How to Achieve Clear and Bright Tail Lights

Have you ever noticed that the tail lights on some cars seem to be brighter and clearer than others? Clear tail lights not only look sleek and stylish, but they also serve a practical purpose by improving visibility on the road. If you want to upgrade your car’s tail lights, you don’t have to spend a fortune or take your vehicle to a professional. You can make your own clear tail lights at home using a few easy-to-find materials and tools.

The process of making clear tail lights involves removing the cloudy or yellowed layer on the existing tail light lens. This layer can be caused by exposure to UV rays, dirt and debris, or simply age. By removing it, you’ll restore the lens to its original clear state and allow more light to shine through. Follow these simple steps to make clear tail lights and improve your car’s appearance and safety.

10 Steps to Make Clear Tail Lights

Making clear tail lights for your vehicle can add a touch of elegance while improving the overall appearance of your car. Here are ten steps to help you make clear tail lights.

1. Gather Your Materials

The first step is to gather all the necessary materials. This includes clear tail light lenses, sandpaper, rubbing alcohol, a heat gun, a sealant, plastic polish, and a UV coating spray. You can usually find these materials at your local auto parts store or online.

2. Prepare the Tail Light Lenses

Before starting the process, carefully remove the tail light lenses from your vehicle. Use sandpaper to lightly scuff the surface of the lenses. This will help the sealant adhere better. Then, use rubbing alcohol to clean the lenses and get rid of any debris and oils.

3. Heat the Lenses

Use a heat gun to heat the lenses for about five minutes. The heat will soften the plastic and make it more pliable. Be sure to wear protective gloves and goggles to avoid injury.

4. Mold the Lenses

While the lenses are still warm, carefully mold them to the shape you desire. You can use your hands or tools to shape them. Be sure to work quickly before the plastic cools and hardens again.

5. Seal the Lenses

Once you’ve molded the lenses, apply a sealant to them. This will help protect them from UV rays, as well as prevent moisture and debris from getting inside. Wait for the sealant to dry completely before proceeding.

6. Polish the Lenses

After the sealant is dry, use plastic polish to buff the lenses until they’re clear and shiny. This step will remove any scratches and make the lenses look brand new.

7. Apply UV Coating

Once the lenses are polished, apply a UV coating spray to protect them from fading and yellowing. This will ensure that your clear tail lights look great for a long time.

8. Reinstall the Tail Lights

After the UV coating is dry, reinstall the tail light lenses onto your vehicle. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reinstalling them.

9. Test the Lights

Before hitting the road, test the tail lights to ensure that they’re working properly. This is also a good time to make sure that the lenses are securely in place.

10. Enjoy Your New Clear Tail Lights

Congratulations, you’ve successfully made clear tail lights for your vehicle! Enjoy the new look and feel of your car, and be proud of your DIY skills.

Section 2: Methods for Making Clear Tail Lights

Are you tired of those dull and boring red tail lights that everyone has? It’s time to make your car stand out with clear tail lights! Here are ten different ways to make your own clear tail lights at home.

1. Using Clear Silicone

One of the easiest methods to make clear tail lights is by using clear silicone sealant. First, remove the tail lights from your vehicle and clean them thoroughly. Next, apply a thin layer of clear silicone to the lens and let it dry. Repeat this process until you achieve the desired clarity. However, keep in mind that this method may decrease the brightness of the tail lights.

2. Sanding the Tail Lights

Another way to achieve clear tail lights is by sanding them. This method requires careful and precise sanding with different grades of sandpaper. First, remove the tail lights from the vehicle and disassemble them. Start with a coarse sandpaper, and then work your way up to a finer grit. Finally, polish the lenses with a polishing compound to make them glossy.

3. Applying a Clear Film

Another popular method for achieving clear tail lights is applying a clear film on the lenses. Clear films are available in various shades and are easy to apply. Simply remove the tail lights from the vehicle, clean them, and apply the film on the lens. This method is inexpensive and reversible.

4. Painting the Inside of the Lenses

Painting the inside of the tail light lenses is another way to achieve a clear look. This method involves removing the tail lights from the vehicle and disassembling them. Once inside, paint the inside of the lenses with a clear coat of paint. Replace the lens and re-install the tail light.

5. Applying a Clear Coat

Another popular option is to apply a clear coat to the tail light lenses. This method, however, requires some preparation and a steady hand. Remove the tail lights and clean them thoroughly. Remove any scratches or residue with sandpaper, apply a clear coat and let it dry. Repeat until the desired clarity is achieved.

6. Using Hair Dryer and Plastic Wrap

Using a hair dryer and plastic wrap, you can create a unique clear taillight effect. Cover the tail light lenses with plastic wrap and use the hair dryer to heat the plastic wrap. The heat will cause the plastic to shrink, creating a tight seal over the lenses. Remove the plastic wrap, and you will see a clear finish on the tail lights.

7. Tinted Spray Paint

Tinted spray paint can be used to create a clear finish on tail lights. Remove the tail lights from the vehicle and sand it lightly. After wiping off any residue, spray the paint on the lens. Add layers of paint to achieve the desired color and clarity.

8. Using Sand Blasting

Sand blasting is a method of using a pressurized stream of sand to remove the outermost layer of the tail light. This method is effective in removing scratches and discoloration from the tail lights. After blasting, clean the lens and apply a clear coat.

9. Acrylic Sheets

Place an acrylic sheet over the taillight lens and trace around it with a marker. Cut the acrylic sheet along the lines and sand the edges until they are smooth. Put clear silicone on the edges of the acrylic sheet and wrap it horizontally around the rear light’s housing.

10. Buy Clear Tail Lights

If you don’t want to go through the trouble of making your own tail lights, you can always buy clear tail lights online or at a local automotive store. Be sure to check if they are DOT-compliant before purchase.

In conclusion, there are many ways to create clear tail lights and give your car a unique look. Whether you choose to sand, paint, apply a clear film, or buy them pre-made, make sure to do it with care and precision, and with safety in mind.

Preparation Steps

Now that you have gathered all the items you require, it’s time to start preparing your tail lights for tinting.

Step 1 – Clean the Tail Lights

First, you need to clean the tail lights with warm soapy water or a specialized detergent. Ensure that you clean them thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before you proceed.

Step 2 – Tape off the surrounding areas

Use masking tape or painter’s tape to cover every part of the tail lights that you don’t want to tint. This will help you avoid making a mess while still achieving clean and precise tinted results.

Step 3 – Scuff the tail lights

Use a fine sandpaper to scuff up the tail lights’ surfaces. Ensure that you don’t overdo it, otherwise, the surface will become too rough, making it impossible to get a smooth and clean tint.

Step 4 – Cut the tint or vinyl film

Cut the film or tint into the shape of the tail light. Ensure that you cut it slightly larger to allow for a slight overlap and easy application. Once you have the film, you can peel off the protective layer.

Step 5 – Apply the tint

Now it’s time to apply the tint to the tail lights. Start by placing the tint over the tail lights and work your way from the center to the edges, pressing firmly as you go.

Step 6 – Heat and stretch the tint

Use a heat gun or hair dryer to stretch the tint over the curves and contours of the tail lights. This will help it adhere and get rid of any air bubbles that may form.

Step 7 – Trim the edges

Once the tint is applied, use the plastic scraper to remove any air bubbles, then leave it to dry for a while. You may then trim the edges with a sharp blade or scissors.

Thanks for reading!

Now you’re all set to make clear tail lights on your vehicle. Give it a go and see the difference it can make to your car’s overall appearance. If you enjoyed this article, make sure to visit us again for more fun and informative content. Keep driving with style!