Cheap, Easy, & Removeable Light Tint

One of the biggest aesthetic modifications you can make on a car, aside from upgrading your rims, is tinting your lights. Whether taillights or headlights, tinting is often at the top of the modification list. Despite its relatively low cost compared to a new set of rims or an exhaust, it is still more expensive than it needs to be. In addition to the hassle of either attempting to apply a sticky film, evenly spray tint, or pay exorbitant fees to have someone else professionally tint them, tinting headlights or taillights in particular is often permanent. In this article I will explain two methods to easily and cheaply apply and remove window tint.

The first and easiest method to tinting lights is almost too simple to believe: trash bags and Saran wrap. It is important to pick a trash bag that, when held up to a light source, does not have darker spots or lines because these will show when the lights turn on. This method really only works well on mostly flat lights, unlike those on Mitsubishi Evo Xs and more like the taillights on a VW R32. This method can be accomplished two ways: by either taping the trash bag or colored plastic wrap taught over the light and then shrinking it tighter with a heat gun, or by adhering it with clear Tacky Glue. I strongly recommend against using a trash bag for the headlights because it will not let enough light out. If you wish to tint your headlights, use a colored plastic wrap to allow more light out.

If attaching the "tint" using the tape/plastic wrap method, only apply the heat in sweeping motions, never holding it in one spot for too long, otherwise the plastic will melt a hole in itself.If applying the tint with the clear Tacky Glue method, use a brush, paper towel, or finger to spread a glob of glue into a thin coat across the entirety of the light. this method is typically effective only on very flat lights with little curve and no bumps.

In order to remove this tint, simply peel the plastic off and peel off and clear Tacky Glue that is left over. There should be no residual damage to the light.

The second method for tinting lights requires a steady hand and even movements, but provides the best finish and a wide variety of colors and designs. To do this method, you need to select a type of spray paint, preferably not the 99 cent kind, but not necessarily the $20 kind. You can use basically any spray paint, matte, gloss, metallic, or possibly even color changing. The key to this method is to completely tape off the area surrounding the light or remove the enclosure completely, and to spray light, even coats until the desired tint is reached. The most important thing to remember while using this method is to apply the coats in even, light sweeps until the entire light is evenly covered. It is also very important to remember that you need still light to pass through the paint, and you should use as thin of a coat as possible to maximize the light being emitted.

In order to remove the paint, use paint thinner, but be careful not to damage the light by using to much or scrubbing too hard.

Feel free to respond with questions, comments, or pics, or recommendations for other mods, or mods or your own design


DISCLAIMER: I have tried all of these methods on my and my friends' cars and know that they work, however, only attempt these modifications at your own risk and check your local laws for limitations regarding light modifications.