Hot Rods Painting tail lights

Hey Guys I want to paint some reverse lights lenses red to make them brake lights. Any ideas what kind of paint to use to still have them transparent . Thanks Randy

 

We used to use a translucent paint on sign faces. I'm suffering from C.R.S. now, but a local sign company can help you out. Paint the inside of the lenses and you ought to be ok.

 

candy red

 

use a candy color they are transparent

 

Been there, done that... used candy red and it worked beautifully.
Also, as neonloverrob said, translucent sign paint would work also, whichever is easier for you to get ahold of. There are two brand names I've used, Spraylat and Grip-Flex. If you have a pretty good sized sign shop in the area, they oughta have some on hand.

 

I have heard that dupli color makes a "metalic" paint that works well.

 

Go to your local art supply store and buy a rattle can of "stained gl***" paint. Shoot the lens from the inside, light coats though. It's translucent stuff, works great.

 

Krylon X-metals. found at walmart or ace hardware. it is a durable translucent paint that will last without fading in the sun

 

During the 60's, Cadillac used clear lenses for brake lights. Hidden behind the lens was a piece of red lens configured in such a way so the light from the bulb had to come through the red before the clear. This looked cool (to me). The lens always appeared clear unless the lamps were illuminated. Use of a red paint would not allow the lens to appear clear, though that may not be your criteria.
Cosmo

 

Thanks Guys what a bunch of good ideas.

 

If you are going to do the candy/transparent thing make sure you put an equal amount of coats in each lens. Do them side by side. If you don't do it right you will be able to tell the difference between lenses.

 

Years ago I used old bullet shaped GM backup lights as taillights by cutting a piece of old red lens and putting it inside the bucket. The 1157 socket was bigger than the single filament socket for the b/u light, but it still cleared the bulb and didn't melt the plastic.

 

Try nail polish.

 

Red ****m machinist's layout paint - at good hardware stores. Use it inside the lens.

 

A few years ago when those clear tail lights were the rage on tuner cars the cops in CA busted them all for not having the required 2" diameter red reflectors. I know the next door neighbor was able to buy a spray can of paint made specifically for the purpose ad it was the right shade and translucence to do the job.
Check your local tuner supply store.

 

i restore and tint lenses all the time.

latley ive been hittin them with bulldog to make it stick, a little hok apple red candy in dbc 500 till i like the shade, and clear with urethane.

you can byp*** the 500 and tint the clear if you wanna go on the cheap. they will look like new lenses, and will hold up better. you will not be able to detect that one part was clear.

some times i add for few drops of black to get that black cherry look,or more fir young set with rice burners that want black translucent lamps.

oddly, years ago i used to used tail lamp lens dye for candy red paint work. came from a place called 7k color in hollywood

skull

 

I have a pair of lenses I used HOC Brandywine and cleared, on my OTM.
Been over two years and they still look better than the originals.

I have used staingl*** paint and Model Candy, but they didn't hold up to the elements.

 

You can buy special tail light paint, here in Sweden at least, but you americans shoud have it too...

 

i've just over reduced straight red and it turned out well.
ed

 

I've used red fingernail polish with good results.

 

I've used Tamyia model paint, they make a red as well as orange translucent. I know a guy who's used the orange version on lamps (the turn signal variety).

 

I've used candy apple red that gave me a good result, but the shade of red isn't the best. I started with an amber lense which probably threw off the color somewhat.