Should waxing be done before pin-striping the car?

**Nitro24** · 02-27-2011, 11:00 AM

Hi I'm new, I found a lot of interesting forum threads except for one. I bought the Wolfgang waxing kit and I would like to put racing strips on my vehicle. Since it hasn't been waxed in ages, should I put the stripping on first then the wax? Or is it ok to wax it first then put the striping on?

I couldn't find the introduction thread to introduce myself, so I thought I would do it while posting...

**tuscarora dave** · 02-27-2011, 11:18 AM

Welcome to the site.

Your stripes will not stick to wax so If you are going to be polishing your vehicle, I suggest first washing, claying, polishing your paint first. Use a "body shop safe" polish (containing no wax or silicone) then where you are going to apply your stripes I suggest first pre-cleaning that area with a "Prep-All" type of pre-cleaner to ensure that your stripes will properly adhere to the paint. After the stripes are installed then wash and wax the car.

**RTexasF** · 02-27-2011, 11:19 AM

Stripes first after correct prep for the area. Wax first will cause more work for you in prepping to get the stripes to adhere properly.

**slickooz** · 02-27-2011, 11:19 AM

Welcome to AG.

I would do a wash and clay the car, then put pin strip before you wax the car. The pin strip would prob stick better to the paint if it is a clean surface.

**2001sri** · 02-27-2011, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by slickooz

Welcome to AG.

I would do a wash and clay the car, then put pin strip before you wax the car. The pin strip would prob stick better to the paint if it is a clean surface.

Welcome to the site

**Nitro24** · 02-27-2011, 11:30 AM

Wow, thanks for the responses you guys. I'll take everything you said into consideration. I think I will pay a professional to put the strips on, so that way i don't make any mistakes. I'm sure they have the correct prepping stuff. At least I know now what to look forward too.

Thanks again,

**tuscarora dave** · 02-27-2011, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Nitro24

Wow, thanks for the responses you guys. I'll take everything you said into consideration. I think I will pay a professional to put the strips on, so that way i don't make any mistakes. I'm sure they have the correct prepping stuff. At least I know now what to look forward too.

Thanks again,

There are hacks in every industry so just be informed with good info and ask your professional striping installer how he/she will do things. Don't assume just because they work at a shop that they will do things the right way. Be sure of it before spending your hard earned money. Too many people in too many industries just want to collect a paycheck nowadays. Just my 2 cents.

**Nitro24** · 02-27-2011, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by tuscarora dave

There are hacks in every industry so just be informed with good info and ask your professional striping installer how he/she will do things. Don't assume just because they work at a shop that they will do things the right way. Be sure of it before spending your hard earned money. Too many people in too many industries just want to collect a paycheck nowadays. Just my 2 cents.

I'll keep that in mind, and make sure to bring it up to them. I will shop around if I have too.

Thank you.

**BobbyG** · 02-27-2011, 02:06 PM

To Autogeek Online!

Any stripe whether painted or tape should be applied to a clean, properly prepared surface ad this includes washing and claying. If it's a wide painted stripe then masking and sanding become part of the equation as well...