[My VX] How to make your stock lights look aftermarket

[Demoniak]

So i was looking around for something different for my car and didnt know which way to go.

The altezza lights are just to chromy and didnt suit the red of the car so i opted to try and smoke up the lights myself.

The good thing about doing it this way is that not only did i do the taillights but also did the break lights and the indicators all for under $25.
I also had enough spare to do the front lights. But im not too sure of the legalities of smoked front lights.. so i opted not to.

Anyway heres what you will need for the task.

Tools Needed:
----------------
Bucket with warm soapy water
Cloth
Scissors
Stanley blade / box cutter (sharp)
Your wifes/mum's Hair dryer
Credit Card / Drivers licence
A lot of patience and time.
Smoked film ( i bought a 400x1200 sheet which was enough for my entire car)



Step 1
Clean the Tail Light
Clean the surface of the Tail light with soap water to ensure all debris are removed from the surface the Light.

Step 2
Remove the Vinyl from the protective sheet. Carefully remove the vinyl from the sheet and spray the vinyl's adhesive side with Soapie Water.
The Soapie Water will prevent the Overlay's adhesive from sticking while you apply it the Tail Light

Step 3
Spray and Apply the Overlay on the Tail Light. Carefully apply/align the vinyl on the Tail Light and smooth out as much crease as possible by using your fingers. Use the vinyl squeegee to push out all the soapie water on the front face of the Tail Light. The more soapie water you push out the less bubbling there will be.
Note: Make sure the crease are evenly distributed on the Overlay, therefore you can easily smooth it out with a hair dryer and Squeeze


Step 4
Carefully pull and fold the side inward. If necessary, use the hair dryer to soften up the vinyl and squeegee out all the crease

Step 5 Heat, Pull, Stretch
Heat up the crease and begin stretching and pulling the vinyl. You will notice the crease smoothing out. Stretch it and align the edges. Don't be alarm if you over stretch it. It is okay. The excess vinyl can be easily cut.
Note: Do not over heat. Overheating will cause bubbling. Patience is key here. Take your time!! Don’t rush




Step 6
Trim the edges (Optional)
Heat up the excess vinyl (heating up the vinyl will soften it and makes it easy to trim) and trim Note: Don't worry if you over stretch the vinyl. Any excess vinyl protruding can be easily remove using an exacto knife.



Step 7 Allow the film to dry for 45 minute before wiping off any excess soapie water. Any excess liquid left under the film may cause fogginess. This is perfectly normal during the curing process. The film is breathable and fogginess will evaporate within a few weeks.
And thats it. The whole process took around 1 hour cause i was being pedantic with the film. But i would allow that if you were doing all the lights.

[1TUFVS]

Nice guide. IMO it comes up much cleaner and nicer than niteshades.

[itsagixa]

good effort, but i dont think i like it....might be ok on a black car but with niteshades you get a shiny appearance.....maybe its just the photos...can you put some new pics?

[blkvute]

can you take a picture with the brake lights and indicators on at night?
is it illegal?