Painting Front Headlights

darkangel · 05-13-2006, 05:58 PM

ive seen some pics of people having the chrome on the headlights painted. i was just curious on how thats done. anyone know?

Spec SX · 05-13-2006, 11:30 PM

The front and the back of the headlights need to be taken apart by baking them in the oven. After they are apart you will be able to get to the piece you are talking about painting. I have a thread on how to bake the headlight for the Optima and clear the corners. If you read it you will have an idea on how it is done. If you have any questions about it let me know. I will be glad to help you out. I just havent ever done any painting of headlights.
Baking the headlight thread

darkangel · 05-18-2006, 01:14 AM

would it be possible to use a heatgun instead of the oven?

Spec SX · 05-18-2006, 06:40 AM

Yes you can use a heatgun instead of the oven.

darkangel · 05-29-2006, 02:46 PM

couple more things....flat black or gloss? and will i need to sand down the chrome or will the paint stick without doing that?

Spec SX · 05-29-2006, 07:21 PM

Gloss, and its up to you if you want to sand or not. I have heard of it being done both ways. If it were me I wouldnt sand them.

darkangel · 05-30-2006, 01:53 AM

ok cool. im kinda iffy about bakin these things cuz if i f**k it up im out of a headlight.

Spec506 · 05-30-2006, 03:58 AM

I want to paint the whole lense black for the Euro look. WHich spray paint can I use where my hadlights will stil be bright enough?

unseen87 · 04-28-2008, 07:54 PM

you could use the vht niteshades i used it on my taillights and it looks really good and it doesnt dime the light that much ive been thinking about doing my headlight but i just havent yet i dont know if i would get pulled over for it

KIAZILLA · 04-28-2008, 09:13 PM

You will nave less grief baking them. Put them in the oven for 12 minutes at 180 or 200 degrees. Your lights will be just as bright as they ever were as long as you do not paint the round reflector surrounding the bulb. Bon Apetit!