If you have previously installed a tail light tint, you would want to replace it with a new one, and to do so, you need to take off the old tint. For an adhesive tint, it takes more than peeling to get it off and for a spray tint, it takes more than a cleaning solution to take it off.
In this article, we have given a detailed step-by-step process on how to remove tail light tint as well as the advantages and disadvantages of having your tail lights tinted. This article also includes information on how to clean and maintain your tail lights.
Benefits of having taillights tinted
A common reason why car users tint their tail lights is that it is aesthetically pleasing and gives their car a sleek look that makes it stand out. The other reasons include; protecting it from UV rays, as the tints are resistant to heat, preventing debris and dust from getting to it, and preventing your tail lights from coloring due to dirt.
In addition to the appearance of your car, tail light tint comes in various colors giving you the option of customization.
Disadvantages of having tail lights tinted
a tail light tint may improve the look of your car, but installing it badly can give your car a bizarre appearance. In some regions, there are laws restricting the amount of tint in your tail light and if your tint is too dark to permit light transmittance, you may get in trouble with state security.
Poor installation of tint can lead to poor visibility of your tail lights which should be visible in the dark. If you cannot properly tint your tail light, visit a professional to avoid any of these problems.
How to remove a tail light tint? (if u do not use question marks in this sentence, you must use the article in the sentence)
The first method will involve removing an adhesive tail light tint and the second method will cover a spray tint. You aim to get rid of the tint leaving behind very little or no adhesive, in this condition you will be able to install a new one.
- The adhesive comes off easily under a warm temperature, so you may want to do this outside under mild sunlight. If it is too hot outside or you are doing this at a cold temperature then you will need a source of heat like a hairdryer, steamer, or a portable blow torch.
- After heating, pick a surface to start removing the adhesive tint, if there is an opening anywhere, start there.
- When removing the tint, avoid folding it over and pulling as it leaves behind adhesives. Instead, stretch out the tint and pull slowly.
- Use your blow torch burner in between stretching the tint to keep it warm at all times. A cold tint leaves adhesives behind as the adhesive becomes strong.
- After removing the tint, use a cleaning solution containing 99% alcohol to clean off any dirt left behind. If you do have adhesive on your tail lights after taking off the tint, use elbow grease, and an alcohol-based cleaning solution.
- You can take out the taillights and remove the tints if it will be easier for you that way
We will dive into removing a spray tint from your tail light. Unlike vinyl, the spray tint is much easier to take off. For this method, you will need the following materials.
- Protective hand gloves
- Paint thinner or remover
- Two pieces of soft cloth
After gathering the materials above, remove the tint in an open space, as the paint thinner contains chemicals that can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea when inhaled.
- Put on your protective hand gloves and soak a piece of cloth with paint thinner or remover
- Use the soaked cloth to wipe the tint of the tail light leaving it to sit for about 2-3 minutes. Do not leave paint thinner on your tail light for more than 3 minutes as it can destroy the plastic.
- Use a dry cloth to wipe off the paint thinner.
- Repeat these steps until the tint is completely removed.
- Paint thinner contains hydrocarbons that irritate the skin and sometimes cause numbness of the fingers and arm, so if paint thinner comes in contact with your skin, wash the affected area thoroughly under running water using soap.
How to clean your tail lights
If you are staying without a tint, then you must know how to properly clean and maintain your tail lights. Fortunately, this task is not very difficult and we have listed three different to keep your tail lights clean
- Use a damp cloth to clean your tail lights after every drive. If you go out several times a day, you can get tired of this routine so you should just clean them with a damp cloth at the end of the day.
- For some, cleaning the tail lights every day may still be a problem. You can wash them with soap and warm water and then wipe it dry using a clean cloth. Be careful not to damage the plastic when washing.
- If there are stains on the taillights, apply some toothpaste and allow drying for about 20-30 minutes, and then clean it off with a damp cloth.
Why do tail lights get dirty on the inside?
The internal component of tail light is never exposed, so then how do they get dirty? With time, condensation makes its way into the tail light through small air spaces. When this condensation stays for a long time, it becomes thick and messy. Fortunately, cleaning its inside is as easy as cleaning the external part.
If the inside of the tail light is dirty, take it off from the vehicle using a screwdriver, clean it using a damp cloth, and then reattach it back to the body of the vehicle.
How to maintain your tail lights
- Check them regularly to ensure that it is functioning well
- Avoid damaging the bulb by leaving it on for too long and change the bulbs once they become dim.
- When tinting, always use high-quality tints that have a high UV resistance.
- Use LED bulbs as they conserve energy and last for a long time compared to regular bulbs.
- Visit an auto shop every month to check your car including the tail lights
Conclusion
After using tail light tint for some time, you would want to change it or not use one at all. This article contains all the information you need to know on how to remove the tail light tint, and it covers both adhesive vinyl tint and sprays tint. For an adhesive tint, you should apply some heat and stretch it for neat work, while for a spray tint, use a paint thinner or remover with caution.
Keep your tail lights clean by washing them at the end of every week or by wiping them daily. It is advised that you visit an auto shop for a monthly check-up. Other maintenance tips have been listed above, thank you for reading!
