RACING STRIPE INSTALLATION INSTUCTIONS – (visit our online stores at www.vinylstripes.com or www.rallystripes.com)
Step 1 – To install our stripe kits first take a pair of scissors and cut the striping into the lengths you need to stripe the hood, roof, trunk and bumpers (if you are striping the bumpers) of your car. I always make each piece slightly longer than I need and then trim it or fold it under the edge of the area it is being applied to. (example – front of the hood) The stripe will need to be dry before you fold it under.
Step 2 – Remove any emblems that may get in the way of the striping. (you will replace them after the stripes are installed)
Step 3 – Thoroughly clean the application area with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth.
Step 4 – After the car is clean, mix in a spray bottle 20 ounces of water, 1/4 teaspoon of unscented clear liquid JOY and a 1/2 teaspoon of Isopropyl Alcohol. (if you cannot get clear liquid joy any dishwashing liquid will work)
Step 5 – I generally mark the center of the car and then run masking tape from the front to the back of the car. If I need the stripes to be one inch apart I would use one inch wide tape. For a two inch gap use 2 inch tape or use 1″ and come off of it a half inch on each side.
Step 6 – After I mark where the stripes will go I spray the car with soapy water then I peel the backing off the stripe and spray the adhesive side of the stripe with the soapy water also.
(TIP – lay the striping down shiny side down and peel the paper backing off of the stripe, not the stripe off of the paper backing. This helps to prevent you from accidentally kinking the material. Then spray the sticky side which will be facing up with soapy water and then handle the stripe.
Step 7 – Position the stripe where you want it and slide it into place. For longer sections is it helps to have a second person help.
Step 8 – Once the stripe is where you want it you simply squeegee it on. I normally slide the stripes into proper position and squeegee from the center outward to each side. This gets all the soapy water out from underneath the striping. As long as the stripe and the car are wet with the soapy solution you can work with the stripe. (Note – Keep the stripes you are not working with DRY.) Tip – Spray a little soapy water on the stripe to allow the squeegee to glide over the stripe without scratching it. (wrapping the squeegee in a soft cloth will also protect the stripe from scratches)
Step 9 – Repeat this process on all stripes and then trim any excess vinyl away with an exacto knife or razor blade.
The video below shows the wet application method using Rapid Tac. Mild soapy water works the same way. Also, he uses pieces of tape to line up the stripes. I normally use a solid piece right down the middle of the car.
The video below shows an alternative wet method where the stripe is partially taped down and installed 1/2 at a time. Note that the squeegee is wrapped with a soft cloth to prevent scratching.