You want your vehicle to look custom and cool – but you don’t want to waste your money. So if you’re investing in racing stripes on your vehicle, you need the facts.
There are two main types of racing stripes: painted and vinyl. Painted racing stripes are applied to the vehicle in the same way that regular paint is, while vinyl racing stripes are a vinyl decal that is applied to the vehicle.
Racing stripes are also used in fleet graphics to give vehicles uniform but distinct look.
The two applications have different considerations that effect how long they will last.
Why Racing Stripes?
Racing stripes can make a car look faster, at least according to the adage. That’s why most people associate stripes with race cars. Classic racing icons like Shelbys and BMW’s M racers featured stripes that added to their visual appeal and made them iconic and memorable.
On the surface, a stripe may look merely like a cool flashy feature. However, racing stripes also serve an important purpose. They indicate to race teams which cars are theirs so they can keep an eye out for their team car when it comes in for service during a pit stop.
And racing stripes don’t only allow the pit crew to notice their cars more easily, they also serve the same purpose for fans! When fans can tell by the stripes which driver they’re rooting for, they’re more likely to pay close attention to the cars as they drive around the track.
Thus, racing stripes have practical benefits and visual appeal both on and off the racetrack.
How Are Racing Stripes Painted Or Applied?
Racing stripes are painted or applied in the same way as a regular paint job. However, vinyl racing stripes are a vinyl decal that is applied to the car. Installers start by cleaning the car to prep the surface, then heating the vinyl and applying it. The application process does not damage the car’s original paint.
If you opt for paint, you are completely changing the body of the vehicle. Painted stripes are permanent and you cannot easily reverse or replace them.
How Are Vinyl Stripes Different Than Wrapping A Car?
Vinyl racing stripes are similar to vehicle wraps. Typically, a car wrap refers to the process of covering a car completely in a vinyl cover like a second skin. With racing stripes, the application process is similar, but installers use much less material, making the project less expensive.
Additionally, racing stripes tend to be solid colors, whereas car wraps are often covered in logos or designs for business advertising purposes. Racing strips are more about visual appeal than business marketing. However, you can add vinyl graphics anywhere on your vehicle to accent the stripes!
How Long Will Racing Stripes Last On A Car?
Vinyl racing stripes typically last for several years without fading or peeling. Painted racing stripes may last for a few years, but may eventually fade or peel, as well.
Like other kinds of vinyl wraps, vinyl racing stripes will last longer the better they are maintained. Meanwhile, a paint stripe requires regular waxing and polishing to prevent chipping and discoloration.
To extend the life of car and hood stripes, clean them regularly and keep the car out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Sun exposure and excessive heat can damage the vinyl, so park under covered spots whenever possible.
How Do You Care For Vinyl Stripes On A Car?
Regular maintenance will help you keep your acing stripes looking great. That means gentle cleaning and some waxing now and then. Nothing too difficult, really!
When cleaning your car, it’s best to avoid automatic car washes, unless they’re brushless. Vinyl wraps and decals are made to peel off eventually, and brushes and hire-pressure hoses can hasten that process.
So whether you have a wrap or a stripe, proper care includes cleaning with a mild soap and drying with a soft cloth.
Care also means sun protection! Park your vehicle in covered, shady, or indoor locations as much as you can.
Can You Wax Vinyl Racing Stripes?
Yes, you can wax vinyl racing stripes. Waxing will help protect the vinyl from UV rays and keep the racing stripes looking new. Wax over the stripes by hand so you don’t snag an edge with a buffer. Make sure you use a wax intended for vinyl decals.
Pro Tip: A little bit of care can go a long way to keeping your racing stripes looking sharp. Set a regular maintenance schedule for your vehicle
DIY Racing Stripes Vs. Professional Application
Racing stripes can be applied either DIY style or by a professional. If you decide to install them yourself, there are many online tutorials and videos that can show you how.
However, we recommend having a professional apply your racing stripes for the best results. As we’ve mentioned, racing stripes are applied just like vinyl wraps. This process involves heating, stretching, trimming, and adhering… A lot of fine detail work!
If you don’t have all the necessary tools and materials, like a heating gun, hard and soft squeegees, edge adhesive, etc. you may be in over your hard. And for the relatively low cost of having a professional installation, you’re often better off knowing your stripes will look great and last a longer than your DIY application. Trust a pro.
And when it comes time to replace or remove your stripes, it’s best to take it to a pro, as well. This way you won’t have to worry about accidentally scratching or otherwise damaging your car’s paint in the process.
What If I Want To Remove Vinyl Racing Stripes From My Car?
If you want to remove a vinyl racing stripe from your vehicle, you can do so by heating up the stripe with a hairdryer and then peeling it off. However, take care not to scratch the paint underneath.
Typically, you can remove vehicle stripes on your own. Unlike car wraps, they cover a much smaller portion of the vehicle. However, the important part is to lift the edge up to start the process without chipping the paint, and then to pull back and peel carefully without pulling up any paint, as well.
If you’re concerned about doing this yourself, you can always go to a professional installer to have the stripes removed. It’s best to take your vehicle to a car wash afterward to remove any remaining adhesive.
Bottom line: how long do vinyl racing stripes last?
Vinyl racing stripes, like vinyl wraps, typically last for several years without fading or peeling.
The biggest factors that impact longevity are care (how often they are cleaned and waxed), sun exposure (how much they are driven or parked outside in the sun), and other life factors like getting scratched or dinged up during regular use. Meanwhile, painted racing stripes may last for a few years, but may eventually fade or peel.
Many people find stripes on cars to be an iconic throwback to the early days of racing, or a sexy and trendy way to make your car look faster. If you’re contemplating fleet graphics, racing stripes can be a classy part of the fleet design. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to add racing stripes to your car is up to you!
Do you have any questions about vinyl racing stripes that we didn’t answer here? Let us know! And be sure to check out our other articles on vinyl car wrap care and maintenance. Happy driving!
