I just picked up my MINI on Monday (WOOHOO!) and am going to get the Cilajet applied to it next week. I also have a custom roof graphic that I am about to have installed (ordered from Cooperflags.com). My question is, can I get the Cilajet applied on top of my roof graphic? In other words, will the Cilajet ruin the vinyl in any way? Ideally I would love to have the graphic as protected as the rest of the paint, but not if the Cilajet is going to eat away at the vinyl. I called the dealership, and they seem to think it's better to put the Cilajet on first, but I don't know if it's because they're just erring on the side of caution because they don't really know the answer?

If the Cilajet is harmless, then I'll get the graphic installed before the Cilajet. Otherwise I'll have to arrange to have the graphic installed after the Cilajet. Anyone know what's best?

 

I would think that the Cilajet would need to go on before the graphic.
As for the graphic sticking to the Cilajet treated roof I would ask Cooperflags before installing it.

 

I've contacted CooperFlags to get their opinion on it. He says, "I’m not 100% sure if the Cilajet would cause a problem with the vinyl, I don’t think so, but 3M will not confirm either way; and I’ve never personally known anybody who has done it. ... The only way I know for sure that the Cilajet would damage the graphic is if it contained strong solvents. Those would damage the finish on the laminate."

Regarding the graphic sticking to the Cilajet, "It’s been applied to vehicles with all sorts of similar products. The only time I know for sure there is a problem is with traditional wax."

He also assured me, "The vinyl is laminated with 3M 8518 High Gloss laminate, designed to protect it from outdoor wear and tear."

Their customer support is great, answered me within an hour of my emailing them. I highly recommend CooperFlags.com!

 

If you really want the Cilajet, have them skip the roof. I believe it's an epoxy based product. If it does what it says, it should negatively impact adherance of the decal. If it does nothing more than any other wax (which seems to be one school of thought) you still don't want it under the decal. I wouldn't put anything over the vinyl except 303 Aerospace.

More MINIs should have roof graphics!

 

Not sure the graphic will adhere to the surface afterwards......may have bonding problems. What did they say at their customer service dept at: 1.800.CILAJET

All I can say is that I had Ziano on my MINI, a similar product. And graphics would not stick at all until it was all removed with Dawn Liquid Soap. Then re-applied after installation.