Spray Tint: High-Risk But High-Return
It's a quandary as old as smoke 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.
In the end, it really is up to you which is why we have decided to start offering these products along side our taillight tints and smoked headlight kits although we not-so-seecretly consider them to be best used by the pro or experienced installer. Look for them soon at http://www.Rvinyl.com or hit me up for more details. Until them, stay warm out there!
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?
Wraps do not reduce the resale value of your car like a paint job does.
Vinyl car wraps protect your OEM paint and are 100% removable.
Warranties and/or lease agreements remain valid. Painting can void warranties, increase the cost of insurance, and is not even an option with a lease.
Cost for a vinyl vehicle wrap is considerably less than a comparable paint job. Vinyl car wraps wear as well as paint when properly maintained.
The vinyl can take a beating and protect the paint underneath.
Vinyl car wraps come in any color, even custom, and can have a matte, semi-gloss, gloss, brushed steel, carbon fiber, metallic flake, matte metallic, chrome and even leather-like finishes.
Expensive, color-matching paint fees are unnecessary for scratches or accident vehicles; just re-wrap the section that needs repair.
Affordably customize parts of your car. You do not have to wrap your entire car; just your hood, roof, mirrors, stripes, etc.
Matte-paint jobs can be brittle and chip easily while vinyls are more durable and harder to scratch.
In the event that repairs are needed, the part that was damaged can be easily replaced, providing a perfect match.
Hides dings or scratches and refreshes the look of your vehicle.
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?
At the time of writing, Rtint Midnight Static Cling Vinyl Wraps can be removed and reapplied as many times as desired. All other wraps may be removed without causing damage to your vehicle but cannot be reapplied.