Adding Diffuser to Lighted T's

I can't believe that this hasn't been thought of before now. While working on a plan to diffuse the individual Neopixels on the rear lighted appliqué, Artsci and Danal came up with a solution. They used small clear velcro to create a gap between the Neopixels and the diffuser film thus solving the problem. Soon after, Paul Carter mentioned using some kind of diffuser film to use on the front T to create a softer glow. With a little experimenting I think I've found a way to diffuse the LEDs on the front lighted T. I had a can of Frosted Glass in a spray can lying around. I sprayed quite a few coats on a small piece of saran wrap. I then put it on the side where the LEDs shine. It looks like it should work. Glad Artsci sent some spare 3M adhesives with each lighted T. I'll remove the T soon, spray the sides with the frosted glass and reapply the lighted T. It looks great with the frosted glass. The last picture is with the frosted saran wrap touching the lighted T. I can't see any individual LEDs. So far so good.

Btrflyl8e said:

I'm surprised that a) you haven't already taken the T off and sprayed it and b) showed up in my driveway to show it off. It isn't dark out yet, though...

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I'm fast but not that fast. Gotta have the measure twice cut once mentality about this stuff. Artsci knows what I'm talking bout.

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Paul Carter said:

:love:

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Give me a day or two and I'll post my progress. Just when I had enough on my plate. I feel like Squiddly Diddly here juggling multiple projects.

The more the saran wrap crinkles, the more the frosted glass wants to flake and fall off. Tried to get the saran wrap as close in as many places as I could on the lighted T

Individual LEDs are visible in picture 3. Just doesn't show up on camera. Same effect on rear T as front T. Great news. Can't wait to dig in.

Currently laying down some frosted coats. Looking good so far. A little frosty. More soon to come.

Getting closer.

It turned out awesome. I can't see any individual LEDs. Perfecto! In the middle picture u can see the lack of a reflection below the T. I'm amazed.

Paul Carter said:

Well done! How many coats (and drying time between them) did it take to get to that level?

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I lost count after about 8. lol. Drying time is only 10-15 minutes. I spent about 3-4 hours spraying coats. After about 2.5 hours I started doing spot shots to build up thickness in a few areas. The arches used the most coats by far. If someone buys either of the lighted Ts, I'd recommend spraying before attaching to car and without the T emblem attached to the lighted T. Mine are soldered so I wasn't about to remove them completely. Have an exacto knife handy to easily separate the corner build up from the blue painters tape. I had to go heavy in a few spots.