Any solution to easily scratched OEM stripes?

[HizliBullet]

I noticed whenever there's bird poop or dirt I use a paper towel or a soft rag, as soon as I spray glass cleaner to wipe it off I see a brush-like streak with 15-20 micro lines with one wipe.. not visible from a foot but it shines under sun :frusty: if I get 3M film over, will they be not as visible or am I trapping scratches in?:doh:

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[Spacebird]

if I get 3M film over, will they be not as visible or am I trapping scratches in?:doh:

It will probably reduce the visibility of scratches some, but not completely. It may make sense to wax the stripes before applying the 3M. Your shop should know if that will create issues with adhesion. It usually doesn't with wax, but ceramic coating do cause problems with films.


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[Spa2k]

The glass cleaner and a paper towel (or a poly-cotton rag) are too harsh for the soft vinyl stripes (and painted surfaces too). I'd suggest liberal use of a good detailing spray and an absolutely clean microfiber towel that you throw away when you're done. (You'd be surprised how much grit there can be in bird poop.) Some waxes will fill in the fine scratches, but that's not a solution if you're putting film over them. See what your film installer says.

 

[HizliBullet]

wait, so we cant wax factory vinyl to restore its beauty?:shrug:..*last sentence* ohh so don't use products that contain both

 

[Chameleon]

wait, so we cant wax factory vinyl to restore its beauty?:shrug:..*last sentence* ohh so don't use products that contain both

Correct, like the cheap wash + wax spray bottles.

 

[SpursFan]

Autogeek recommended Mckees 37 fast wax, it doesn't contain any items that can dry stripes out. To clean up any light surface scratches try meguiars plastix. It's been recommended a few times on here...I will be doing a full detail next weekend so I'll report how the two work.

 

[HizliBullet]

Autogeek recommended Mckees 37 fast wax, it doesn't contain any items that can dry stripes out. To clean up any light surface scratches try meguiars plastix. It's been recommended a few times on here...I will be doing a full detail next weekend so I'll report how the two work.

what about this one? have you tried this one?

 

[enzo101]

I used Meguiars wax on the stripes and it got rid of them.

 

[Bullitt2065]

Remove them and have the stripes painted on. Vinyl stripes are always terrible in that regard.

 

[Spa2k]

what about this one? have you tried this one?

I've used it in several cars - but only on paint - and it works very well. I would suggest calling Meguiar's and Griot's Garage and talking to one of their techs; they've been a great resource for me.

 

[live2ride90]

I have not used the 2.0 maybe I should. I tried the Meguiars Plastx and it helped but I can still see them. I think I will try a few more times this weekend and see if it gets less noticeable.

I washed my car with the Chadwicks triple play, it worked great on the rest of the car but it did put some scratches on the stripes. They seem to scratch really easy.

If anyone finds anything better, let me know. Thanks!

 

[TripleYellow]

I found this product at Walmart some time back. I've used it on the stripes of my Boss for minor scratches similar to what you've described with success. It's is also great for preventive maintenance. Doesn't streak and "stuff" comes off more easily after treating.

 

[Spa2k]

If you want to try a vinyl dressing, make sure you test it in an inconspicuous spot first. Some of them have petroleum distillates in them, which could be harmful to the clear top layer of the stripes.

 

[AMpowerJ]

I had all my stripes and the entire car covered with Suntek PPF. No worries anymore about damaging the stripes, except if the wrap is ever removed, the stripes might come with it.

 

[Acksman]

I had all my stripes and the entire car covered with Suntek PPF. No worries anymore about damaging the stripes, except if the wrap is ever removed, the stripes might come with it.

I did the exact same thing in Suntek as well. The stripes are thick so you can tell a bit where the Suntek goes over the edge of the stripe. I do notice as heat keeps applying it is laying down closer to the paint and almost invisible now. The guy that put mine in said as long as they pull the Suntek up correctly it will not lift the stripes.

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