DIY - All Red Taillights

[ChaseN]

So I just did this to my M3, and well, it all looked great...until I clear coated it. The clear coat dried really dull - is there a way to shine them back up? I used duplicolor metalcast red, with duplicolor clear coat over top. Should I wet sand the clear off and re-clear it with a better product?

[AndrewBird]

Wet sand and polish them. They will brighten up. Just don't sand too much. I'd start with 600 grit and work your way up to 1200-1500, then polish.

[ChaseN]

Alright, well I'll try that Monday. Thanks Nitro.

[Jand3rson]

Wet sand and polish them. They will brighten up. Just don't sand too much. I'd start with 600 grit and work your way up to 1200-1500, then polish.

We did that to mine because the clear orange peeled really bad in a few spots. Highly reccomended, even if they come out glossy after clearing them. It will make them even glossier, and look brand new. Mine still look amazing after over 2 years. I also wax them every time I wax the car.

[deutschman]

http://e30.bmwdiy.info/red-tails/index.html

[Jand3rson]

For the love of god... DO NOT FOLLOW THAT WRITE UP. He uses model clear coat.

I don't know how many dozens of times this has been said in this thread. So I'll say it again, so everyone gets it.

DO NOT USE TOY PLASTIC MODEL CLEAR COAT.

YOU MUST USE AUTOMOTIVE GRADE CLEAR COAT.

Plastic model clear coat is NOT formulated to withstand UV exposure and exposure to the elements. It will oxidize and fade within a month of being subjected to sunlight and outdoor elements. And another thing that he does wrong is he only clear coats the amber part that was painted. While this might not be "wrong", don't be half-assed! Clear coat the entire surface of the lense! This will allow you to (if you so desire) to wetsand, polish and wax the whole lense, making them look brand new!

Do shit right the first time, or don't bother doing it at all.

[Stephen]

Mine with Model Masters transparent black:

That's roughly what id be going for.

Just one coat?

[Jand3rson]

I think we did like 2 or 3 coats, I'd do at least 2, 3 just for good measure.

[Stephen]

Would less coats be slightly less tint?

[Danny]

Yes.

[Stephen]

FIgured as much. thanks

[Jand3rson]

Oh my bad, I thought you were talking about the clear coat.

[Stephen]

Oh my bad, I thought you were talking about the clear coat.

No haha, i meant as far as smoke. ima clear coat those up. 3 coats and wetsand if im going to do it

[416stroker]

I used Tamiya color "smoke" ps-31 to get the smoke look you can almost get it to apear blacked out. Ill put up some pics. I did two cars with it my e30 and my brothers trans am.

[Stephen]

I used Tamiya color "smoke" ps-31 to get the smoke look you can almost get it to apear blacked out. Ill put up some pics. I did two cars with it my e30 and my brothers trans am.

Id actually be looking for a slight tint effect.