I very curious about putting stripes on my car...but would like the option of removing them later on in case I don't like the look.

But, I have concerns about what the vinyl and the removal process would do to the paint. I am assuming that the longer you leave the vinyl on, you run the risk of the paint weathering/discoloring at different rates, so that when you remove the vinyl you'll be able to see a 'ghost' of where the vinyl was.

Also, does removing the vinyl striping damage the paint in anyway? i.e. through use of a heat gun or some other method...?

And, come to think of it, when you put the vinyl ON, does an X-acto blade need to be applied directly to the vinyl/paint and potentially leave a hairline cut mark on the paint?

Thanks for any input here...

 

If your stripes are on your MINI for about 1.5 - 2 yrs or so and you park your MINI outside in the sunlight alot, then you will probably run into a set of ghost stripes when you remove them. But, whatta ya gunna do!

Your paint should be fine if/when you decide to remove your stripes. A heat gun will not hurt your paint. Just heat up the vinyl a bit and slowly start peelin'.

I'm not sure what you would need an x-acto knife for. The stripes should be pre-cut and ready to install. You can tuck the ends of them around the edge of the bonnet, then cut the vinyl once tucked under the bonnet.

Hope that helps!

Lyle

-Vinyl Styles

 

I removed my factory bonnet stripes after they were on the car for two years. I have a Dark Silver MINI, and you could see some ghost stripes on the paint. I washed & waxed and that seemed to help, can't see them now at all. I used a hair dryer to heat up the vinyl and it peeled right off. I think it depends on the color, with red or yellow there would probably see more fading that with a darker color. I have stripes from Aesthetic Creations on there now and will probably change them out in a year or so for a different look, don't anticipate any problems with paint fade, but my car is now semi-retired and garage kept, I just use her on the weekends.

 

Thanks for the input .

I am thinking about stripes similar to the one in your sig pic Jahmills...also to be done by creative aesthetics...how much did it cost you?

 

I had it done by Mike last year at the DC install event, only around $300/$350 for everything. Floor to floor as he called it, over the bumpers, bonnet, boot & rear bumper. I'm very happy with his work, will most likely change it up again next year if he comes back to DC or somewhere else here in the East.