Tinting your fog lights yellow

[Agent☣Orange]

Anyone who knows me knows I can't leave fog lights alone. There's just something about yellow fog lights that really draws attention, especially in foggy or inclement weather as opposed to normal lights that just blend in with all the other cars. So for a fun, quick project, here's how I tint my lights yellow.

Tools needed:
-Roll of yellow tint
-Exacto blade
-Heat gun or hair dryer
-Rubber squeegee, credit card or small plastic scraper/spatula
-Clean spray bottle with a few drops of dish detergent added to the water
-A cup or similar device just a tad smaller than your round fog light (if applicable)
-Replacement *yellow* COB/CREE LED bulb (recommended)

First, order a roll tri-layer tint. There are so many, just look for the best reviews. Tri-layer means the actual yellow tint is sandwiched between two clear protective layers which is important later. Get out your heat gun or a hair dryer along with your Exacto blade and spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of dish detergent. You can either remove the light assembly to work on your workbench or do it on the car. *I'm using different cars for this DIY but the principles are the same.

This is a Corvette fog light removed to make the job easier but shows some of the equipment necessary.




If you're tinting the lights still in the car, rummage through your cup cabinet and find a cup just slightly smaller than your round fog lights. This is to ensure better coverage and to avoid painstaking trimming later.




Thoroughly clean the lens surface and wipe dry. You can use an Isopropyl alcohol pad if you want but just make sure the lens is clean and oil free. Don't worry about any small surface pitting or scratches as all fog light have a little wear.

[Agent☣Orange]

If working on a rectangular fog light on the bench, cut a piece of yellow film that is larger than needed because it is easy to trim down later.




If working on a round fog light on the car, cut a piece of yellow tint the is a tad smaller than the lens itself. This is where your collection of cups in the cabinet comes in handy. If you can't find a decent cup, consider items in your garage such as a cap from a can of spray paint. You get the idea. If it makes it easier, you can trace a circle on the film and then cut with a pair of scissors.




*Critical tip: Leave yourself a tab because you're going to be peeling away layers of film and need something to hold onto! Separate a tiny corner of each layer on the tab and bend the corners so you can peel easier later. Ever have one of those stickers where it was nearly impossible to peel away from the backing without a magnifying glass and a razor blade? This is why.




Here is why: You'll need to peel apart the three layers in time, maybe even with a razor blade and you don't want to ruin the tint that covers the actual lens.

[Agent☣Orange]

Using your spray bottle with detergent, thoroughly coat the lens. Peel off the inner layer of the tint and loosely place the film on the lens. You can tell it's the inner layer by the way the film curls. Using your squeegee, push out all the air bubbles from the center out to the edges. If needed, use your heat gun to heat the film and force it to conform to the lens. Remember, heat the film and then spray more water so the squeegee glides easily.
Remember that detergent removes wax so when you're done, reapply wax on the painted surfaces below the fog light if applicable.

[Agent☣Orange]

Try to get the tint as perfect as possible, taking time to heat, spray and rub air bubbles out. It may take two or three tries but it'll lay flat. If you have a persistent bubble, you can poke a hole or even a micro slit in it with your Exacto blade. Do not obsess about minuscule bubbles because like window tint, they will disappear after a few days.


You can now proceed to removing the outer layer. Let dry for a few minutes to a couple of hours and then peel the outer layer off. Remember the tip about tabs? This is where it pays off. This outer layer takes all the abuse from your squeegee and once removed, you really shouldn't be scraping the actual tint layer later so patience here pays off.

[Agent☣Orange]

My last tip is that since you're already there doing the fog lights with yellow tint, it is the best time to switch out the stock halogen bulb with yellow COB/CREE LEDs. The yellow tint already works well but switching out an old bulb to the latest one that uses less power and is far brighter and yellower makes a dramatic difference. Again, look for bulbs with the best reviews and yes, those tiny little squares are infinitely brighter than the old school, incandescent bulbs of yesteryear.

[Agent☣Orange]

Finished product:


Corvette




Honda Civic




Kia Soul

[minuteman048]

Cool

[clownheart]

Nice.

[Tristan75]

Fantastic AO!!