I'm replacing my silver vinyl z28 overlay because after 2 years which isn't bad they are starting to curl. So I'm replacing with vinyl chrome z28 overlays. Is there any kind of clear polish or any way to coat over the vinyl to strengthen and to make the overlays last? And with what stuff can I use?

 

I would just leave it man... 2 years is really good for something so intricate that you rub with a sponge or a washcloth whenever you clean it... you know?

When I put vinyl on my car, I ALWAYS use a hairdryer... heat the vinyl up a little and press it firmly... that way the vinyl get's soft and REALLY sticks. plus I think it makes it LOOK better too... minutely, but better.

ps... it pays to have patience when peeling the backing off of the overlay... you really don't want the design coming apart....
that happened to me on one of them and I had to put each LITTLE piece of vinyl on ONE BY ONE... that was hell.

 

i put on my z28 overlays and they are beginning to curl. I did my bowtie on the front and pulled the emblem off and clear coated it. The bow tie is holding up well. I clear coated over my camaro decals on the calipers and my home made TB plate and they are holding up really well too. The calipers and TB plate are being hit with heat all the time and the decals are staying put. If i redo my Z28's i'll pull them off and clear coat them so i don't have to worry about it anymore.

 

What kind of clear coat did you use? And I'm going to try to clear coat them on the car without getting it on the paint so I don't have to rip the badges off. But for you were they hard to come off?

 

I just used plain old Krylon clear coat that you can find probably at any store that sells spray cans. I'm sure you will have to pull the emblem off the car or you will get overspray all over your car. They just glue on to the car. I didn't pull mine off personally because i was afraid to, but my friend ended up doing the Berger SS rear panel mod on his car and had to remove the emblem. He did it no problem.

 

those emblems snap in half very easily. be very careful if you are actually going to do it. I found myself having to buy new ones.


to be honest, you're being a little too worried... just use a hairdryer to make it stick really nice (that way you can make sure that ALL edges are stuck perfect and not hanging over)
It will last a long time... these vinyl overlays are so replaceable.
remember, paint and dyed plastic fade in color too... at least you can keep replacing the vinyl when you think it's looking haggard.

 

True, maybe I'll just leave it. If I do end up clear coating it, I don't think I'll take the badges off. I think I would try to brush the clear coat on without spraying. But I'll try the hairdryer thing and maybe I'll leave it at that. Thanks

 

yeah you should be fine...

if you really want to.. then just spray the clear coat into the cap and use a really nice brush.... one with fine bristles that won't come out...

heating them up with the hairdryer allowed me to make sure every "edge" was stuck down really good... i just pushed it down with my thumb... and that was that.

don't use too much soap in your water/soap solution...
you want all of those little pieces to dry asap or else they'll start sliding around when you go to press them down good....
and trust me, it's no fun when they start sliding...

take it light, and good luck.