Clay and Vinyl Stripes (Glossy)

[TCorzett]

I’ve ordered a new car and when it arrives I want to start on the right foot by doing a wash/correction/wax.  I have a good idea about most of it, but this will be my first car with factory vinyl stripes (glossy).  I watched the video about matte vinyl stripes... and know not to machine polish them, tape the edges and be careful when polishing the rest of the car, etc… but I’m curious:  Should I clay the glossy vinyl stripes? 
 
Doing some searching I saw:
 

I've clayed gloss stripes and never seen any damage, but I've also had very limited success getting the clay to remove anything other than the very lightest of contamination. The last set I attempted where white and the rail dust just wouldn't come out of the material completely.

These were really abused and neglected so it was an extreme case.

 

Seems like it's possible to do... but is it worth it?  I'd be trying to remove any potential rail dust from white stripes.

My feeling is yes, with lots of lubrication and only running the clay lengthwise (not perpendicular to the edge of the stripes), but wanted to check with the experts.  What are your thoughts?

Edited July 5, 2017 by TCorzett

[Rich]

I have NEVER clayed my stripes.   Personal choice I guess.  But I do wax and protect them, but also don't use a machine on them.  I think my logic in not doing it is that they're tape, not painted on the car.  I'm afraid I'd rub too hard in one spot and have a spot show up differently.  I guess it depends on how your stripes are on the car and what they're made of. 

[Thorsager]

Be careful with clay and vinyl stripes you could marr it. I had a 2012 Camaro with glossy white vinyl stripes. I too was trying to remove a few spots of rail dust, which came out but marred the vinyl. Not real noticeable, but it was there.

[mc2hill]

Congrats on the new car Todd.  If you have not already done so, let the dealer know you do not want them to clean the car on arrival.  I did this with a recent purchase, and the paint is perfect!