Rain spot etching on over the top stripe

[dnstommy]

I have a GT350 and the vinyl stripe has some etching from acid rain in it. For the paint I can remove with some buffing, but I don't think I can buff the stripe. I am unsure how delicate the stripe is.

Can U buff the stripe?

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[Conman1138]

I talked to a local detailer a while back about paint correction. He told me that I didn't have to remove the vinyl stripes, and he could polish them up. So I guess it's possible?

 

[MiamiGT350]

I had some success with Adam's Water Spot Remover - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G3L9GYX

 

[dnstommy]

I talked to a local detailer a while back about paint correction. He told me that I didn't have to remove the vinyl stripes, and he could polish them up. So I guess it's possible?

I have always seen the stripes taped over when the car was being paint corrected. So it "seems" like they are avoiding the stripes. But people ceramic coat the stripes which must mean they polish them first or at least wax them.

 

[ORRadtech]

But people ceramic coat the stripes which must mean they polish them first or at least wax them.

You don't ceramic coat over wax, you strip the wax off before coating.

To the OP, I'd find a reputable detailer in my area and ask for their recommendations on removing the spots and protecting the stripes going forward.

 

[MAGS1]

If you know the manufacturer of the stripes, you could contact them. If not, ask a professional detailer. When I had stripes, I didn’t polish them for fear of ruining the finish. A water spot remover might work but if it’s too harsh it may tarnish the finish, especially if they’re a glossy stripe.

 

[dnstommy]

If you know the manufacturer of the stripes, you could contact them. If not, ask a professional detailer. When I had stripes, I didn’t polish them for fear of ruining the finish. A water spot remover might work but if it’s too harsh it may tarnish the finish, especially if they’re a glossy stripe.

Yeah, my water spot remover works pretty well on paint, but I am worried how aggressive it is on vinyl. I'll have to ask around. Thanks.

 

[FruityJudy]

Ive used Chem Guys hard water spot remover on my paint, windows, and vinyl stripes. All had good results

 

[kilobravo]

So I guess it's possible?

Vinyl is substantially more susceptible to heat than the clear coat BUT, if you're polishing with the correct tools and using proper procedures, you should never ever get close to the temperature that will melt the vinyl IF you're not boresighted on one section. That's where trouble begins. Keep the polisher moving at all times and you won't have any problems.

I've been polishing vinyl decals and stripes for twenty years and never had a problem. That said, vinyl doesn't polish like paint so don't expect a mirror shine but it does clean up.

 

[dnstommy]

I ended up machine polishing the stripes with a finishing polish. Went really light. Turned out great. Water spots mostly gone. Not willing to push it.

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