HOW TO: Nightshade/Blackout Taillights
03-06-2008, 10:42 PM
#1
HOW TO: Nightshade/Blackout Taillights Well I haven't came around a write up on how to nightshade/tint/blackout your taillights. So if there already is one maybe this will also help someone out. Maybe this will be enough interest to make it a sticky who knows. If you have any questions please feel free to ask!
Things you will need:
A can of VHT Nightshade (local parts store, online)
Torx screwdriver
Your choice of clearcoat, personally I picked rattle can Dupi-Color
Clean rag
Green Scotch Bright pad
Newspaper or cardboard
Something to prop up your taillights ( I used a 2x4 )
This is a picture of the can of nightshade and clearcoat
Pics of removing the tails, there are 2 plastic wing nuts behind the carpet in your trunk.
Once you have every lens you want to tint, use a green Scotch Bright pad and scuff every part where you will spray. I doesn't really matter which direction you go in just as long as you DONT see any shiny spots.
Now the fun part! Make sure everything is well wiped with the clean rag. Grab the Nightshade and shake for about 1 min, and start spraying keep the can about 12" away from the taillight. You DONT want to spray it on too heavy or it will run this stuff is very thin! Put as many coats as you want, depending on the darkness. Let each coat sit for about 2-3 min. I like the tails real dark so here is my progress of the shades.
About 5 or 6 coats later...
Once you let the Nightshade COMPLETELY dry, use the green Scotch Bright pad and re scuff the taillights and what ever else you decided to tint.
Next is to put about 2-3 coats of clearcoat on the Nightshaded parts. Put the clear on as thick as possible with out running it, so do a couple of tests on a piece of paper so you have an idea on how thick/thin it will come out.
Just and idea on how shiny it should be-
Once dry to the touch reinstall on the car.
I am not responsible for any mess ups or damage to your car or taillights!
I Hope this helped out. After your clear has dried you can sand and buff. Once I do this I will add onto this.
Michael
Things you will need:
A can of VHT Nightshade (local parts store, online)
Torx screwdriver
Your choice of clearcoat, personally I picked rattle can Dupi-Color
Clean rag
Green Scotch Bright pad
Newspaper or cardboard
Something to prop up your taillights ( I used a 2x4 )
This is a picture of the can of nightshade and clearcoat
Pics of removing the tails, there are 2 plastic wing nuts behind the carpet in your trunk.
Once you have every lens you want to tint, use a green Scotch Bright pad and scuff every part where you will spray. I doesn't really matter which direction you go in just as long as you DONT see any shiny spots.
Now the fun part! Make sure everything is well wiped with the clean rag. Grab the Nightshade and shake for about 1 min, and start spraying keep the can about 12" away from the taillight. You DONT want to spray it on too heavy or it will run this stuff is very thin! Put as many coats as you want, depending on the darkness. Let each coat sit for about 2-3 min. I like the tails real dark so here is my progress of the shades.
About 5 or 6 coats later...
Once you let the Nightshade COMPLETELY dry, use the green Scotch Bright pad and re scuff the taillights and what ever else you decided to tint.
Next is to put about 2-3 coats of clearcoat on the Nightshaded parts. Put the clear on as thick as possible with out running it, so do a couple of tests on a piece of paper so you have an idea on how thick/thin it will come out.
Just and idea on how shiny it should be-
Once dry to the touch reinstall on the car.
I am not responsible for any mess ups or damage to your car or taillights!
I Hope this helped out. After your clear has dried you can sand and buff. Once I do this I will add onto this.
Michael
Last edited by mcalus; 03-06-2008 at 10:57 PM.
03-06-2008, 11:30 PM
#7
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I really like how nice and glossy that looks on the tailights. How is visibility through it when you brake? I have some blackouts on the rear of my car, but they do not have that mirror like gloss effect that yours put off. If someone does some LT1 TA lights, post up the pics! I might try this in the future.
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03-08-2008, 11:16 PM
#10
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Looks great 
I would have sanded down the DOT and part numbers though. Gives it a cleaner look.
I went a little lighter on the reflectors because, well.. I still wanted them to reflect.
I would have sanded down the DOT and part numbers though. Gives it a cleaner look.
I really like how nice and glossy that looks on the tailights. How is visibility through it when you brake? I have some blackouts on the rear of my car, but they do not have that mirror like gloss effect that yours put off. If someone does some LT1 TA lights, post up the pics! I might try this in the future.
I went a little lighter on the reflectors because, well.. I still wanted them to reflect.
