Daniel Bivona
Well-Known Member
New to this forum. Just showing some overlays on my taillights. Let me know if you like it or have questions.
As far as the DIY instructions are concerned, I did not document a step by step with pictures, however below is a description of the steps I took. Apologies if it is poorly described. As an additional reference, the site (http://grfxpstore.com/store/product/885037468) where I purchased the overlays includes some instructions also. There are many color vinyl options available for the 2013 Civic Sedan taillights. Additionally, since the taillights from the 2012 to 2013 models changed, here is a link to a different style vinyl for those of you with 2012 models. (http://grfxpstore.com/store/product/885037254)
Materials needed: 2013 Civic Taillight Vinyl, Heat Gun (purchase at Home Depot or Lowe'shttp://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Har...s/N-5yc1vZc2fe) Bucket of Water, Squeegee (Credit Card, rubber or plastic tool to push out bubbles)
Step 1: Clean taillights, removing all dirt and soot to ensure you will be applying the vinyl to a smooth surface. This will minimize the chances of leaving bubbles in the vinyl.
Step 2: Remove the vinyl overlay from it's paper backing and either spray both sides of the vinyl with water or place in water so that you can manipulate the positioning of the vinyl over the bottom section of the taillight.
Step 3: Apply the moist vinyl to the taillight so that there is no exposure or gaps.
Step 4: Since there will be air and water bubbles under the vinyl strip, use your squeegee tool (can be simple as using a credit card) to press out water and air bubbles while simultaneously using the heat gun (do not use a hair dryer) to apply heat to the vinyl so that the the bond is formed between the vinyl and the taillight.
Step 5: Continue to work out all bubbles and apply heat until the vinyl is completely installed. Note: There may be a residual haze for a few hours after install, which will eventually dissipate once all of the air and water is out from under the vinyl.
As far as the DIY instructions are concerned, I did not document a step by step with pictures, however below is a description of the steps I took. Apologies if it is poorly described. As an additional reference, the site (http://grfxpstore.com/store/product/885037468) where I purchased the overlays includes some instructions also. There are many color vinyl options available for the 2013 Civic Sedan taillights. Additionally, since the taillights from the 2012 to 2013 models changed, here is a link to a different style vinyl for those of you with 2012 models. (http://grfxpstore.com/store/product/885037254)
Materials needed: 2013 Civic Taillight Vinyl, Heat Gun (purchase at Home Depot or Lowe'shttp://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Har...s/N-5yc1vZc2fe) Bucket of Water, Squeegee (Credit Card, rubber or plastic tool to push out bubbles)
Step 1: Clean taillights, removing all dirt and soot to ensure you will be applying the vinyl to a smooth surface. This will minimize the chances of leaving bubbles in the vinyl.
Step 2: Remove the vinyl overlay from it's paper backing and either spray both sides of the vinyl with water or place in water so that you can manipulate the positioning of the vinyl over the bottom section of the taillight.
Step 3: Apply the moist vinyl to the taillight so that there is no exposure or gaps.
Step 4: Since there will be air and water bubbles under the vinyl strip, use your squeegee tool (can be simple as using a credit card) to press out water and air bubbles while simultaneously using the heat gun (do not use a hair dryer) to apply heat to the vinyl so that the the bond is formed between the vinyl and the taillight.
Step 5: Continue to work out all bubbles and apply heat until the vinyl is completely installed. Note: There may be a residual haze for a few hours after install, which will eventually dissipate once all of the air and water is out from under the vinyl.
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