Advice and opinions on painting blue stripes

[55AS]

Originally Posted by dbj216

Vinyl is easier to apply and will likely outlast automotive paints. It is self adhering right to the aluminum skin. The only question is finding the color you want.

I went with black as it matches my TV.

David

Is that vinyl on the lower trim pieces too? Where did you get it? Cut to fit?

[dbj216]

Hi bambitex: The black in the lower molding is just the rubber material that fits inside the "rub rail" molding. I got mine from the Airstream store. It is actually dark grey, but close enough. It is a cinch to install, it just tucks inside the molding grooves.

The vinyl stripe I applied was purchased on line. I don't remember the supplier, but it is readily available in various widths, lengths, colors and quality levels. I had to remove the two smaller "rub rail" moldings top and bottom of the old vinyl stripe. Lots of pop rivets drilled out. I had to remove the old, faded "wood grain" vinyl. I finally used Aircraft Stripper (carefully) and that bubbled up the vinyl and I scraped it off. I cleaned the aluminum and applied the new vinyl. It was already cut to the right width, and comes with an adhesive backing. I admit I achieved a couple of wrinkles. I popped the air bubbles with a pin.

I put the small molding back in place. It did make a significant cosmetic improvement to our old Limited.

David

[DGJackson]

Originally Posted by BambiTex

Is that vinyl on the lower trim pieces too? Where did you get it? Cut to fit?

I used 3M tape. You can get this at local stores that supply the car paint & body repair industry - We have FinishMaster in Augusta, Ga. You would be surprised what they have for redoing airstreams versus big box hardware stores.

My only issue is durability in direct sun. My trailer sits with curb side to the south. Lots of direct sun. After two years the blue strip has cracked every 4-5 feet. Will probably need replaced in another year or two, Road side (shown is fine).

dennis

[vintagetech]

I use plasti dip spray paint cans on some trailers I work on, just use masking tape on both sides and spray light coats if you over spray it's ok it rubs off it looks good and is cheap