and always double-check your lights to ensure they are functioning correctly.