Vinyl Racing Stripes... Some Swirls and, Smears?

Ohio Detailing

Ohio Detailing

New member
Apr 28, 2008
913
0
Hello all/Mike! :)

Been a little while since I've been to my favorite auto-forum, but it's also been a while since I've detailed my car (or cars, now plural, read on)! I just made another awesome massive order from Auto Geek last week that will be delivered TODAY, and couldn't be more excited. The only thing I didn't splurge on were the Meguair's Detail cart, and the Rolling Detail Chair, because I didn't want my order to creep over $800.

My question revolves around my dream car I just purchased two weeks ago! I bought a 2009 Mustang GT California Special with all of my exact specs such as the Vapor Metallic paint color, extremely low miles, and all the options and goodies to make my heart thump out of chest!

Well, the Mustang had dealer-installed racing stripes down the length of the car, all black to match the entire color scheme of the paint/accents. I have already given the car two washes in the last two weeks, and yesterday I took more notice since I detailed it more in the clear sunlight, of the slight swirls, and smears that exist in the vinyl racing stripes. They are very minimal, but of course noticeable to people like us who look over our cars with an eagle eye!

My questions are:
-How can I minimize the appearance of any imperfections whatsoever in these racing stripes so the vinyl matches the rest of the cars impeccable finish when detailed (does spray wax like the Optimum I bought a few months ago from Auto Geek exacerbate these flaws by causing smearing)?

-Next Spring, I am having these stripes removed, a new paint job performed at Cervinis in New Jersey as they install the hallowed Eleanor bodykit and side-exhaust, so once I have those brand new stripes, how do I KEEP them in brand new pristine condition in a little under a year when this all happens?

THANKS MIKE AND ANYONE ELSE WITH ANY HINTS AND TIPS! :)

PS: Oh, before I go... I just have to say thank you to everyone here who helped with my wheels a long time ago right after the Winter was over. They were so corroded, but they were beautiful 20'' chrome wheels that were well over $2,000, so I didn't know what to do. I followed the advice of 0000 steel wool and WD-40, and now they are SHINING!
 
Dynamic_Detailing said:
Well, the Mustang had dealer-installed racing stripes down the length of the car, all black to match the entire color scheme of the paint/accents. I have already given the car two washes in the last two weeks, and yesterday I took more notice since I detailed it more in the clear sunlight, of the slight swirls, and smears that exist in the vinyl racing stripes. They are very minimal, but of course noticeable to people like us who look over our cars with an eagle eye!

My questions are:
-How can I minimize the appearance of any imperfections whatsoever in these racing stripes so the vinyl matches the rest of the cars impeccable finish when detailed (does spray wax like the Optimum I bought a few months ago from Auto Geek exacerbate these flaws by causing smearing)?

-Next Spring, I am having these stripes removed, a new paint job performed at Cervinis in New Jersey as they install the hallowed Eleanor bodykit and side-exhaust, so once I have those brand new stripes, how do I KEEP them in brand new pristine condition in a little under a year when this all happens?
Click to expand...



Don't use products that dry and especially don't use products that dry white...

Working on vinyl graphics is tricky, what you want is something that first... wont cause any harm, second will improve and/or maintain the original color usually with an emphasis on bringing out the full richness of color.

I've used Meguiar's Trim Detailer for years with good luck including rubbing down the original vinyl graphics on an all original 1982 Corvette.

Meguiar's Gold Class Trim Detailer is for restoring and maintaining rubber, plastic and vinyl trim, so while it's not specifically made for vinyl graphics I've had pretty good luck with it.

Always test in an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface. Make sure you're getting the results you want and hope for before moving forward. In the case of an antique, it's a good idea to let some time go by to the test area before applying to the rest of the surface. This applies to any product you use on vinyl graphics.

The way to use it is to gently massage this product onto the surface using a clean, soft foam applicator pad, somewhat like you would rub skin lotion onto our face. Allow to penetrate for a few minutes and then softly wipe all surfaces down with a clean microfiber to remove any excess residue off the surface.

Here's a link to an article with some very detailed answers that pertain exactly to your issues, and I always ask people to read my replies very carefully as they are worded very carefully.

How To Maintain Vinyl Graphics/Stickers/Stripes/Decals


Note: At the time I'm posting this the MOL forum is down so you won't be able to read my reply. It should be up soon.



This thread also has some tips...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/30769-vinyl-stripes.html


:)
 
You are the master Mike. Thanks.

The stripes are nearly brand new, only around 6-7,000 miles on the 2009 Mustang GT. I am a little hesitant to apply trim detailer down the two strips running the length of the car's body so close to the metallic silver paint (I guess I just fear it will smear the paint or run all over the surface of the car next time I go to wash it, or be hard to remove, like using a tire-shine product on the top of my car just because it has racing stripes).

I'm going to do some more research on those links you supplied me with, and read and read. Next time I go to wash him, I want to be fully prepared :) THANKS AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN.
 
CaneMustang said:
Nice Mustang...I am going to use UTTG on my vinyl stripes
Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus, tire & trim protectant, tire dressing, rubber protectant

How do you like your Kenne Bell? I just got a quote for one...
Click to expand...

Hey thanks a lot, that's always really nice to hear. He's only a little stallion right now, owned him for two weeks, but have major plans!

I don't have the super charger system yet, spoke with a rep at length from Kenne Bell and also spoke with the owner of one of the local authorized installers here in my state, and I'm pumped to say the least. It won't be until Spring of next year, around April. I have $13,000 I can use on 0% interest until July 2012, but I don't know, I guess I feel better having the cash to pay for it, so I'll be responsible and wait :)

Thanks for the tip on the racing stripe maintenance!

I guess I'll have to get over the 'fear' of putting something sticky and 'greasy' on my car millimeters beside the paint. But, if it keeps the vinyl dark black, glossy, and in perfect condition... then SO BE IT!

Please share your applications methods :)

PS: Oh, I just checked your link... I keep thinking "tire dressing" when it comes to beautifying and gloss-intensifying rubber/vinyl surfaces, like a greasy armor-all-dash kind of crap, haha. I just read your link for the Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus, and it sounds like car wax for vinyl, like it dries and continues to protect and doesn't smear, run, or clump?
 
Dynamic_Detailing said:
I am a little hesitant to apply trim detailer down the two strips running the length of the car's body so close to the metallic silver paint

(I guess I just fear it will smear the paint or run all over the surface of the car next time I go to wash it, or be hard to remove, like using a tire-shine product on the top of my car just because it has racing stripes).
Click to expand...

Yeah I understand your concerns and when I replied to you above I wrote,

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Here's a link to an article with some very detailed answers that pertain exactly to your issues, and I always ask people to read my replies very carefully as they are worded very carefully.

How To Maintain Vinyl Graphics/Stickers/Stripes/Decals
Click to expand...

And I wrote that because in my reply to a similar discussion I addressed all your concerns and explained the problems with working on graphics and matte surfaces.

Note: The above link doesn't work right now because MOL is down.



CaneMustang said:
I am going to use UTTG on my vinyl stripes

Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus, tire & trim protectant, tire dressing, rubber protectant
Click to expand...

I have not tried the UTTG on any vinyl graphics or flat matte paint but I would recommend the same thing I recommend when using Trim Detailer and that to start by testing the product to an inconspicuous area and in a perfect world let a few days go by and watch to see what if anything negative happens.


:)
 
Thanks Mike, yes the MOL was down, said something clever like car maintenance is like forum maintenance when I clicked the link earlier, haha! :)

I'll keep trying until the forum is live again. Love your advice.
 
Now that Meg's is back up I went and read the entire thread, and also I liked your Final Wiping Techniques thread as well!

Mt GT "Maximus" is really taking shape weekly, getting all the mods and improvements done before putting her away for storage this Winter - and then comes the big overhaul in the spring with the Kenne Bell and Cervini bodykit and side exhaust! :)

I was wondering if something I already have like Hyper Dressing etc would work on the vinyl racing strips, but I think I'm just going to use the trim detailer your suggested, I've already added it to my wish list for the next free shipping or 10% off offer Auto Geek offers :)
 
Here is what I did:
I clayed them (WOW, what a change)
Then put UTTG on them...
Day after I misted them with DODO Red Mist
They look great!
 
CaneMustang said:
Here is what I did:
I clayed them (WOW, what a change)
Then put UTTG on them...
Day after I misted them with DODO Red Mist
They look great!
Click to expand...

You can clay racing stripes!? I learn something new every day, at least I try to and I enjoy it when I do, thanks Cane! :)
 
Thanks Mike! I just made a huge almost $400 order once again from AG last week, so I will have to wait until my bank account stop giving me the middle finger to expand my detailing supply, haha! I purchased everything from Amazon, I didn't know PBMA had a store on there, and I had earned a lot of rewards from my credit card to spend. I kind of felt sick afterward when I saw I literally almost spent $100 IN SHIPPING ALONE, because I didn't know each individual item had shipping pre-calculated. Yikes. I could have bought another 5 gallons of various products just with the shipping :(

Thanks for the great suggestion above, I have also heard that Diamondite's Spray Clay works wonders on paint for some reason, like bathing the entire car in clay-bar foam after washing and adding an amazing gloss. Have you heard of this? My friend swears by it and says the smoothness is like nothing else.
 
I just wanted to let everyone know that I ran across a new product a couple weeks ago just browsing around on Auto Geek's website under "What's New," and I saw there is now something specially formulated for flat-black vinyl stripes! :) I can't recall the name however, and I'm not sure if it will remove the water spots that are problematic though.
 
Dynamic_Detailing said:
I just wanted to let everyone know that I ran across a new product a couple weeks ago just browsing around on Auto Geek's website under "What's New," and I saw there is now something specially formulated for flat-black vinyl stripes! :) I can't recall the name however, and I'm not sure if it will remove the water spots that are problematic though.
Click to expand...

FOUND IT reading the Auto Geek Blog

Chemical Guys Meticulous Matte Detailer 16 oz.

I used to be skeptical of and avoid Chemical Guys in the past... I heard some shady rumors and stories floating around with more than enough frequency to make me shy away toward more well known and reputable companies. HOWEVER, over time I have come to research and trust Todd Cooperider's work of Esoteric Detail in Ohio, one of the Top 9 Detailers in all of America according to Auto Trend! Todd uses Chemical Guys a LOT in his work, and his work is impeccable and world renowned! :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top