Hey everyone!

I've been slowly reading this thread since I got my MCS 3 months ago.

I haven't clay barred or waxed my MINI yet and was planning to do so soon however I am getting decals installed on Tuesday so I can have them when I go away to school.

I heard that claybarring MINIs is a good idea because it removes a lot of the transportation dirt (from the trip across the pond!) and decided that maybe I should do that before I do the decals. Since the roof and bonnet stripe decals will be on for a few years, if I don't claybar beforehand, will it ruin the paint to have those contaminants sitting underneath the decals for a couple years? :S

So my brain is telling me "ok, do it!" but I've been reading about the claybar process and you're supposed to finish it all up with some wax. Of which I've also read is not good to have on when you're putting decals on.........

Can someone help me out? Is a quick soap and water wash going to be alright or should I do the whole nine yards to prep for the decals?

 

While the detailing experts might disagree (I dunno if they will or won't), well just see my sig. I got more vinyl decals than your thinking of and the car was NOT claybarred before putting them on.

The issue on decals is how long the SUN has baked them on. Decals on the doors and boot come off easy. I had a different set of side stripes on for a year. My vinyl guy got them off easily (little sun hits the doors compared to the roof). Paint was fine under them. I asked about the roof decals and he said it shouldnt be an issue for years (getting them off). Paint should be pristine under them.

I also had the car "professionally" detailed around them, asked about claybar and they said it was a waste of money (and they are in the business of making money) because they car was too new and there was nothing to claybar ... you could run your fingers over the paint and feel absolutely nothing by touch.

Today, yeah, it probably needs to be done, but not for a new car. (IMO).

BTW, when they applied the vinyl, they wash the area with dawn or whatever and get all the wax off anyway. I do not think you apply vinyl over a waxed paint surface.

 

on the areas you're going to decal you should remove the wax under it.

I recommend you make a diluted dishsoap solution in a water spray bottle
and mist/wipe the area before you adhere the decal. there should be
enough soap that it would slighly bubble when you spray the panel.
take your terry towel and gently rub it to work it in.

then rinse the area with water, take a new lint-free towel (ie: MF towel)
and wipe dry if you're going to do a dry install.

If you're going to do a wet install, rinse the area with water, then
spray some of that dishsoap solution and use it as your solution to
squeegee out. might even want a second water bottle with just
water to control the amount of soap.

I usually use 2 bottles when i do decals. one with soap solution,
one with just water, or in humid conditions, i add a tad bit of
rubbing alcohol in the water.

 

Thanks for the quick replies! Alright, so no claybar then.

I'm getting the roof and bonnet stripes done professionally so I'm not sure if they are doing it wet or dry.

As well, do the MINIs arrive to the dealer with wax on them? If not, then there probably shouldn't be any on her. I've just given her a quick wash a few times or went to the auto car wash.

Do you think I should still use the dishsoap anyways? Should I ask whether it will be a wet or dry install?

 

It won't matter. If its being professionally installed, they will prepare the surface as needed. That's why they are getting paid

 

*blushes* Good point! Thanks so much for your help! I can't wait til Tuesday! I will DEFINITELY be posting pictures when Stella's all prettied up!!

 

so how did the graphics turn out?

 

*cusses*