IvoRoyfx35
Member
- Location
- Cerritos, California
I realize that this DIY is very easy to do and there are different ways of doing this, but I thought I'd share my process in case someone finds it helpful. I know many people on this forum would rather spray paint their reflectors, but I like using the tint film better for a few reasons.
1. no need to remove reflectors from bumper
2. I can remove the tint film if I get a fix-a-ticket, or if I dont like it anymore
3. easy to do and still very "cheap"
I took alot of pictures because I like looking at pictures when I see other DIY's so some may find it a bit boring/redundant. But anyway, here it goes.
1. clean the area using window cleaner or alcohol. For this DIY, I used alcohol diluted in water (1:1).
2. cut the film so that it is a bit larger than the reflector. The reflector was about 1.5 inches so I just cut about 2 inches. If you want, you can even get the exact measurements of the reflector, mark it on the back of the film, and cut it out the exact length/width. This may eliminate few of the steps below.
3. apply soap water to the area. (drop of dawn is fine) be generous.
4. peel the tint off of the paper and spray soap water as you are peeling.
5. lay tint over the reflector.
6. apply heat using a heat gun (blow dryer may work). The tint will start to "grab" the reflector.
7. using a squeegie or credit card, squeegie out the water. This will start the bond the tint to the reflector. Move from center to edge of the film.
8. most of the film should be bonded to the reflector.
9. trim the excess film.
10. apply more heat (if needed) and use squeegie to squeeze out most of the air/water bubbles. You can also "tuck in" the edges of the film to the reflector during this step. If there are a few small air bubbles, don't worry as it will remove itself as the water dries out (2-3 days).
11. lightly clean off the area with window cleaner and you are done.
12. do the other side.
I didn't want mine to be too dark, so i used 35% shade tint, but you can certainly go darker if you like (20%).
Anyway, hope some people find this useful and thanks for looking.
1. no need to remove reflectors from bumper
2. I can remove the tint film if I get a fix-a-ticket, or if I dont like it anymore
3. easy to do and still very "cheap"
I took alot of pictures because I like looking at pictures when I see other DIY's so some may find it a bit boring/redundant. But anyway, here it goes.
1. clean the area using window cleaner or alcohol. For this DIY, I used alcohol diluted in water (1:1).
2. cut the film so that it is a bit larger than the reflector. The reflector was about 1.5 inches so I just cut about 2 inches. If you want, you can even get the exact measurements of the reflector, mark it on the back of the film, and cut it out the exact length/width. This may eliminate few of the steps below.
3. apply soap water to the area. (drop of dawn is fine) be generous.
4. peel the tint off of the paper and spray soap water as you are peeling.
5. lay tint over the reflector.
6. apply heat using a heat gun (blow dryer may work). The tint will start to "grab" the reflector.
7. using a squeegie or credit card, squeegie out the water. This will start the bond the tint to the reflector. Move from center to edge of the film.
8. most of the film should be bonded to the reflector.
9. trim the excess film.
10. apply more heat (if needed) and use squeegie to squeeze out most of the air/water bubbles. You can also "tuck in" the edges of the film to the reflector during this step. If there are a few small air bubbles, don't worry as it will remove itself as the water dries out (2-3 days).
11. lightly clean off the area with window cleaner and you are done.
12. do the other side.
I didn't want mine to be too dark, so i used 35% shade tint, but you can certainly go darker if you like (20%).
Anyway, hope some people find this useful and thanks for looking.
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