Jump to content
Customer Service 866.965.0400
  • 0

Vinyl Racing Stripe, Ceramic, total confusion


jrizzo

Question

This is probably a basic question but I have a gloss black 2017 Camaro 2SS with clear coat already applied by Chevy Dealer. I'm having a custom shop put matte black racing stripes on it as well as some pretty sport metallic red stripes. I know that Ceramic can alter the color of matte, make it glossy but my question is:

 

Do I have my detail guy put the stripe on first or should I have them apply ceramic over the existing clear coat and then place the stripe?

 

I want to do this right!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0

What is the "clear coat" applied by the dealer? And why apply ceramic over this existing clear?

 

Reason I ask, is I won't be surprised what was by the dealer should be stripped before anything else, including  ceramic coating, is applied.

Edited by LT1xL82
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

What is the "clear coat" applied by the dealer? And why apply ceramic over this existing clear?

 

Reason I ask, is I won't be surprised what was by the dealer should be stripped before anything else, including ceramic coating, is applied.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Thanks for replying. When I bought the car from the dealership two months ago they said there were two kind of coating they were going to put on for $1,200. One was the clear bra and then another was applied the rest of the exterior and the interior. wland unfortunately I dont remember how the refereed to it but it looks like crap. Any dust on the car and I can see the lines on the clear bra. Muck gets caught underneath those lines and it's almost like what's the point of having it if it makes the car look dirty? Unfortunately I was not well researched at the time and I agree the car likely will need to be stripped before ceramic is applied. However I've heard contradictory information on here and other forums that you can apply ceramic coating over a clear bra. And Ive heard even more confusing info about when to apply ceramic, pre or post vinyl. Sorry for the long reply, but you know, my car means a lot and I want to get it right.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

When i bough my new chevy they offered me a $500 deal, to rain x everything inside and seal the exterior which would last forever, so glad I didnt!

 

Sorry i cant help in your situation, but perhaps take it back and tell them to strip it off and refund you, and threaten to the return the car, maybe they'll step it up a little.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

OK, so the "clear coat" is some brand of "paint protection film"...aka clear bra. PPF can usually have ceramic coating applied on top of it. If both are done correctly, it can look REALLY nice! Ideally, find out what brand film the dealer applied.

 

Dirt, dried wax, etc. showing along the edges of PPF is not uncommon. Apply car care products wiping away from the film and as a last step wipe clean in-line with the edge. Keep solvents away from the edges...it will clean them nicely, but can weaken the film's bond to the paint and that could be a major mess!

 

The PPF can very likely be removed, but I'd lean towards leaving it on depending on how good/bad a job the dealer did installing it. Removing it can be a fair amount of work. PPF can do a great job protecting the paint...but the stuff is not intended for concours quality vehicles. 

Edited by LT1xL82
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

If I was applying the stipes I would say put them directly to bare paint.No sealant,coating or film.If you like the paint protection film have it re applied after applying the stipes.If you put the stripes over the film it would not look right at the transition and it would be a potential point where moisture and dirt could get under the edge eventually.A ceramic could then be applied over everything if you like.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Thanks LT1xL82, very helpful. What do you think about vinyl strips sandwhiched between clear bra and ceramic?

 

I have minimal experience with vinyl and ceramic coatings, so I'll defer your question to those more qualified.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...