How Do You Remove Painted Pinstripes

[Blackstarr777]

Can someone please tell me how to remove painted pinstripes.

[steviej]

60 grit sandpaper!

no no no no, I'm just kidding.

might I suggest you call a shop that paints pinstripes and find out what they use to remove old or damaged painted pinstripes before they repaint.

steviej

[SKperformance]

Funny enough stevie was joking but i am not.

It does need to be sanded but with 600 grit and wetsand it down and buff it back . It mainly depends if it is on the paint or under a clearcoat on the panels.

It would be easier to cover it with a colour match than remove it properly.

[uthorns1976]

Funny enough stevie was joking but i am not.

It does need to be sanded but with 600 grit and wetsand it down and buff it back . It mainly depends if it is on the paint or under a clearcoat on the panels.

It would be easier to cover it with a colour match than remove it properly.

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I'm wondering if Blackstarr777 or anyone else has done this. My brother just bought a new RX400h--BLACK (no clearcoat per what I have read here). The dealer apparently pinstriped it when it hit his lot. My brother hates the stripes . He said something about covering them up with a tapestripe but he'd probably be happier if they were removed. Of course, he doesn't want to foul up the paint job on a $50,000+ automobile. Any suggestions appreciated.

[SW03ES]

SK's right, usually the only way to remove them is to sand them out. Definately have a professional look at this one.

[mscott]

I'm of the opinion that this is a service oriented company. My attitude is -- the dealer put them on -- the delaer takes them off. Maybe MUCH easier before its driven off the lot tho!

[LexKid630]

Just a thought; i tried this about 10 years ago and it worked!!

If your positive it's above a "clearcoat", then you could always try a little area rubbing Acetone on it. It will remove the pinstripe, and unfortunately a "bit" of the clearcoat.

This will lead to a foggy base color, but you can just use a mild rubbing compound and apply wax.

but please DO NOT try this without a YES or NO by someone else who knows more about this than i do. I did this on someone in my family's car 10 years ago and it worked. I'm not sure how it will work on lexus paint. Also the car NEEDS to have a clearcoat because if not, the acetone will remove the base coat as well.

Just a thought. Acetone in small amounts will remove paint. And unlike sanding, it will leave a PERFECTLY smooth (but foggy) result. The wax will shine it up as new. Well it should??

[SW03ES]

Clearcoat is just base coat with no pigment, the makeup of the paint is the same. Acetone may work, but I wouldn't try it.

I also wouldnt let the dealer do it, they could seriously harm the paint. I dont even let the dealer wash mine because they can't do it without scratching it all up. I've watched dealer detail bays...they're a scary thing.

Take it to a bodyshop.

[Geo]

OK, how about removing a tape type pinstrip ? I have it on my Corolla and I want it off. Short fo using my nails any better/faster method ? Geo

[SW03ES]

Easily done, just heat it up with a hairdrier and peel it off.

[Unlisted]

just ask the dealer to it as a courtesy. They should be able to remove it in about 5 minutes. Its usually a problem after a few years and there has been sun fading

[SW03ES]

You're thinking of tape pinstripes, painted pinstripes are much harder to remove.

[Unlisted]

ive seen them wiped off with a paint thinner mixture or a buffer without any damage.

[SW03ES]

I've also seen people have to use acetone and sandpaper.

Take it to a professional detailer or body shop, they'll know. DO NOT let the dealer touch it.

[91L3xus]

I'm assuming that my car has tape pinstriping, because a small portion of it was damaged on the front left, revealing black underneath where the pinstripe should be. So all I have to do is take a hairdryer to it and peel away with my fingers? What should I do after removing the stripes to clean and protect the surface? Thanks.

[SW03ES]

Just remove any adhesive and wax as normal.