Pin-striping

RinkerRookie

I have two layers of white pin-striping where the top of the blue gelcoat meets the white gelcoat.  It has started to wear away in a couple of spots where the previous owner had his bumpers.  I ASSUMED that the pin-striping was added because the line, where the blue meets the white, may not be a straight and might be slightly wavy.  In the two or three 2-inch spots that have worn away, the line seems straight.  I'd like to remove the pin-striping but do not want to add it back.  Can anyone tell me what the function of this pin-striping is?  If I remove it, should the gelcoat line be straight?  Thanks for your help!!!

 

Cableguy Greg

You are correct in the fact that the pin stripe gives you that clean straight line. If you remove it, the gel line might not be straight. I would consider replacing the stripe in the places that is worn away.

Robs_232

Rookie,

Nice looking Captiva! Love the blue.

To remove the stripes use a 3M eraser wheel on a drill. I just removed the pin striping on my 2004 GMC Yukon XL. You can get one at auto parts stores or go to Amazon for $30 - 40. It worked like magic. I was nervous and worried about residue, damage to clear coat, plus fading. Run drill slow so you don't burn spots. I used goo gone after using eraser, then used rubbing compound to help even out blems. Looks like stripes were never there. It works like an eraser on a pencil.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=oSBD/thG&id=DE10C600FF624FBE6E224B13814A096C0DD7B384&q=3m+eraser+wheel&simid=608027981611401651&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0

With gel coat on a boat you might need to use a buffer and heavier compound to hide where stripes were. Then determine if you want to replace the stripes or leave it and wax it!

Rob

RinkerRookie

Thanks for the help Cableguy and Robs!

RinkerRookie

Ok, I finally got the nerve to take the pin-stripping off.  I figured it had to come off whether I replaced it or not.  There is really only one spot with a little wave in the line, just behind the bow.  You'd have to be looking for it to notice it.  Plus there are two spots where the edge is a little "dotted", like paint that bled through a tape-off.  I'm not going to replace the pin-stripping.