Auto window tint???

[AnimalHippie]

Hey guys, I want to tint the windows and smoke the headlight and signal lenses on the new body I'm doing. I was thinking about giving auto tint a try on the windows. Don't know if it would work on the concaved lenses tho. Has any one used auto tint on their rigs? How well did it stay on? Or should I just stick with trying to use the PS-31 spray tint? I've heard alott of issues using the spray and realty don't want to ruine my new body. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks for any help! Have a great day!!!!

[mikemcE]

I’ve used tint film for windows, but those are flat. I’ve tinted headlights using transparent colors (yellow)
All you can do is try.... film is non destructive


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[nictical]

Never tried tinting my mini crawler.

[Panther6834]

I haven't tried it myself...yet (only because I haven't had any interest in "tinting" an RC, until now...but, I'm planning on trying a method others have reported works well. Note, in advance, that this requires using an airbrush.


Start by painting the body as you normally would, and then remove the window "stickers". Next, dilute black airbrush paint until it's as transparent as you can make it. You'll have to spray incredibly light coats on the interior side of the windows, just a few (2-4) passes at a time, and then let those parts dry for 15-30 minutes. Then, check your "tinting" to see if it's to the 'darkness' level you want. The thinner the latter of paint you can make on each pass, the better.

In the end, it'll probably take 6-10 passes, but you should achieve what you'll liking for. The first time attempting this (and, something I'll be following, myself), you should probably test it out on a spare piece of Lexan. I'll be using scrap pieces of Lexan, from cutting Lexan bodies for my off-road race vehicles (I knew I was saving them for a reason ..I just didn't know, initially, what that "reason" was).

As for headlights/taillights, you could probably do the exact same thing, albeit with different colors (ie. yellow & red). I don't see why it wouldn't work the same as tinting the windows .


~ More peace, love, and kindness would make the world a much better place

[smog]

I have not tried automotive tint, but it seems like a good idea. I generally use Parma or Mission airbrushing tint. I have not done any windows, but it works well for tinting headlights and taillights.

[mikemcE]

OK here you go. Auto tint on rear cab windows, Tamiya Transparent Yellow on the front lights. I used transparent yellow or mirror chrome in many buggies and SCT trucks. Any spray tint need a spotless clean surface, nice and warm ;both body and paint, proper distance for misting spray, 2 or 3 usually work well.






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[AnimalHippie]

Thanks for the suggestions guys!!! I'm going to give the auto tint a try. Might try to stop by the tint shop in the next couple days. Think I'll go with the PS-31 from Tamiya for the headlights and signal lenses. I just don't see auto tint working on them.

Originally Posted by mikemcE

OK here you go. Auto tint on rear cab windows, Tamiya Transparent Yellow on the front lights. I used transparent yellow or mirror chrome in many buggies and SCT trucks. Any spray tint need a spotless clean surface, nice and warm ;both body and paint, proper distance for misting spray, 2 or 3 usually work well.






Hang up and Drive

Thanks Mike! That rig looks great! Can't wait to get this new body for the Trx finished up!!!

Thanks again everyone!

[AnimalHippie]

Well I got two windows done with the auto tint and I'm not having the best luck with it. They looked great when I finished putting them on. Then when I got home the next afternoon they were full of bubbles.


I don't think I'm going to go this route anymore. Too much work for them to end up looking like that. I'm going to attempt to remove the tint. Then I'll give the Tamiya smoke paint a try.

[Den72]

Add a drop or two of dish soap to a water bottle. Spray the service prior to applying the film. Lay the film on the surface you sprayed and squeegee out the air.

[mikemcE]

Originally Posted by Den72

Add a drop or two of dish soap to a water bottle. Spray the service prior to applying the film. Lay the film on the surface you sprayed and squeegee out the air.

Totally..... then when using your squeegee, hot air will help. Laying it on a flat hard surface(table top) covered with a towel, you’ve got to squeeze all the soap water out.


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