Spray Tint: High-Risk But High-Return
It's a quandary as old as smoked headlights themselves: to spray tint or to lay tint. In this brief article we will explore some of the pros and cons of both techniques and let you, the consumer, make the final call.
If you go with spray tint you need to know, right off the bat, that you are taking on a task that can lead to ruining your stock headlights or taillights if you don't know what you're doing. But, in the right hands, spray or paint on tint can change the look of your lights in a way that lay on applications often cannot. This is especially true on lights that have multiple axes (think of the Nissan Juke taillight for example) where precut, vinyl taillight tints must be designed to be applied sectionally.
So, if you're someone with a load of extra cash, an owner of a commuter car and a show car or simply in the business yourself, then spray tinting may just be the way to go. However, for most DIYers and enthusiasts we still recommend vinyl smoked tint for headlight and taillight tinting simply because it is easier to do well and does not present the same type of problems one can expect from spray tinting.
But, just what are the cons of VHT and similar products like Rustoleum? In short they can be listed as follows:
They present the very real possibility that you will ruin your OEM lights which could cost hundreds or thousands to replace.
Once tinted you cannot untint them.
So, if you get a summons or sprayed on too much you'll need to buy a new pair of lights.
Jump To:
What are Smoke Headlight Vinyl Films?
Vinyl wraps are intended to either reduce the light output of a vehicle's headlamps or simply change their appearance in the case of headlight tint. Covers were originally devised for wartime use in coastal cities in the US and were made from steel, tin and aluminum with downward facing grates to limit light during blackouts and brownouts. In addition, to these types of covers thermoplastic, urethane films generally applied to the painted surfaces of a new or used car in order to protect the paint from stone chips, bug hits, minor abrasions and UV damage. It does not affect appearance or aerodynamics, being virtually invisible from just a few feet away and with minimal maintenance the film will last many years, keeping your paint protected while looking great. The film is also used on airplanes, RV's, cell phones, electronics, screens, motorcycles and in a growing number of applications.
What are the Benefits of Smoke Headlight Film?
- Headight films do not reduce the resale value of your car like a spray tints can..
- Headlight tint kits and wraps protect your OEM head lamps and are 100% removable.
- Warranties and/or lease agreements remain valid. Sparying can void warranties, increase the cost of insurance, and is not even an option with a lease.
- The cost for a headligh ttint kit is considerably less than a comparable paint job. Best of all, the vinyl can take a beating and protect the lens underneath.
Can Smoke Headlight Film be removed?
Yes, vinyl wraps can be removed without causing damage. In fact, this is one of their major advantages over painting or Plasti-dip.
Can I pressure wash my vehicle after the Smoke Vinyl is installed?
We highly recommend that you do not pressure wash your vehicle after installation of the vinyl. Some pressure washers can potentially lift up the vinyl because of improper use of the water pressure. The wrap is an investment and should be protected.
Do I have to wash my vehicle before installation?
Yes. All vehicles have to be free of dust, mud, pollen, and other agents that may interfere with adhesion or cause bubbling to occur after installation.
What is the difference between an uncut Smoke Headlight Film and a pre-cut kit?
Uncut film is available in a variety of widths and lengths and, depending on the manufacturer, can range from 3 mil in thickness to up to 15 mil. Professional or DIY installers can use uncut film to wrap and protect headlights for which pre-cut kits are not available.
Can the Smoke Headlight Film film be installed on plastic or ABS plastics?
Yes. Vinyl Wraps are made made from premium vinyl films and can be applied to plastic or polycarbonates.
Can Smoke Headlight Film or film be removed and reapplied?
All Rtint™ films may be removed without causing damage to your vehicle but cannot be reapplied.