Posts: 846
Joined: 11/27/2006 From: Dallas, TX area Status: offline
Unfortunately, I waxed my matte vinyl stripes, and now I'm sorry. What's the best way to remove the wax from them?
Anyone used Mothers Back to Black on their matte stripes? Does it work well? Is there anything else better to make the stripes look good and preserve them?
not sure if this will work. but wash them with dishwashing liquid.....it removes wax from your paint so id assume that it would do the same on your stripes. if not then i dont know what to tell you...
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1994 Mustang GT, just a few minor appearance mods, engine mostly stock (for now)
Do not use dishwashing liquid or the alcohol, that will harm your clearcoat and the vilyl. Claying is up to you but it can harm the vinyl as well, but not that noticable. I suggest to let it wear off and wash it 2-3 times a week for 2 weeks then just polish the car and wax it. That should do the trick.
Team MF Member #017 Posts: 1447
Joined: 2/5/2006 Status: offline
If they are black stripes i would go with Adams VRT. Its a Vinyl, Rubber, and Tire dressing. Here is exactly what the website says. "Like tires that look new, not oily and shiny? You will love our Vinyl, Rubber, and Tire Dressing. Enhance and protect the appearance of plastic, rubber, tires, moldings, and all vinyl surfaces. Adam’s V.R.T. is water-based, and contains no harmful solvents or alcohol. The thick moisturizing cream applies easily with a sponge and will not leave a greasy film, attract dirt, or harm paint and glass. Added U.V. protection keeps vehicle interiors and exteriors looking and feeling like new." You can find it at Adamspolishes.com
I agree that dishwashing soap is NOT good for your finish, but I'm going to use it. It's basically the only recommended way to take wax off. Add no more than 3 drops to a gallon of water and wash what you need and rinse it off and rewax what you're going to wax. If you do it just once, it shouldn't harm the finish. I read on a wax product page to remove all the wax first with that method and then apply their wax. They said liquid dawn has alkalines in it that can damage your paint, but doing it once shouldn't harm your finish and then they want you to apply their product afterwards.
Anyhow, how did you stain the vinyl? I've been using P&S carnauba wax over my stripes and haven't had any problems. Maybe you aren't talking about the Ford stripes?
Another idea I have for your stripes in particular is to reapply some wax and then wipe it off while it's still wet. That might take it off. I'm having problems with the P&S wax making my black trim white and was recommended some product that NAPA carries but I forgot what it's called. I may try the dawn on that too, but I tried dishwashing soap on the plastic once before and it didn't do anything.
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Removing wax - 
