So I currently have stripes on my car (check gallery). Although, they seem to be fading more and more everytime I look at them. Not quite sure why. I've had them on for like 20k miles.

Anyway, the vinyl is made by Orical (sp?). I've heard they aren't the best when it comes to vinyl on cars. What would be a good type of vinyl or how could I go about keeping my stripes nice and shiny like the clear coat on my car?? Thanks for any help!!

 

bump

 

how long have they been on the car? (Time-wise, not distance). I had heard that Oracal was good stuff, but there are different grades of it: 3-year, 5-year, 7-year etc... My stripes are Oracal and getting a bit dull also, I attributed it to wind chafing and sun exposure.

I have seen conflicting advice on stripes. Some say wax them along with the rest of the car, some say no. I'd like to know myself.

 

They have been on for at least 7 months I'd say. They have seen wend, snow, hot sun, hail, everything. Lol.

 

Oracal is good stuff if you buy the cast vinyls (7 and 10 year lines). Most likely your car has calendared vinyl on it which will fade and shrink in the sun.

Most vinyl shops keep the 5 year calendared vinyls which works fine for the average user (on a vertical sign). It does not stand up when you lay it horizontal and is constantly exposed to sun light.

Avery also makes a quality vinyl, but again, you have to buy the right line (the cast films)

 

Your correct. At my shop i keep nothing but Avery Cast vinyl which is 9 year film that molds to curves nicely and is very easy to work with. I haven't had any fading issues on stripes i've done for vehicles or decals for that matter with the 9 year vinyl.

I have customers who even wax their stripes when they first get them put on and that keeps them nice and glossy for the length of time they are on.