Can anyone tell me what is the best method of painting my tail lights? Or would it be better if I covered them in vinyl?

 

1000 grit wetsand them, then use VHT tail light paint, you can get it from any part store. just do light coats and some lights i have dont the white parts looks purple, till you get done

 

Check these videos out:

I used to buff out old tail lights, but they would only really last a good year, if that. Now, I started to clear coat them with AMAZING and long lasting results.

Be sure to use a good 2k clear not one of those cheap *** aerosol cans of rustoleum clear.

Here is a video that I did on headlights: http://www.learnautobodyandpaint.com...ion-from-home/

Here is a video that I did smoking tail lights: http://www.learnautobodyandpaint.com...e-tail-lights/

When smoking, you can basically just mix up some clear coat, mix in some black base coat and give it 2-3 coats, or until desired blackout. Be careful because as you start giving it coats, it will get dark pretty quick.

That's why you want to use very little base in your clear.

Enjoy!

 

What I do is use grey scotch pad with water and scuff stuff.
And then three coats of clear coat with flex agent in.
I also tint the clear coat with whatever colour the client wants, your layers must be identical on both lights if you do this though.

 

^^^couple drops of black in clear is were its at

 

As many others have said above, the absolute best option would be to wet sand the lenses with 800 grit or finer paper and clear them. If you don't know how to spray, take them to someone who does. Just watch how many coats you put on the lights. As HondaPaintTech already said, it darkens up in a hurry!