Is there any special care requirements for the bonnet stripes or can they be washed and waxed like the other painted surfaces

 

I'm guessing you are asking about factory stripes?

If so, they shouldn't need any special attention. I wouldn't use anything especially abrasive like rubbing compound.

If you do use a power buffer, be sure to not catch the edges of the stripe or it could rip some off!

 

Yes I was referring to the factory stripes. I was concerned that wax might leave residue on them like it does on plastic moldings.

 

Waxing is fine and will help protect them from staining by outside agents like wiper fluid, tree sap, bird poop and a little bit from bug jerkey but there's no defense for a 70 mile an hour june bug short of a laminate. Don't use any kind of polish on them either by hand or random orbital.

 

I was going to post the same question. I had used an expensive carnauba wax on my stripes, and it did not fare well.

I used a soft (clean) T-shirt to apply and another to buff out. It left fine scratches all over.

So I am not going to do that again. I would think the stripes would need some protection, perhaps a vinyl protectant - still not sure what to use...

Will be waiting for others to reply...

 

The wax didn't offend, it was what you used to apply it. Go visit Detailing 101 forum, get in touch with Richard/Octaneguy and acquire the proper micro fiber cloths. Do not confuse the cheap dime-store mf cloths with the real car care ones. The good stuff is a little more expensive but well worth it in the long run. Old t-shirts, or bath towels for that matter, are for wiping up after spilled paint, coffee and other uh-ohs and not for rubbing against your baby.

 

You could be right on that point...

The T-shirt I used was soft cotton, though I can imagine a micro fibre cloth would do a better job, I am still trepidatious.

 

Get well acquainted with Octaneguy and your trepiditions will be quelled. He has some video demonstrations that will help. You might even send him a PM for some further input. He goes out of his way to further the cause.

 

Thanks!

 

My brand-new R60 arrived with water spots on the stripes. Being a boat owner, I knew immediately what to do: I put a small amount of 303 protectant on a microfiber pad and the spots disappeared.

I don't know if they sell this stuff in automotive supply stores, but any marine supply such as West Marine will have it. It's similar to Armor All but less shiny. It also lasts much longer and is good on tires and rubber trim.

I don't work for 303 or West Marine, I'm just a happy customer.

-Les in FL

 

I just did mine yesterday with this stuff. It took the water spots right off and left a nice shine. You may have to go to a marine supply to get it.

--Les in FL

(sorry for the duplicate posts - I didn't know that the admin had to approve posts from new users, so when my 1st post didn't show up, I entered this one -- which I apparently can't delete!)

 

I used 303 on my s2000 top...it's a great product for convertible tops. It's available at autogeek.net or dot com.

 

The bonnet stripes are vinyl and can be washed and waxed like the painted surfaces. As others have mentioned they scratch easily as well as stain easily. With the white stripes, things like bug impacts and bee poo, etc.. will leave yellow stains in them and nothing will get them out. Black stripes will show more issues like mineral deposits. These can be removed with some distilled vinegar and a soft microfiber cloth. Before conditioning or protecting any surface you need to properly clean it. Some people mistakenly assume that a conditioning product is also a cleaner. If the issue is mild, often these products will clean as well, but more severe cases may require additional steps. For my 2003 MC, I had some aftermarket stripes from a sign shop and they were not UV coated so they stained very easily. Vinyl cleaners like 303 and Meguiar's did nothing to remove the stains.

In some cases very mild polishing is required. Most stripes, including the factory ones have a UV coating similar to clear coat. With a very fine polish and a non abrasive applicator and some elbow grease, you can often improve the look of the vinyl without too much effort. However if you get swirls and scratches in them due to poor maintenance techniques you might need something more powerful like a PC (Porter Cable Dual Action Random Orbital polisher).

Also there are some products that are both cleaners and protectants or cleaners and glaze (without protection). Prima Amigo is that. It's great for black bonnet stripes as well and all dark painted surfaces before applying a wax.

Whatever wax you apply, it's best to use one that doesn't turn white to haze up otherwise you risk product buildup along the edges. Stay with a good synthetic. My favorite is Prima Epic. But Prima Hydro or Hydro Seal are all good options. All of these products can be found at my store at www.ShowCarSupplies.com

For those in SoCal, you should come by my shop and we can go over the products that work best for your car before you purchase them. Not many shops will provide you "try before you buy" with a professional paint polisher assisting you.

Richard