Should I use paint or vinyl for racing stripes on my car?

Mendy

June 20, 2022

Should I use paint or vinyl for racing stripes on my car?
Table Of Contents

Racing stripes are an awesome way to upgrade your vehicle. Whether you add them to your hood or body, you can amp up the look of your car instantly!

But if you want to avoid a costly mistake, read on. We’ll give you the full scoop on whether to go with vinyl or paint. And avoid a major headache!

Can you paint stripes on a car?

Yes! There are two main ways to add stripes on a car: with paint or with vinyl. Painting stripes on a car is a much more permanent solution than adding vinyl – for better or for worse!

Both painting and vinyl can result in a high quality finish. However, painted stripes should always be completed by a professional, otherwise, the paint may start to paint and chip. At that point, the only way to fix it is to repaint the whole car.

Can you apply vinyl racing stripes on a car?

Yes! You can apply vinyl racing stripes to any car that has a smooth, flat surface. The great thing about vinyl is that it is very easy to install and remove, so you can change up your look anytime you want.

Vinyl racing stripes are a lot like car wraps and decals – they are made from high-quality vinyl material that is carefully applied to the car’s surface. They do not damage the original paint job.

How long will vinyl stripes last on a car?

Vinyl racing stripes will last for many years if they are properly maintained. And maintenance isn’t all that difficult!

Be sure to clean them regularly with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid high-pressure hoses and brushes, like those at automatic car washes, as they can cause scratches to the vinyl or peel it up. Instead, hand wash every two or three weeks with mild soap and a soft cloth.

You should also avoid excess sun exposure. Sun and heat can break down the vinyl materials, damaging the stripes and causing them to fade or peel.

How long will painted racing stripes last on a car?

Painted racing stripes will also last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, paint is more susceptible to fading and chipping than vinyl, so you may need to touch up your paint job more often.

Additionally, just like the rest of the paint on your car, the painted on stripes are susceptible to scratching and chipping. When vinyl becomes too damaged, you can just peel it off and replace it with new racing stripes.

When painted stripes are scratched or chips, the repair process is more intensive and expensive. So if you’re looking for a long-lasting smooth surface, vinyl is probably a better choice.

Do stripes painted on add value?

Painted stripes can add value to your car if they are done professionally and look great. However, if the paint job is not done well, it could actually devalue your car.

Unfortunately, anytime you make a permanent change to your vehicle, like with paint, you risk lowering the value. Potential buyers may not have the same taste as you. Even though sports cars and muscle cars often look awesome with racing stripes, they aren’t for everyone.

Do vinyl stripes add value?

Vinyl stripes can also add value to your vehicle if they are done professionally and look great. Unlike paint, vinyl is very easy to remove, so if you ever decide to sell your car, the new owner can simply peel off the stripes.

In fact, because they’re temporary, you can even add vinyl stripes to a leased car! You can remove them without a trace, so whether you’re returning your car to a dealership or engaging in a private sale, you can always just remove the stripes to maintain your car’s value.

Vinyl stripes versus vinyl decals

Cars can be customized in a huge variety of ways. And vinyl is a very versatile material! While vinyl car wraps are the most expensive option, you can still update your vehicle with vinyl stripes and decals.

Stripes and decals are also a cost-effective way to customize your vehicle. Even if you purchase good vinyl (which you should – avoid cheap knockoffs!) you will need very little material, so it will be affordable.

Decals could be anything like logos or other cool vehicle graphics. Whatever suits you! Stripes typically go on the rear, roof, and hood of the car, or along the sides. Decals can go almost anywhere!

Can you replace a racing stripe?

Yes! If your racing stripe gets damaged or fades over time, you can simply remove it and replace it with a new one. Your car’s paint will stay clean and intact underneath. So don’t worry if the appearance is starting to deteriorate – just replace it!

Which is cheaper, paint or vinyl stripes?

Assuming you want a quality job -whether you choose paint or vinyl – you’re probably going to spend more on paint. That’s because it’s more permanent and more can go wrong.

Generally, you will spend $50-200 dollars on racing stripes. But shop around and get a few estimates before you make a decision on where to take your vehicle.

Body shops that add new racing stripes

If you are not comfortable installing racing stripes yourself, you can always take your car to a body shop and have them do it for you. Be sure to ask for a quote before you have the work done so that you know how much it will cost.

Professional vinyl installers have all the tools and expertise to install your stripes without damaging your car’s paint. However, you can certainly attempt to DIY it! Read on for more details on that process.

So what’s the verdict? Should I use paint or vinyl for racing stripes on my car?

The safest bet for adding stripes to your vehicle is to choose vinyl. There are just too many potential downsides to adding painted stripes.

-Painted stripes can fade or chip, requiring costly repair

-Vinyl stripes can be replaced easily and quickly

-Painted stripes are more permanent and can lower resale value

-Vinyl stripes can be removed, maintaining vehicle value

-Painted stripes should be done by a professional body shop

-Vinyl stripes are easier to DIY – plus you can add custom decals or graphics!

So while there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between paint and vinyl for racing stripes, there are some pretty strong indicators and considerations to help make your choice.

Getting started on vinyl racing stripe installation

Now that you know all about vinyl racing stripes, it’s time to get started on your own installation!

*Note – if you decide to hire a pro instead, we can help. Just reach out to find a local installer!

DIY stripes and graphics

The process is actually quite simple and can be done in a few hours. Here’s what you’ll need:

– A piece of clean cardboard or paper

– A pencil

– Measuring tape

– A sharp knife or razor blade

– A squeegee or credit card

– A hairdryer

– A clean, lint-free cloth

– Rubbing alcohol or window cleaner

– Vinyl racing stripes

First, measure the length of your car and mark it on the cardboard or paper. Then, use the measuring tape to measure and mark the width of the stripe you want to install. Once you have your measurements, use a sharp knife or razor blade to cut out the stripe.

Next, use the squeegee or credit card to apply pressure to the vinyl racing stripe. This will help to adhere the vinyl to the paint surface. Be sure to work out any bubbles that may form.

Once you have applied pressure to all areas of the vinyl racing stripe, use the hairdryer to heat up the vinyl. This will help to further adhere the vinyl to the paint surface.

Finally, use the clean, lint-free cloth to wipe down the area around the vinyl racing stripe. This will remove any dirt or debris that may have been left behind.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully installed a vinyl racing stripe on your car. Be sure to enjoy your new look and don’t forget to show it off to all of your friends. Thanks for reading!

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