How to remove painted on pinstripes. Ever since I looked at my Maxima on the showroom floor I hated the pinstripes they were so horrible and tacky looking and already showing signs of wear. In part of the deal I asked that they be removed.

So fast forward to last week, I brought my Max in for service to have my new clear bra installed, first oil change and have the pinstripes removed.

Well after they had the car all day everything was completed except the pinstripes, I wasn't surprised I kind of wondered myself how they planned to remove them without wet sanding and destroying my clear coat. I was told that they would have to setup an appointment with the body shop as the dealership detail department wouldn't touch the pinstripes. I was told to wait for the scheduled appointment notice.

Well I follow many forums and in the Lexus forum I found a how to on removing painted on pinstripes using Easy-Off Oven Cleaner (yellow can) and then after a few google searches I found even this website that explained how easy it was.

http://www.poffworld.com/Pinstripe.html

Well I went for it after getting my Easy Off and Paste on Wax to reseal the area that I removed the pinstripe from.

I have to say it was very easy and just make sure you have a bucket of soapy water nearby, after each section I used a sponge to remove the pinstripe goop and cleaner.

After I was done I waxed the areas that the pinstripe was removed from, you can't tell anything was ever done.

Warning - Do this at your own risk I take no responsibility for your actions it worked for me but it might not work for you.

 

 

Final Result...

 

Looks great man nice job.

 

Wow, that's kinda scary. Easy off is some nasty stuff.

 

I would never put that stuff on my car but hey it worked well for u

 

I am a little surprised the Easy Off didn't eat thru everything. It is truly vile stuff. I wasn't aware any dealer PAINTED pinstripes on these days. All the dealers around where I live use the standard decal-type stripes, which stay on rather well thru any car wash, and which can be carefully peeled off if desired.

Glad yours turned out so well.

 

wow i admire your courage to do this.. well i might as well try it too.. lol

 

the pinstrips dont look too bad.....nice work though!

 

Believe me I did my research all is fine my Max looks awesome!

 

They had big chunks missing and they drew a stupid 70's style sparkling star below the mirrors... It was just tacky as all heck.

 

Wow! A sparkling star! All you needed was painted flames being emitted from a painted side exhaust, and you would have really been hot stuff! Everyone here would have been jealous as all get out!

Or maybe not.

 

I used WD40 to remove mine

 

Whoa! You didn't mention stars! On the 09?! HAHA! They may as well have added a big a** spoiler and cleared tail lights! Dude, that honestly made my day man! The guys at school need to hear this.