I have hood stripes I ordered for my car and I want to install them correctly. I have some experience with graphics/ decals so I'm not worried about that part.

My car is fairly waxed up, is it necessary for me to wash it with dish soap to remove wax in the area (I hate removing all that work). Should I clay?

They are black stripes that are going to go from my hood scoops to the cowl; I just want them to adhere correctly.

 

I would definitely make an effort to remove all waxes/sealants from the paint surface before applying graphics.

 

use some "prep all". It will take everything off.

 

I washed with dish soap, it made the graphics stick "too well"

Unfortunately I couldnt get the one back up and ruined it so another $50.00 down the drain for a replacement

 

Been there, done that. I usually use some Rapid-Tac or a similar product to keep them from sticking too soon. Plain 'ol soap and water is also something that I've known people to use, but I didn't prefer it personally.

 

I'm finally done!

What a job! Probably took atleast 4 hours total.

Neither one is as good as a factory job, but they look very good! I think I did a better job then the average person.

Since the graphics are black, they said dont put wax on them. However when installing, I did scratch/ burn a bit of the graphics in some parts due to my squeegie, Any recomendations on what I can use safely on the graphics?

 

I put carnauba over my vinyl stripes all the time.

 

I waxed the front of the car today since I had to use dish soap to remove the old wax. I did get some wax on the vinyl and it came off no problem so next time I think I'll do them in full.

 

I have had some problems with Zaino streaking over the stripes so I started using carnauba on them. Just don't polish them or use a machine for removal or you'll end up making them dull.

 

I wanted to show the finished product



http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/99...425x425Q85.jpg