Wish to avoid Bonnet Stripe Ghosting

[DSA]

How often should I replace my Bonnet stripes to avoid leaving peminate stripes (ghosting)on the surface? I was thinking 6 months to a year them going about the same time with out or am I just being anal?

The are due for a change sometime in the near future due to a rock ship cuttin threw the vinal with the EB showing through.

Thanks

Eric

[BradB]

Just replacing your stripes won't change a thing. There is no transfer of image or color from the stripes to the clearcoat.

The ghosting you mention would be from UV damage (fade) to the top surface of the clearcoat NOT covered by the stripe. With todays paints and clearcoat this is almost a mute point. Most visible ghosting is actually the contrast of clean, swirl free paint (under the freshly removed sticker) to damaged and debris ridden paint surrounding the sticker. Proper paint maintenance: cleaning and waxing, will avoid this by 99.9%.

Don't worry about it!

[string]

Hey, while we're on this subject, I'm about to install some stripes over the weekend. Should I apply a good coat of wax BEFORE installing these things. Or do you want the surface void of wax before installing.

[capsfan13]

String,

You want the opposite - a perfectly wax-free surface.

The easiest way to make sure you have NO wax and NO contaminants on your paint before installing the stripes is to make a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water.

Before applying stripes, clean your paint. If you polish, buff, etc. to fix paint damage, go for it, but don't wax afterward!

Mix the 50/50 in a spray bottle, spray on cool surface, and gently wipe away. That's as clean and wax-free as it gets. Enjoy your stripes, and take your time!

-Troy

[BradB]

Do NOT wax before stripe installation. In fact, it's best to wipe the area clean with some Isopropal Alcohol (rubbing alcohol-available everywhere, grocery, pharmacy, etc for $1) to remove oils and residues or old waxes in that area. Then wax OVER the stripe after installation.

NOTE: if you use a "carnauba" wax you had better be careful as the white residue will get in the edges and since carnauba is hydroscopic (absorbes water) it will get worse as time goes on. (Detailing No-No!) I suggest you wax around the stripe with a quality polymer sealant.

If you don't have any I can let you borrow some and save you the cash.

Are you coming to the Detailing Session on July 17?

Brad

[string]

Thanks for the tips! I'll wash with blue Dawn, clay it, hit it with a little polish, rub with alcohol, and then install. I'll wax the whole car after the stripes have cured.

Sound good?

BradB - don't know if I can make the 17th yet or not. I'd love to go, but I might have out of town guests that day.

[BradB]

Originally Posted by string

Thanks for the tips! I'll wash with blue Dawn, clay it, hit it with a little polish, rub with alcohol, and then install. I'll wax the whole car after the stripes have cured.

Sound good?

BradB - don't know if I can make the 17th yet or not. I'd love to go, but I might have out of town guests that day.

Actually, use the Dawn AFTER you polish. It is a bit redundant with the alcohol step because it will strip waxes and oils as well. Do one or the other. Why do extra work, I always say.

Guests? Where are your priorities??

[string]

Hey. Got the stripes on. Thanks for all the tips! They look sharp. Didn't do the polish step -- I thought, "What's the point?" The most important things are that I got the wax off and there are no bubbles on the stripes!

Pics to come....

BradB -- the guests would be my parents from out of town!

Oh, and besides, you missed the Mornin' with the MINIs today! Now, who has the priorities straight?

[BradB]

Originally Posted by string

Oh, and besides, you missed the Mornin' with the MINIs today! Now, who has the priorities straight?

Ok, Ok. Point taken. I was working on detailing the hubs on the Carrera and had the car in pieces and had to get it together, and then I had to wax the wheels and then.....Nevermind. We're even!

At least I have something to show for missing the get together.

[string]

Originally Posted by BradB

Ok, Ok. Point taken. I was working on detailing the hubs on the Carrera and had the car in pieces and had to get it together, and then I had to wax the wheels and then.....Nevermind. We're even!

At least I have something to show for missing the get together.

Polishing as opposed to driving!?





J/K -- looks good, Brad. I'm waxing my wheels tomorrow night....

I'll have some pictures of the bonnet stripes up soon. Thanks again for the pro tips!

[string]

One done. All taped-up for the second one.


Removing the face protection from the second one.


All done!

[BradB]

Awesome!

Looks fantastic!

[string]

Originally Posted by BradB

Awesome!

Looks fantastic!

Thanks, Brad! Coming from you, that's a real compliment! Hey, I'm not going to be able to come to the detailing workshop after all.

Maybe next time!