How to Remove Old Chipped Pinstriping

Pinstriping adds color to a vehicle without taking away from the overall look. Pinstriping is a vinyl strip that adheres over the original paint of the vehicle, but it tends to flake and chip over the years as it is exposed to the elements. Once this happens, the color strip begins to make your vehicle look old or unkempt. You will need to prepare the surface. Then, after you remove the pinstriping properly, your vehicle will be ready for new stripes.

Instructions

1

Fill a cleaning bucket with pH neutral soap and water, mixing according to the instructions on the soap container. Wash the pinstripe area with the solution and rinse with clean water. Wipe the area dry with a towel.

2

Apply an automotive wax remover to the area according to the instructions on the can. Wipe the area clean with dry towels.

3

Remove any trim or hardware that might be over the pinstripe. If you cannot remove the trim or hardware, it is necessary to cut the pinstripe when removing it from the car.

4

Adjust the heat setting to "Low" on a heat gun or hair dryer. Start at one end of the pinstripe and hold the heat 12 inches away. Sweep the heat gun or hair dryer back and forth over a 6-inch area for five minutes.

5

Scrape the end of the pinstripe with a plastic scraper or your fingernail while continuing to heat the area. Lift loosened pinstriping away and begin heating the next 6 inches of pinstriping.

6

Continue the heating and peeling until the pinstriping is off the vehicle. Cut loosened pinstriping away from trim and hardware with a sharp razor knife, avoiding touching the body of the vehicle.

7

Wash the area with a good quality car wash, removing any residual adhesive. Rinse the area thoroughly.