Getting a reflective shine on VHT'd Tails
 

I just got done putting 2 cans of VHT Nightshades on my Tail Lights. When the VHT was dry, I sprayed a clear coat on. The problem arose when the clear dried and the luster that WAS on the tails before the clear coat was applied is now gone. I wet sanded with 1000, then 2000 grit sandpaper, they are super smooth, but the dullness is still there.

Did I do something wrong? Is there some chemical I should use to buff it to be reflective? I have half a can of VHT left over from my side markers, should I just spray that over the clear and wet sand that?

how was the weather whenever you did spray the tails?

tempature, humidity level.

I did it in my basement...it was a little chilly, but probably not colder than 50 and obviously not that humid.

If you used 2 whole cans on your taillights they are going to be really dark. I think the shine you are looking for will need more clear coat. I did 5-6 coats of VHT and then after sanding with 2000 grit I did probably 7-8 coats of clear. I can post a pic of mine later if you need to see what I mean...

Someone put his in his oven for a few minutes, don't know how long or at what temp.

first few coats of clear will make the shine go away, you gotta add more coats in order to get the shine back

Yeah, I was still seeing the honey combs through the VHT in the day light (testing outside, not painting).

I'll add more clear.

Um...no.

Thanks...you repeating what a previous poster said makes me more confident that this is the correct solution.

a friend of mine just did his this way. here's his thread.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...hit-black.html

http://px2.sfstatic.com/photos/The-Rear_1439041_530.jpg

That is how reflective mine are for a point of reference. When the sun isn't directly on them, they are pretty close to the same shade of black as the car.

Well, I half emptied a rattle can of clear onto the lights then left for work...I'll report back when I get home tonight.

That might work. I had the same problem when I did mine, and i ended up using a can and a half of clear, sanding in between, then buffing the lights after two days of drying. Good luck!

Whatever you used for the vht, example being 5coats of vht, use double clear, 10coats of clear. I don't have my tail lights tinted, but I have my side markers and break light done and this is what I was always told, they came out great and look like a shop did it with how smooth and shiney it is.

When sprayed my brothers sonoma tails, it had a very dull finish as well. I use the VHT nightshade as well but i didnt clear mine.

What i did though which gave it some glare w/o clear was getting turtle wax rubbing compound and i used a applicator pad and went to town on the tails. Than after that i used scratch x and than i waxed them with turtle wax ice. They came out pretty good, but i need to clear them since i was looking for them to be body color*(truck is black) and i didnt get that. But still brought the shine back w/o clear.

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/h...a/100_4555.jpg

you guys just gotta stop being cheap and have it done the correct way....take them to a body shop and they will take care of it....all they do is add a littlle bit of black in some clear then they spray it and wet sand it then buff it out....

^^^ how much does that cost?

If they have to wet sand it after spraying it......they didn't spray it right.

Find a new body shop.

Wet sanding is to correct flaws and will never be as glossy as properly laid paint.

Assuming this was a rattle can clear coat:

1. As SCJ already asked about the temp (you replied "not below 50")....what is the recommended temperature on the can state?

2. Did you shake the can for at least 2-5 minutes before spraying or the minimum amount of time the can states?

3. You did wash the lenses well before applying and use a wax and grease remover?

4. You waited the appropriate amount of time between coats as directed on the can?

I'm not trying to sound like an ass (although I know it comes off that way), but most all problems with paint systems come from improper usage and/or prep.

Just let it dry, clear it with alot of clear and let that completely dry for about 2weeks, depending on weather. After you can feel it nice and crisp like its fully dry, take some wax, porter cable if you have one and buff the shit out of them. Theres no better shine then that.