Polishing/Waxing with vinyl decals on body panels?

I'm about to (hopefully) get a set of hood decals to put on my truck. The ones pictured here on Konaborne's



I was wondering what do I do about it when it comes time to polish and wax the hood? For the record I am going to buy a Porter Cable DA random orbital kit.

Thanks in advance

 

Get some detailing tape and cover the edges of the decal. Although I would probably cover the whole decal. Main thing is the edges so you don't end up with wax/polish build up on the edges.

 

Approach the decal with the buffer and finish by hand.

Avoid wax build up on those edges!!!!!

 

Thanks guys!

I've never heard of detailing tape before... can I use blue painter's tape?

 

I would avoid tape. It makes no difference to the wax that you're stacking something on top of the clear coat, tape and vinyl decals will both create a border and allow wax to build up on the edges.

 

You can use the blue tape, but I have had issues with it leaving reside upon removal. Then you have to clean that up, which takes time and is a pain.

I use the 3m brand tape that is green in color. I believe they call it automotive tape which you can buy it at most auto stores. If you are going fast, I would use tape. But if you take your time, you really do not need the tape and finish these close areas by hand.

 

Disagree - I've used blue painter's tape in various applications on my truck and it definitely does not leave residue. Maybe if you really pat it down and leave it there for a long time.

 

Interesting. I've spray painting the hell out of things on my truck and always use blue painter's tape for masking. Never had residue issues.

 

You are missing the point. The tape overlaps the decal and the paint. You can get the wax under the decal with a polisher and not be able to get it out. With the tape, you pull it off and are good to go. Besides a good automotive tape comes in handy for keeping wax off rubber and plastic trim. Use caution in painter's tape as some will leave residue behind especially if they have Edge Lock or something like that.

I found out the hard way when I was learning to detail. That is why I will be replacing my TRD Sport decals.

Here is a couple of good links. First one is a taping off FAQ.

http://www.adamsforums.com/topic/20630-faq-what-kind-of-tape-should-i-use-to-mask-off-trim/

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...pe-off-car-trim-before-machine-polishing.html

 

Thanks for those links.