Niteshades question/problem

[Diller]

I am attempting to tint my tail lights with Niteshades on my '99 Yukon. The previous owner was kind enough to include a spare RH tail lamp with a bad circuit board, so I had a perfect test piece.

I scuffed the lamp with a Scotch-brite pad, enough to make it hazy. I then wiped the surface down with 3m adhesive remover. The lamp was allowed to sit overnight on my workbench before anything ese was done.

The following day, I sprayed the first coat of Niteshades on the lamp (light coat, only going for 2 coats). I let that dry for half the day (busy with other stuff), and applied another coat later. Upon inspection of the 2nd coat, I found that the coating had cracked......sort of pulled back (like a dried up lake in a drought).

What exactly is causing the cracking? I made sure that I had the surface clean of oily residue. I made sure I waited for the 1st coat to dry BEFORE applying a second.

Any input is appreciated!!

 

[DefendHawaii]

Well I can give you what i did when i had my Grand Cherokee.

I pulled the tails. I used some soap and water cleaned them once. Then I used a wet sand paper (i believe it was 1000grit) on them just to get ride of any nicks or cuts in the housing. From there I cleaned them and dried them with a blow dryer. I masked my reverse and turn signals because i only wanted the actual red parts to be dark. I sprayed one light coat evenly and waited 45mins. From there I took another light coat and did it again. Keep doing even strokes about 9inches away from the housing. I let sit dry for 4-6hrs and then I installed them. I have photos if anyone wants see a better write up.

Also to avoid a dark dusty look try and use the VHT gloss it keeps them from looking "spray painted" you can also buff them out.

 

[drowndindreams]

i remember when I used niteshades for my old lenses I put on 1 coat every minute for 5 minutes. Didn't bother waiting. Came out nicely too.I think the cracking is coming from two things. Either you have wax buildup on the lens (you should clean them with carburetor spray before painting) or they were in heat while drying. Sand it off, put on all your coats at once and let it dry.

 

[purple 'hoe]

Make sure they are cleaned up really good before you spray them. Clean with soap and water, and then use a wax remover also. It's all in your prep work.

 

[nickyg1478]

I just sanded it down a decent amount then cleaned it off with water and sprayed on a coat every hour. My buddy did the same thing but did around 5 or 6 coats within 10 seconds and repeated 5 minutes later. Probably a bad idea but it came out fine no drips or anything and dark as hell. Maybe you sanded it too much.

 

[96ProCompTahoe]

my money is on that adhesive remover leaving a film on the lense. use a grease and wax remover like body shops do before shooting a vehicle OR a good soap (dawn) and rinse really well.

 

[Ceejkay]

i dont mean to offend you, but did you shake the can??

 

[Diller]

i dont mean to offend you, but did you shake the can??

No offense taken! And yes, I did shake the can for almost 2 minutes before spraying.

 

[AtomicHoe094]

how heavy was the 1st coat?

 

[Devs93]

There may have been wax or silicone on the lens. I dont care for night shades havent read much good about and Ive only saw a handful of lights come out looking good with it.