This week’s Ask MF comes from reader Bryan Hinkle and is related to MINI graphics. Bryan writes:
>I am wondering how the various decals are holding up on MINIs. The other day I saw a very faded Union Jack roof decal. I have gone back and forth about ordering bonnet stripes, and wonder how those have been aging age over time. And, I wonder if those who ordered bonnet stripes or other decals would do so again.”
I’ve been applying automotive graphics professionally for nearly 20 years. I’ve applied stripes and roof flags to more than 2,000 MINIs since 2003, and logos and other graphics to thousands of other vehicles since 1992. I have seen vinyl graphics on MINIs that still look good after six years. I have also seen vinyl graphics on MINIs that look like they need to be replaced after only two to three years. There is no hard and fast rule for longevity because there are too many factors that can affect the lifespan of vinyl graphics.
First, all vinyl is not created equal. There are two main types of vinyl on the market today — high performance and intermediate. High performance vinyl is generally rated to last five to nine years, intermediate vinyl is generally rated to last three to five. From what I’ve seen, the MINI factory graphics use high performance material and should last around five to seven years before they start to severely fade or chip. However, the original MINI factory Classic-style stripes — black with white pinstripes or white with black pinstripes — were created by uncoated, printed black ink on white vinyl. On those type of stripes, any small rock chip can chip the black ink off the stripe and leave a small white mark. I’ve seen black factory stripes that needed to be replaced within a couple of years because of excessive chipping. Laminated stripes — where the printing is top coated with a thin layer of clear vinyl — aren’t as prone to chipping because of the topcoat.
The other factory-offered stripes that are all white or all black without pinstripes are made from a solid color vinyl, so the color will not chip off like it does on the Classic bonnet stripes, making small chips and scratches less noticeable.
How long graphics last also depends on other factors like climate, sun exposure and temperature fluctuations. Graphics that see less time in the sun will look newer longer and fade less that the same material left out in the sun day after day. Roof graphics are especially vulnerable to fade, and I’ve noticed some colors — red and yellow in particular — oxidize more quickly than others. High-quality printed roof flags should be overlaminated to increase UV resistance and to reduce chips, and flags made from solid-color vinyl will need care to maintain their good looks. I had a 2003 with a solid-vinyl Union Jack that lasted more than six years before the red faded to any noticeable degree.
To reduce damage from the sun, I recommend applying a light coat of wax over any solid or top-coated graphics. It helps reduce the risk of excessive fade, and lessens oxidation. Be careful with the type of wax; some brands may include solvents that may soften or remove uncoated ink on vinyl graphics, so ask your vinyl dealer for their recommendation. If they say not to wax your graphics, it may be because they are uncoated, and wax with caution and only after testing for colorfastness. Additionally, be careful with the power washer. If you catch the edge of a flag or stripe with the high-powered jet, you’ll force water under your graphics, which may cause them to peel up.
Regardless of the material used and the care taken, over time, UV rays from the sun will break down all types of vinyl and your graphics will eventually fade, crack and need to be replaced. Not even the best vinyl will last forever when exposed to the elements.
As to whether vinyl graphics are worth the cost, the question you should ask yourself is this: am I willing to pay $X for a few years of enjoyment? Am I willing to maintain the graphics to keep them looking their best? If so, I think it’s an investment worth making to make your MINI your own. Who knows, by the time five or six years passes and the graphics begin to show their age, you may want to change the look of your car anyway.
As always, your mileage may vary and folks can leave their personal experiences in the comments below.
<p>Todd,</p>
<p>Have you found that vinyl leaves a mark on the paint if left on for a number of years in the elements?</p>
<p>If I was to put vinyl on my car and in 5 years I want to take it off and not put any more on, will there be a visible mark where the paint that was hidden under the vinyl is a slightly different colour to the rest of the car?</p>
<p>KLF23</p>
<p>The Silver swoop (U Stripe) on my 06 R53 lasted 1 winter before the anti-freeze washer fluid stained some pretty serious spots into the vinyl right behind the washer nozzles. Since replacing the stripe I’ve changed 2 things, I buy a less agressive washer fluid and I make sure to keep some wax on my stripe. It’s now been a little over 2 years and my swoop is spot free :-)</p>
<p>So,
I’ve got an ’06 MCS, BEP with the silver roof and bonnet stripe (same as the Checkmate stripes) and they pretty much started to fade after about a year of living under the Texas sun…then, after moving to Monterey, CA, the extremely hard water didn’t do them any better and they still bear the scars of nasty water spots. I’m thinking our MINI may have been one of the first with these stripes and thusly, got the uncoated vinyl since I’ve seen some others with the Checkmate stripes that are still shiny…I don’t think these were ever really glossy from the day we first saw it after being unloaded off the truck (we ordered it new)…</p>
<p>After 4 years, I took the Shelby stripes off of my Hyper blue MCS down to the scoop and hatch. The fading on the metallic paint was far less severe then I had anticipated and the dirt buildup came off with a little polish. Heat gun and all, the job to remove the cracking vinyl left something to be desired. At least the finished product is great, but it is easy to see in a winter climate how the time takes it toll. If you are not planning on taking care of the stripes or don’t live in a forgiving climate, IMO, get them off asap.</p>
<p>My white bonnet stripes from the factory look pretty good, but are starting to show some stain. Any recommendations for cleaning??</p>
<p>I put my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ernestovumbles/3673391771/" rel="nofollow">offset stripes</a> on my MINI in March 2003, and they are now looking flat and the edges are starting to crack.</p>
<p>Waiting on a new fresh set from Todd, and then I’ll need to remove the old ones. Any tips to help get the old ones off?</p>
<p>Thanks for the write up. I have a 2010 MCS and am considering a roof graphic. I’m still on the fence, but this info helps a lot.</p>
<p>I have 3M and its the best. Large graphics are not made much by 3M. Stripes are though.</p>
<p>@KLF23 – It really depends on the color of your car and how well you keep it waxed. Most modern car wax provides a certain amount of sun protection and can slow fading of paint. I’ve removed stripes from a lot of different color MINIs and with a little buffing, you would hardly notice it. Granted, in the right light, you might see a ghosting of the old stripes but in most cases it’s not a problem.</p>
<blockquote> Any recommendations for cleaning??</blockquote>
<p>For general cleaning, treat your stripes just like you treat your paint. Soap and water.</p>
<p>For stubborn stains and oxidization, check with a local vinyl shop for something called Wrap Polish. It’s made specifically to clean and renew vinyl graphics.</p>
<p>I’m also coming up on a remove and replace. Any chance of a HowTo for removing old stripes, cleaning and prepping for fresh ones?</p>
<p>@ Steve</p>
<p>Just leave your car parked outside on a sunny day and if that does not leave them flexible enough to peel them off use a hair dryer to heat them up. Do not use a heat gun, it is overkill.</p>
<p>Yes, as far as removing old stripes goes, the sun is your friend. If it’s sunny and at least 80 degrees F, let the car sit in the sun for a couple of hours. The heat will soften the adhesive and make the vinyl easier to remove. If there’s no sun then applied heat is necessary – a hair dryer will do. Vinyl that is more than four years old is more difficult to remove because it tends to be brittle and break apart. This isn’t always the case but if so, leave yourself a lot of extra time. As far as removing any left over adhesive, you’ll need a paint safe adhesive remover. There are a lot of “natural” citrus based removers on the market but, as always, check a remote area for the affect on your paint.</p>
<p>Once the graphics are off, buff the car as normal and maybe use a light polishing compound to blend any visible ghosting where the old stripes were. Go very easy with the compound to prevent scratching the paint. If you’re concerned, take your MINI to a professional detail shop. They’ll know how to handle it.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>I’d like to second lavardera’s request – what’s the best way to get the stripes off after 5+ years of adhesion. I’ve read some blogs that say it’s a real pain.</p>
<p>I have had good luck keeping my roof graphic looking like new by appling “303” (www.303products.com) every 2 to 3 months.</p>
<p>in 05/2006 i mounted a roof-design
from cooperflags.com
sunroof only, with perforated vinyl.
cooperflags said: lifetime about 2 years
today after 4 year: the colours are still fine,
but the material begins to dissolve from the edging.
i think because of automated car wash.
will replace it in autumn.</p>
<p>I’m curious about getting a painted stripe or graphic as opposed to vinyl. What are the pros and cons of that? It seems like a little masking job and a good industrial spraying would be as effective and longer lasting.</p>
<p>Since I’ve never seen a painted MINI there must be some catch.</p>
<p>I’ve got a 2005 Dark Silver MINI Cooper S with the factory (white) bonnet stripes. They have been well cared for, but after many road trips – they are ready to come off. I have a full car detail planned in the next few weeks, and if all goes well I will have Mr. Pearson himself doing a new set of stripes on my car next month.</p>
<p>I have the solid black bonnet stripes (w/o a white border) on my 2006 chili/black cooper. They have held up pretty well after four years. The main thing I have a problem with is rock chips, so there are some spots chipped out of the black stripes. I guess there are a few stains on there too, but not too noticeable. I live in TX, but my car has been pretty much in covered parking the majority of it’s life at home and work, so I guess fading isn’t as much an issue. Well, from what I can tell anyway…</p>
<p>I’ve got the OEM Sport stripes (parallel white) on the bonnet and boot. Should I apply wax to those? Does it matter about Carnuba vs synthetic (I actually pefer using the Prima products)</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>@Rixter – Your stripes are solid white material so wax over them just as you would the paint.</p>
<p>I’m just about to have a complete wrap of 3M IJ180CV3 7-10 year vinyl plus the clear seal. This is a cheaper option than getting a respray done on my 03 MCS. It also gives me waaaay more options re. designer graphics.</p>
<p>Paul</p>
<p>Thanks for all info, Todd, and for posting this so quickly.</p>
<p>Sun exposure will gradually fade especially red colors to pink. Somewhat comical, not trying to be unpatriotic, are the bumper stickers that proclaim “These colors don’t fade” and the American flag just has blue left in it.</p>
<p>Thanks Todd! =)</p>
<p>@Todd – thanks for the info.</p>
<p>@Paul – Can you go into more detail? What is covered in a complete wrap (just metal or plastics too, door sills etc)? Is a clear seal a clear vinyl or a clear coat paint?</p>
<p>I replaced my bonnet stripes after 3 years, having had almost daily sun exposure. The car is electric blue and there was definite paint fade on the rest of the body, with the the paint beneath the stripes in a darker hue which left noticable darker paint bonnet “stripes”. I ended up putting new stripes on over the darker paint inm the end because the difference was quite noticable. I also park the car under cover most of the time now.</p>