Spraying/tinting Headlights

Cous3 · December 16, 2006

Guys, I'm just about to start pulling apart a headlight (spare not my originals) on my IS 200 Sport. I've read the "how to" on getting it open and removing the orange indicator lens, but what I really would like is to hear from anyone who has Tinted them?

What kind of tint did you use?

Where did you get it ?

Did you prime the chrome inserts first? Or:

Do you spray directly onto the chrome insert?

Any info on this would be much appreciated........pics would be great :winky:

Keith

Parthiban · December 16, 2006

This is for the fogs, but may help as I guess its the same idea.....

Painting fogs

You definitely don't want to paint the chrome finish directly, cos I doubt the paint would stick properly

Cous3 · December 16, 2006

Thanks Parthiban........But I think you'll find that the tint spray is for glass and lights and that is why it can be sprayed over chrome/plastic.........BUT I'm not 100% sure....lol.......So anyone done it?

Keith

lee_iceman · December 16, 2006

Here you go mate, this is how mine will look when I find a spare set of headlights

http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=304741

Cous3 · December 17, 2006

Thanks Iceman, they look the Mutz Nutz!!!!! Really like those :)

So dumb question but am I right in thinking:

Dismantle headlight.

Rub down chrome area with wet & dry to allow primer to hold.

Mask up rings with wide masking tape (what was that blue tape the bloke had in the video?).

Prime with Grey primer.

Spray with Satin Black.

Does that all sound okay??

Keith

Parthiban · December 17, 2006

That does look very good with the rings in chrome :winky:

That blue tape looks like electrical tape - why does he specify using that blue tape and not any kind of masking tape?

lee_iceman · December 17, 2006

Yeah, use a bit of wet & dry just to roughen the surface. Spray with primer then satin black.

not sure why he specifies blue, but I think any electric tape will work as it won't leave any residue when you remove it.

Cous3 · December 17, 2006

Okay I just read a load more threads on the same subject on that IS forum........The Blue tape is low adhesive masking tape (3M probably).........Bloke says that the IS chrome inserts are brittle and to use low adhesive tape to stop the chrome puling away when removed??????

I'd have thought our own ordinary masking tape would be fine to use.......what do you reckon??

Keith

lee_iceman · December 18, 2006

I would use low tack tape just to be on the safe side.

You'll need to mask off the chrome rings, then use 1000 grit sandpaper then spray 1-2 coats of primer followed by 3-4 coats of the colour of your choice.

si's_lex · December 18, 2006

has anyone tried any colour other than black?? ie like colour coding them to ure car

fatpieman69 · December 18, 2006

I would use low tack tape just to be on the safe side.
You'll need to mask off the chrome rings, then use 1000 grit sandpaper then spray 1-2 coats of primer followed by 3-4 coats of the colour of your choice.

if your after deacent masking tape then buy TAMIYA masking tape, (loads on e-bay or in a good model shop) it comes in various widths but it leaves such a crisp edge compared to normal masking tape. Im sure there are different makes but tamiya is about the best priced and easiest to get hold of, I use it for my modeling. works on all surfaces a treat including crome and paint without pulling it off, I used it for this: