Pinstripe removal Jaguar XJ

[MBJOE]

Hello Guys,


 


Recently I purchased a 2011 Jaguar XJ. Its dark grey and pretty sharp. However, it has a red pin stripe. I am not a fan of it as it breaks up the lines of the car.


 


I have taken pics to get your opinion on if it is factory painted or painted on aftermarket. I have tested a small spot using the dredded oven cleaner method (the rear end pic shows that I was able to get rid of a CM of red paint). There didnt seem to be any negative effects of the oven cleaner..but who really knows.


 


I did Clay bar, Compound and wax when I bought it and I noticed the red did make it to the pad when using my PC with a orange cutting pad.


 


You'll notice that the stripe has spots that are heavier than others.


 


What do you think is the best way to remove that stripe?


Thanks,


Joe

 

[dfoxengr]

Looks aftermarket and its not cleared over so it should be completely removable. I am pretty sure someone with more knowledge will recommend mineral spirits. That's what is used to thin this type of enamel paint when applied. Ive played with striping a tiny bit and its very fun. I need to do more.

 

[dfoxengr]

Another idea, if its the red you dont like. Have a silver or whatever stripe painted over this.

 

[imported_WhyteWizard]

MB,


 


Here's the problem.  If you use solvent - something that will dissolve the pinstripe but not the paint - there's a chance the red will stain the clear or may have all ready gotten into the clear beneath the stripe.  Which will result in a ghost red stripe left behind.  If someone tries to buff the stripe off with a high speed - the random orbitals are pretty much useless for this kind of thing, the stripe will protect the paint underneath so you'll end up with thinner clear on both sides of the stripe and an impression of the stripe in the clear where it was.   If you try to sand the stripe off, the same thing will happen unless you use a very hard block to keep the paper from bending around the stripe and touching the paint on either side but if you cut the stripe all the way off you'll also remove the orange peel and leave a line that has a different texture from the rest of the paint.  So...


 


<span style="font-size:14px;">You can tape both sides of the stripe then sand with a hard block till you remove most of the stripe, then switch to solvent but don't use a really wet cloth, just enough to get some action but not enough to run or really wet the surface.  The idea is to break down the stripe and remove it at the same time so it doesn't run or get carried into the clear.  Sanding the stripe breaks off the skinned over and most stable part of the pinstripe paint and makes the solvent work faster and easier.    After you've got the stripe off with solvent, there still might be a ghost stripe left, you can use a fine compound and just rub that out by hand pretty easily or if you know how to run a polisher use it.


 


<span style="font-size:14px;">This is time consuming and if you have someone do it, expect to pay for it.  I'd suggest you have it done as part of an exterior detail but I'd be very careful screening who to trust with this job.  You need a good colorsanding and restoration type detailer.


 


<span style="font-size:14px;">Good luck,


<span style="font-size:14px;">Robert


 

 

[MBJOE]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I spend 4 hours today removing the stupid stripe with Laquer thinner (didnt want to use anything stronger). It was a pain in the butt.


 


Sure enough, it came off after being exposed to the solvent for a few seconds.


 


Also, as mentioned there is now a stained shadow underneath. I used a PC with a wool pad and Meguires Ultimate Compound (which does wonders for 90% of my scratches) and it did nothing.


 


WhyteWizard, do you think a rotary with the correct compound can take off the stained red effect. I must admit, the car does look better, but when I look close I can, of course see the line. I know the PC won't help with this effect. I have used a rotary on my boat before, but I don't want to chance it on the car. Also, it may need to be sanded like you said..


Thoughts?


 


I really appreciate your help everyone.


Joe

 

[imported_WhyteWizard]

Hey Joe,


 


I don't think you really need to run a rotary on that.  Red fades pretty fast on its own, so it'll probably go away no matter what you do.  Still, if you want to get rid of it faster, I'd suggest using Blue Magic metal polish on a soft cotton cloth.  That should do it without scratching the paint  and you can just follow that with your favorite wax/sealant.  


 


All the best,


Robert