DIY - All Red Taillights

[ck_taft325is]

Here's an example of my red turns/clear without polishing using the above:




Yes, I cleared the black surround. I enjoy the slight gloss and it doesn't look nearly as "glossy" once it's on the car ;)

[ck_taft325is]

Yup, I don't wet sand out the last coat. I do believe "td325ic" wet sands with like 2000 grit on his final coat and then polishes out. If you have a few spares around it helps. I highly suggest getting at least one extra set to practice on and really refine the process.

[joonsup]

damn that means my e30 will be out of commission for a long time. So let me get this straight.

Since i'm rattle canning the clear coat, i'll do 2 light coats with 10min in between, and then one heavy coat within 30 to 60 min.

Then let it cure, and then wet sand, and then 2 light coats with 10 min in between, and one heavy coat within 30 to 60 min. then let it cure again, and then just polish W/OUT wetsanding??

[ck_taft325is]

"td325ic" uses a 2 stage Urethane automotive clear and then wet sands and polishes his tails.

If you're going to rattle can it, follow the recommended painting procedure on the can. In most cases, it's 2 light coats with 10 minutes inbetween and one "wet" (heavy) coat within 30-60 minutes.

After the first coat, let it cure for 1 week OR bake it next to a fireplace (like I do) for 3 days or so. Wet sand until a even "matte" finish. Wash with a mild dish washing detergent mix and then let dry. Re-spray in the same fashion again. Let cure before final polishing.

[joonsup]

I think if you're going to spend all the time to redo them then you should spend the few extra bucks and spray them with urethane clear coat. Grab a can of Spraymax 2-part urethane clear coat, comes in a special spray can. It sells for $20 at automotive paint supply stores.




Here's some tail lights I did last fall:

They are done with Duplicolor MetalCast Red. First sprayed 3 light coats on the amber, then sprayed the whole light with 2 medium coats.

Waited a few days for metalcast paint to cure

Then sprayed with SprayMax 2-part Urethane Clear Coat Aerosol

Let cure for a couple days then wetsanded with 1500 - 2000.

Used Porter Cable 7424, polished out sanding scratches with 3M Rubbing Compound and orange foam pad. Finished off with Menzerna Micro Polish and Gray foam pad.

YouTube Video











Pictures not enhanced at all, that is exactly what they look like in person

i'm in the process of painting mine and i'm waiting for the paint to cure. anyone know how much clear coat to spray on? whole can? half can?

[JasonC]

Holland, your car looks nice! Needs a drop, but i'm sure you may know that. Did you get those wheels off of Jean?

[dvck]

sorry but i don't think your choice of wheels/tires help, in fact they accentuate it in a
negative way.

the lights look pretty clean though.

[Holland]

Here's mine I did a while back. Testor's candy red and I had the touch up guy on the lot shoot them with clear.





I know the epic ride height, early 318's are monster trucks.

[5KWattson]

nope i just looked at my can by coincidence and its not i have not actually seen metalcast but i think its some crazy color can

[red325]

dude duplicolor as many ppl have said the metalcast fades

?
Duplicolor is metalcast I thought...

http://www.duplicolor.com/products/metalcast.html

[5KWattson]

dude duplicolor as many ppl have said the metalcast fades

[red325]

Someone help me out.
Should I use duplicolor metalcast or testors?

[5KWattson]

tell me what you think? i did 3 coats testors and 4 coats dupicolor clear(have not wet sanded yet) cant find a store that carries 1500 and 2400 grit

[87-325ic]

i used testors like 3-4 years ago and they still look great!!
the key was the really good two-part clear i put over it!

[5KWattson]

damn i love your caby and i never like them, looks amazing good job on the whole car