Bonnet stripes

[Chili_Mini_PA]

Just so you know you should never EVER put wax on your stripes. The oil and chemicals breakdown the vinyl. You can clean your stripes with Fantastic home cleaner to get the dark dirt off your stripes if they are white and then cover them with some 303 and they will last a long time.

303 link: http://www.303products.com/shop303/i...protectant.cfm

What You Need to Know About Vinyl

What is Vinyl?
Vinyl is a plastic made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Vinyl is manufactured in different ways in a number of forms and in varying qualities for thousands of uses. A vinyl's topcoat holds in plasticizers, softening agents which keep vinyl supple.
Vinyl is a UV-sensitive material which degrades when exposed to sunlight. Maintaining the integrity of the topcoat and protecting against UV damage are the keys to keeping vinyl looking and performing "like new".
Simple Cleaning:
Keeping vinyl clean is an important part of routine maintenance. Dirt acts as an abrasive and can also wear out the thread in seams. Mildew grows on damp, dirty vinyl.
The recommended vinyl cleaning method:

1. Rinse with cool water.
2. Wash with soap (not detergent) and water using a soft cloth or sponge. For stubborn dirt, a soft bristle brush may be used.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to dry.
4. Avoid harsh cleaners, abrasives, petroleum distillates and alcohols.

Protecting VinylUsing the wrong vinyl "protectant" product is worse than using no vinyl treatment product at all! Avoid vinyl treatment products that contain any type of oil, have an oily or greasy feeling, contain petroleum distillates or leave a coating that dries like wax. If a product label says "flammable or contains petroleum distillates", do not use on vinyl.

[MLPearson79]

So, from the maker of that specific product, that's great. Of course, their goal is to sell you their product - and it's a great product, don't get me wrong.

But many here have personally used wax on their stripes for years at a time with no issues.

[lotsie]

Originally Posted by MLPearson79

But many here have personally used wax on their stripes for years at a time with no issues.

With many different brands of product.

Mark

[Flyinace2000]

Originally Posted by lotsie

Any QD should work. You could also use a small amount of Epic.

Mark

Epic is what i used in the first place. Should i just try again.. Apply, let cloud up and then buff out?

[lotsie]

Originally Posted by Flyinace2000

Epic is what i used in the first place. Should i just try again.. Apply, let cloud up and then buff out?

I have re-applied Epic to small areas were there is build-up, it livens it back up. You could also strip the Epic with a 50/50 mix of alcohol/water, then start all over.

Mark

[minicooperwill]

I don't know if it applies at other dealers or not, but I just got back from mine and they said that they will replace bonnet/boot stripes one time at no charge. They know my car is less than 2 years old and still under warranty, and I wasn't there to ask a bunch of questions (since I was on my way to another place on an errand I thought I'd pop in and ask if they would do it, and when they said "yes", I made my appointment and got out). So I guess if your stripes are bad, its worth a shot asking what the dealer can/will do.

[mellanor]

Originally Posted by blonda

We live off Las Posas but it must be another one I see in the AM that is similar to yours.

I live off Los Posas as well! Dark Silver MCCS with red/black bonnet/boot stripes and superleggera side stripe? Such a small world.

Back to the thread: this helps a lot. I've been wondering how I was going to fully wax/detail my car with the vinyl stripes. Now I can proceed with confidence.

Just one question (so far): Is Prima Hydro ok to use with my stripes?

[tgs91]

absolutely, used it many many times

Wax the stripe and QD is AOK

[blonda]

Originally Posted by mellanor

I live off Los Posas as well! Dark Silver MCCS with red/black bonnet/boot stripes and superleggera side stripe? Such a small world.

Not sure if I've seen you yet but I'll keep an eye out