Low gloss stripes...

[MS3DALE]

Appearance of Low-Gloss Stripe Kits



The low-gloss stripes on 2010-2012 Camaros equipped with the low-gloss GM Stripe Package may have a cloudy or hazy appearance if polish or wax is applied onto the surface of the stripes. This condition may seem to disappear when the stripes are wet and then reappear as the stripes dry. The cloudy appearance is much more likely to be noticed on darker colored stripes. It does not occur on high-gloss stripes.






TIP: The PDI sheet has a Special Inspection Note for vehicles with GM Stripe Packages that states to not use polish or wax on the stripes or the appearance will be distorted.


The stripes have been fully tested for exterior exposure and results verify that the surface appearance (color and gloss) will not change unless a foreign substance has been applied.


If polish or wax was applied to the low-gloss stripes, the polish/wax product will have to be removed in order to restore the original appearance of the stripes. Removing the polish/wax from the stripes also will remove the wax from any other surface it contacts. The vehicle will have to be waxed again without applying wax to the stripe surfaces.


To avoid damaging the stripe material, wax removal should be done using Dawn® dishwashing liquid soap. Place a couple drops of the dishwashing liquid soap in a bucket of water, and then use a sponge and the soap solution to wash the stripes. Thoroughly wash the stripes to eliminate the wax from the small "crevices" of the matte surface.


TIP: Use of other wax removal products may damage the stripes. This damage would not be covered under the GM warranty.


The success of this method is dependent upon the type of wax that was used and type of solvent, if any, that may have been introduced in any previous attempt to remove the wax. Solvent-based removers will damage the stripes.

[The Stig]

Great Post. Adam's did a video on this awhile ago too

Originally Posted by Dylan@Adams

Finally finished... not gonna win any oscars with this one, but the information is there. Big thanks to Nicole (Coe's_Mro) and Ryan (2LTRS) for donating part of their Saturdays to make this happen.





Cautions, Watchouts, & 'Don't Do That!' Warnings:

• Never work on stripes while they are hot to the touch. If you've been driving or the car has been sitting in direct sun for an extended period of time allow a few minutes for them to cool down.
• Never work across the edge of the stripes with polishes or waxes. Tape off edges if necessary, dressings on the other hand are OK as they do not build up along the edges.
• Always test the process in a small area before proceeding to the rest of the stripe. No sense in doing the whole process if you're not sure you'll like the result.
• Do not use heavy abrasives or aggressive polishing methods as they can damage the stripes beyond repair.
• All the processes described in the video can be 'undone' if you are not satisfied with the results.

Wax/Polish Residue, Stains, or Stubborn Contamination on Matte Stripes:

• Start simple... Waterless Wash or Detail Spray and a microfiber towel are very mild and should be tried before anything else.
• Brilliant Glaze rubbed into the problem area with a soft foam applicator will remove most natural wax contamination.
• Brilliant Glaze will also work well on blotchy or streaked stripes.
• For dried polishes and polymer reinforced wax contamination a diluted mixture of APC (1:1) sprayed onto a towel and used to scrub may work. AGAIN ONLY USE ON STRIPES THAT ARE COOL TO THE TOUCH!!

Scuffs, Scrapes, and Hard Water Spots:

• Use about a large quarter sized blob of Fine Machine Polish on a blue foam hex grip polishing pad. Rub the polish into the stripe then remove excess residue with a plush microfiber towel.
• Repeat the process as needed on more substantial damage. Use caution to not over polish.
• Super VRT dressing will mask most minor scuffs and scrapes that aren't removed by the polishing.

[MS3DALE]

Yeah,we've had some customers ruin their stripes because they didn't know how to properly clean them