Before I get started, yes I searched. I found nothing that answered this.

When claying, should I stay away from my vynl graphics? Bonnet stripes, Side stripes, etc?

Thanks!

 

No need to stay away from them. Clay cleans them up just like it does the paint.

However, I would offer two pieces of info:

1. Start the clay bar on the vinyl and clay out to the edges. Don't clay outside the stripe and then onto it or you could get the edges of the vinyl to start coming up.

2. Rinse off the vinyl even more frequently than you do paint. They dry faster and if you get the claybar residue dried on them, good luck getting it off.

 

unless you can feel contaminant buildup on the vinyl i would not touch it.

the vinyl is no where as strong as clearcoated paint.

 

Geez, Ken, just how much elbow power are you applying to that claybar ?
I think I asked that question when I was a newbie and was told to clay the vinyl. Could I be wrong ?? If so, it would be the second time.



Don't ask.

 

And I think hailpurdue's vinyl is new? So no reason to clay it...

I'm with ken - I'd only clay vinyl if it feels like it "needs" it...

ESPECIALLY printed (non solid color) vinyl. Cause the printing is VERY thin.

 

i use very little downward force on the claybar, use lots of lube and
go slow. i let the clay do the work, not my elbow.

you can use clay on vinyl, but as i mentioned above, unless you can
feel the need (ie rough spots), i wouldn't touch it. i dont polish my
stripes either unless absolutely necessary. i use the mildest polish
on them.

 

Yeah, I didn't think you applied any elbow grease.

I used the claybar on my bonnet stripes because they had some water spots on them that wouldn't come out. I also used Prima Swirl on them. They seem no worse for the wear. Of course, it's only been six months since they were detailed. If they fade or crack, I have a good excuse to get some new ones.

 

I have brand new side stripes, but my bonnet stripes have a couple of water spots on them, that's why I asked. I'll clay the bonnet stripes and leave the new ones alone. I've been waiting to clay until I got the side/boot stripes done, but since they boot stripes will never get put on anyway, I should probably just go ahead. Check the gallery for the side stripes!

Thanks for your help everyone!

 

lol wack! honey, i need a new car. someone kicked mine in... wink wink wink wink wink. lol

 

You're onto me !!

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... my fiance reads this board occasionally.