Tinting rear lights, gloss effect?

[MasterCookieman]

Hi,

 

I've tinted the rear lights on many cars in my life. I remember the first couple of times I ended up with a fairly glossy finish.

 

The last couple of cars I did (more memorable was my Probe) I ended up with a very dull flat matt finish.

 

Now maybe tint spray has changed over the years, maybe I've used a cheaper brand or something. Not sure.

 

I want to do my Zed (just smoked not totally black) but I want a glossy finish.

 

Any ideas or suggestions how I ensure I end up with a glossy result? The matt or glossy finish seems to be random.

 

I seem to remember applying clear lacquer in the past, but seem to remember it reacting with the tint. On googling this someone suggested apply this - http://www.allartsupplies.com/item.php?articleId=2438&gclid=CO7U8s3T-6gCFUEa4Qod3EkaSA

 

Cheers!

[MasterCookieman]

The last stuff I've used was Savage tint spray.

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Savage-A195-Light-Tinting-Spray/dp/B0030EBT4O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306071166&sr=1-1

 

Was planning on using this again.

[boldy]

I tinted some on a Opel Manta a few years back and used a normal 2 pack laquer with a few drops of black mixed in to give a glossy smoked effect , the light were prepared using grey Scotchbrite and it never came off and looked factory cos they were gloss , the only thing to look out for is not all paint schemes will allow colour to be mixed with laquer , just depends on the brand ,HTH

[pbryant_knight]

I used a few tint sprays in my time and the only one that was any good was Savage.

 

To get the gloss look you should put the final coat on a bit heavier (depending on how many coats you use/how dark you want it.)

 

It always says on the tin "apply in light coats" but unless you put the final coat on heavily you'll get a matt finish or satin at best. Just don't put it so heavily that you get runs. Its best to spray on a flat surface to avoid getting runs.

 

Hope this helps :)

[MasterCookieman]

Thanks!! Savage it is then!

 

I probably should take the lights off the car, had considered doing it on the car, but runs are evil things.

 

I think I'll get some Scotchbrite too, though can't remember it ever coming off in the past.