Waxing with decals??

[christinagray2003]

Ok it's time to give Belle a good wax after I give her a bath. I've been nervous to do it with all the decals. Is there something special I need to do? Should I try to avoid getting the wax on them, or should I just wax as usual being careful? I would think that the wax might be good for them and help protect them, just like it does the paint, but I have no idea!! Anyone have any knowledge in this area?

[wawalker]

If this is a sign quality vinyl (not just a cheap "sticker") wax right over top of it. If you ever wash w/ the high pressure wand avoid angling into the edge of the vinyl and stay back with the nozzle. I worked at a sign shop 3.5 years and this is what we told clients who got lettering and graphics on their biz vehicles.

[christinagray2003]

Originally Posted by wawalker

If this is a sign quality vinyl (not just a cheap "sticker") wax right over top of it. If you ever wash w/ the high pressure wand avoid angling into the edge of the vinyl and stay back with the nozzle. I worked at a sign shop 3.5 years and this is what we told clients who got lettering and graphics on their biz vehicles.

Thanks so much!!

[Volkswoman]

Good advice about the high pressure hose. I have Vinyl Graphic signs on both my doors. I just avoid pointing the high pressure straight at the signs. In fact I take my finger off the trigger when washing the signs and let the water run down softly as they rinse.

As far as the wax, I am careful when waxig any car with decals or signs not to wax at the very edge of where the vinyl meets the surface of the paint. Otherwise you end up with built-up white wax around your decals. Not pretty. But the wax will not hurt the decals.

[iluvmyVersa08]

Chris I have decals too and I clayed and waxed my car with them on and it was fine. Your car is still like brand new so claying it is not necessary yet. I waited over two years before claying my Versa and waxing her. Be sure to post up pics after.

Oh and I got something in the mail. I'll be installing the items tomorrow after work. I'll post up pics.

[christinagray2003]

Originally Posted by iluvmyVersa08

Chris I have decals too and I clayed and waxed my car with them on and it was fine. Your car is still like brand new so claying it is not necessary yet. I waited over two years before claying my Versa and waxing her. Be sure to post up pics after.

Oh and I got something in the mail. I'll be installing the items tomorrow after work. I'll post up pics.

Whoooo hooooo!!! I can't wait to see it!! As far as the clay bar, that's the first thing hubby did when we got home with the car!! He's clay bar obbsessed! I worry about some of these decals though. I have a bad feeling that they aren't going to last very long. I don't think the lady used very good vinyl which is pretty frustrating because I paid alot of money for those things! I baby them when I wash them too. I put more stones on the car as well as the front emblem so the waxing will have to wait a day or two now.

[christinagray2003]

Originally Posted by Volkswoman

Good advice about the high pressure hose. I have Vinyl Graphic signs on both my doors. I just avoid pointing the high pressure straight at the signs. In fact I take my finger off the trigger when washing the signs and let the water run down softly as they rinse.

As far as the wax, I am careful when waxig any car with decals or signs not to wax at the very edge of where the vinyl meets the surface of the paint. Otherwise you end up with built-up white wax around your decals. Not pretty. But the wax will not hurt the decals.

The wax build up is what I was worried about! It's going to be sooo hard to stay away from the edges since I have decals and stones everywhere!!! LOL!!

[nighttrain1974]

Go straight over them, see my wip thread for evidence.

[VW Lady Bug]

Originally Posted by christinagray2003

The wax build up is what I was worried about! It's going to be sooo hard to stay away from the edges since I have decals and stones everywhere!!! LOL!!

if you do end up with some of the buildup, just invest in detail brushed, and trace the edges, it gets rid of it, without damaging anything - really just avoid any sharp points (if it comes to a triangle tip rather than a blunt end - like the yellow points on my hood graphics) as they are the ones that would start to peel.

[iluvmyVersa08]

LOL!
With a new car it really is not necessary to clay it yet. But if you did already, then that's okay.

This is the first year I have used a clay bar and it makes such a big difference. I use it on all the cars I detail, and the paint turns out smooth as butter

[christinagray2003]

LOL! I didn't buy it new, it was used but only 7000 miles on it. It's an 09. It was initially from Florida and I think that sand really takes it toll on the paint. I found a place that offers a decal sealer pen, that seals the edges of the decals. I'm tempted to get it just to be safe!