Getting a reflective shine on VHT'd Tails
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From: Laurel, Maryland
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?
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?
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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...
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TECH Regular
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From: Laurel, Maryland
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...
I'll add more clear.
Thanks...you repeating what a previous poster said makes me more confident that this is the correct solution.
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a friend of mine just did his this way. here's his thread.
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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.
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.
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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....
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Find a new body shop.
Wet sanding is to correct flaws and will never be as glossy as properly laid paint.
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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 *** (although I know it comes off that way), but most all problems with paint systems come from improper usage and/or prep.
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 *** (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 **** out of them. Theres no better shine then that.
