Waxing with matte black stripes

[Robbie]

My new SS has the black matte decal stripes. What is the best way to wax?
I saw red Camaro with the same black stripes that looked damaged, probably
from waxing them.

I did some searching but could only find the suggestion to
wax in the direction of the stripes. Does that mean actually
putting wax on the stripes?

Thanks

[Mark25]

If they're flat black (i.e. rough surface) I would use something like a vinyl dressing...

[SS-screamer]

The best way to wax then is to peel them off and have them painted on tehn wax.

[EarliestMemory]

I'm the one with the discoloring black stripes - I added the following info to my post in the warranty forum:

Originally Posted by EarliestMemory

I used Zaino on the whole car, including the stripes, but just once. That was also three months ago, and this is just now starting to become noticeable. Secondly, it's hard to tell in the pics, but the portion of the stripe on the spoiler is fine - almost like the vinyl is reacting to heat/sunlight, which the horizontal surfaces would see more of. The spoiler also got Zaino'ed, so that's another indication that it's not the cause.

[1976Bee]

Originally Posted by SS-screamer

The best way to wax then is to peel them off and have them painted on tehn wax.

+1


Flat Black

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Robbie

My new SS has the black matte decal stripes. What is the best way to wax?
I saw red Camaro with the same black stripes that looked damaged, probably
from waxing them.

I did some searching but could only find the suggestion to
wax in the direction of the stripes. Does that mean actually
putting wax on the stripes?

Thanks

Robbie,

A friend of mine has the matt black stripes on his 5th Gen. - I had also talked to him about Zaino, which he was familiar with. I saw his car recently at a show, where he mentioned Zainoing the stripes. They looked great.

If you're going to try polishing them, I'd suggest testing it out on the back stripes first, polishing in the direction of the stripes, and doing it on a small, inconspicuous spot first.

Ed

[ClaymoreZ28]

Nice to see a sensible reply in there

For you folks making the comments about his stripes - why dont you go hassle folks on competitors forums not your own

[Robbie]

I am not necessarily looking to polish or wax the stripes as i like
them being a matte finish.

My question is do I wax the hood/trunk and carefully avoid the
stripes or is there a technique for waxing the whole surface
including the stripes? Then there is the small strip of paint
between the main stripe and the small edge boarder stripe.

One thing I found on the forum said to wax the stripes in the
direction of the stripe. Can someone be more specific to that?

I want to use a regular waxing product rather than some of the
special processes being discusses here on the forum.

[skuttduck]

I just put Rejex on my stripes and that seems to have worked just fine.
Guess I will have to see how well it works in the heat when I take cliffy down to Florida.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Robbie

I am not necessarily looking to polish or wax the stripes as i like
them being a matte finish.

My question is do I wax the hood/trunk and carefully avoid the
stripes or is there a technique for waxing the whole surface
including the stripes? Then there is the small strip of paint
between the main stripe and the small edge boarder stripe.

One thing I found on the forum said to wax the stripes in the
direction of the stripe. Can someone be more specific to that?

I want to use a regular waxing product rather than some of the
special processes being discusses here on the forum.

Robbie,

If you're going to use an over the counter product, ie; Meguires, Mothers, etc., just follow the directions. If I were detailing a car with your stripes, I'd just take extra precautions to avoid the edges of the stripes. You don't want any residue there. Just apply a small amount of wax/polish to your applicator, and apply the polish, following the edge of the stripe as close as possible. I'd apply in a "front to back" motion, doing the same at removal.

As I've said, I've only seen one car with the stripes that has had anything applied to them. In that case, it was Zaino, and it did a nice job. I'm not sure how a OTC product would react, which is why I recommend you try it on a small spot an a back stripe. If you find the product you chose works well, then wax/polish the stripes, (again, I'd use a front to back method) being careful to avoid the edges.

Ed

[Xmicro_SS]

As a business that sells vinyl graphics I will tell you what I send to all my customers as far as care of these products.


The short of it, wash with a mild diluted car wash soap, never power wash, dry with microfiber LIGHTLY, and once dry you can use a SILICONE or Teflon Based Polish designed for vehicle graphics.

Here you go:

http://www.digwraps.com/proddetail.php?prod=WrapPolish

[Robbie]

Thanks for all of the input. I'm actually surprised there is not
more of a discussion about waxing a 5th gen Camaro with stripes
as they can be damaged so easily. I asked the detailed at the
dealership the day I picked it up and he said wax the whole car
including the stripes. So there is a lot of misinformation out there.

How about this-mask off the edges of the stripes with blue painters
tape to keep the wax off while waxing the paint??

Robbie

[XTREMESS]

turtle wax ice wax is what we use, because it is clear, no white mess
and gives them alittle sheen but it looks good
steve@ www.x-tremegraphics.com

[Robbie]

Are you saying I can apply the Ice to the whole surface of the stripes or that product will just not leave any residue if I accidently get some on the edges of the stripes?

Robbie