Install Black Out Film For Headlights or Tail Lights and How to make matte black-out tail light vinyl glossy?
What if I think the vinyl film is not dark enough?
You can put two pieces of vinyl film together to create a dark look.
| Rvinyl.com Preparation Guidelines: - Ideal application temperature range is 70º to 80º F (21º to 27º C). - Application during periods of high relative humidity is not recommended. - Surfaces must be clean and dry prior to application. - Do not bend kit pieces back and forth as this causes the adhesive to wrinkle when applying. | |
| Smoked Light Installation Guideline Step 1: Clean the Light Housing | |
| - For proper adhesion, clean all surfaces using a 2:1 mixture of water to Isopropyl alcohol, Prepsol, or cleaning solutions available at in our application section of Rvinyl.com Note: Prior to cleaning test solution in an inconspicuous area. - Use a clean, lint-free cloth to cleanse the application area. Insure it is dry and all oils and residues have been removed prior to application. - A good test is to see if masking tape will stick to the application surface, if it sticks then the surface is ready for application. If it does not stick then further cleaning may be necessary. |  |
| Smoked Light Installation Guideline Step 2: Application Solution | |
| Rvinyl Tint Film can be applied dry onto smaller lights, although we greatly recommend a wet application method. - Spray a liberal amount of the water solution onto the light. This will allow you to reposition the film during the application process. - Liberally spray water on outside of the film, this will reduce scratching during the application process. - Remove the tint from the liner, spray with water. This will allow you to reposition the film on the light. |  |
| Smoked Light Installation Guideline Step 3: Align | |
| - Having sprayed the light with water, you may apply the wet adhesive side of the film to the lens. - Reposition the film to align it to the edges. You may use the application tabs if they are available on your kit. Not all kits facilitate the use of these tabs. Note: The film may appear to be "short" or "too small" at this stage of the installation. This is because the film has not been heated and stretched yet. |  |
| Smoked Light Installation Step 4: Application | |
Spray the outside of the film with water again. This will reduce scratching. Spray the light once again to allow repositioning. Flat Light Tips & Tricks: For flatter lights apply pressure to one end of the film so that it begins to adhere to one end of the light. Using a squeegee, press down and squeegee the film with smooth sweeping motions. If this is being done properly, you will see the water exit from underneath the film. Do this across the remainder of the light. Note: If the film appears to be "short" or too small move onto the Curved Light Application Section. If large bubbles are present, peel up the film to that area and apply again. Rvinyl Tint Film is very forgiving when both the light and the adhesive side of the film is wet. Keeping the film wet allows you to pull and reapply numerous times if not satisfied with results prior to heating the film. |  |
| Smoked Light Installation Guideline Step 5: Large Curved Light Application | |
For Large Curved Lights, which are most lightsspray the outside of the film with water again. This will reduce scratching. Spray the light once again.
Apply pressure to the center of the film on the light with a squeegee so that it begins to adhere to one end of the light. It may be easier to have a partner help you by holding the film as you begin the next step.
Gently begin to heat the film on one end from the center with a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting. Take your time in heating the film, you do not want to melt the film.
Apply the remainder of the film by moving in a spiral or circular motion working outwards towards the edge of the light. Keep the film "warm" by continually heating it will allow it to stretch up to 25% and conform. This is the only way you can apply tint to a curved light, no exceptions. Note: The key to positive results is distributing the film evenly so that wrinkles either do not occur or are manageable. Rvinyl Tint Film is very forgiving whenboth the light and the adhesive side of the film is wet. Keeping the film wet allows you to pull and reapply numerous times if not satisfied with results prior to heating the film. |  |
| Smoked Light Installation Guideline Step 4: Trimming | |
| Remove the handling tabs using a cutting instrument. Remove excess vinyl which may hang over the edges due to the heated application method. |  |
| Smoked Light Installation Guideline Step 4: Drying | |
| Allow film dry for a minimum of 30 minutes and carefully wipe off any excess solution. If all moisture has not been properly removed from under the film some fogginess may occur. This is completely normal. Film is breathable and porous – cloudiness/fog will evaporate with a few days to a few weeks. Depending on film thickness and sunlight/heat exposure. Any surface texture, scratches, or ripples will also disappear during this curing process. Note: Adhesion may be difficult in cold weather, humid areas or if the surface has not been properly cleaned prior to application. |  |
