I haven't even gotten my MCS yet (should dock in the US in the next few days!) and I'm already thinking about adding boot stripes. I consider myself a 'handy' guy (I've made many pieces of furniture in my house - http://www.marquand.net/gallery/Woodshop?page=1 ) and I want to do it myself.

So....

1) How long do they tend to last relative to factory stripes (bonnet)
2) Do you have to treat them differently when detailing (Zaino)
3) When the day comes that they start looking 'not so fresh', how hard is it to replace them (removal, cleaning, residue, ...)

I'm thinking of getting them at Aesthetic Creations.

Thanks in advance.

 

1.) I believe now they have vinyl that is expected to last at least
5-7 years. MINI factory stripes are printed ink over white vinyl. That
means when a rocks chips your black stripes you will see a white speck
shining through. Aftermarket stripes are one solid color.
2.) Wax right over them (highly suggested - keeps them looking new)
3.) Extremely easy. Heat them up with a heat gun or hair dryer, slowly
peel them off - remove any excess residue with using goo-gone
very gently. Most of the glue comes off with the stripes if you use
enough heat and pull them off slowly but evenly.

Any graphics company can design any kind of striping you can imagine!

 

I concur with the above points, as I've done this myself. Just use plenty of water and soap solution and take your time smoothing them out and letting them dry. I did boot stripes and relocated the "Cooper S" badges to lower center of boot. Cooperflags and others have good 3M products. Order long stripes rather than pre-cut so you can place and trim them as desired. If you have a professional machine polish and wax job performed, check first if the stripes should come off first. Onced you get it down, you will have no problem refurbishing or replacing as necessary- something you cannot do with paint.

 

I got mine from Aesthetic Creations and put the on myself. They have nice quality stripes. You can see pics in my gallery. Boot stripes are easy but if you plan on going all the way down the bumper plan on taking some time.