[sweenerin]

Hi I have a 2017 trail hawk and there’s a mark on the black vinyl on the hood? Anyone have any ideas how to remove it? it’s not a scratch or sticky so I can’t figure out what it might be. I tried rubbing alcohol but it didn’t do anything. The vinyl itself is also really weathered it looks like. Anyone know the cost to replace the vinyl instead or suggestions on how to make it look better?

 

[Campfamily]

I use 303 protectant on mine. Biggest issue I have is keeping the 303 off of the surrounding paint, or conversely, keeping the paint treatment off of the decal (it leaves white streaks). What I don't like about the decal is that the water doesn't bead up on it like it does the rest of the paint.

 

[moparado]

When i wash 'n wax my TH i use the same wax over that hood vinyl.
Depending on the wax used it does take more elbow grease to remove the wax haze and the vinyl comes out a little more shinier but protected.

Without being there no telling whats going on with that mark.
Strange its a skinny 90 deg. angle mark like something got poured on it out of a squirt bottle.
If you bought the Jeep used could be the PO poured something on it like wax or a trim restorer, decided it didn't work and gave up?
Could be whatever was poured on that mark protected the vinyl from getting faded out?

OP, i would try an ordinary automotive wax (not a polish) first on another area and see if that takes care of the fade.
Or you could experiment with one of those black plastic/vinyl trim restorers.
Most of those restorers are usually temporary but its better than paying to have the vinyl replaced.

I also use 303 on exterior plastic trim pieces and seems to work just as good or better than dedicated plastic/vinyl/rubber trim restorers.

 

[cpt19th]

Hi I have a 2017 trail hawk and there’s a mark on the black vinyl on the hood? Anyone have any ideas how to remove it? it’s not a scratch or sticky so I can’t figure out what it might be. I tried rubbing alcohol but it didn’t do anything. The vinyl itself is also really weathered it looks like. Anyone know the cost to replace the vinyl instead or suggestions on how to make it look better?

I use Chemical Guys Matte Finish detailer. See: Detailer

 

[Four Litre Beater]

I’d grab a Heat gun and remove the decal.
that should look better.
call me crazy, I’m just not a fan of decals and stickers of any kind.
I totally understand some people like the stickers, but the reality is the vinyl is going to wear out much sooner than the paint.
eventually you are going to find yourselves in this situation where the decal is starting to look like crap.
I’d remove it, see what you think.
If you miss it put a new one on.

 

[Mogul]

I’d grab a Heat gun and remove the decal.
that should look better.
call me crazy, I’m just not a fan of decals and stickers of any kind.
I totally understand some people like the stickers, but the reality is the vinyl is going to wear out much sooner than the paint.
eventually you are going to find yourselves in this situation where the decal is starting to look like crap.
I’d remove it, see what you think.
If you miss it put a new one on.

I agree with this. I took the decal off my 2017 TH within the first month I owned it. Also removed the hood Jeep emblem. Made for a much cleaner look. I'll be doing the same on my new to me 2020 TH. The 2017 was Granite Crystal so I didn't think the decal really looked that great anyway. The 2020 is Sting Gray and it looks a little better, but has some marks on it and like you say it will be wearing. I just like the look better without.

For removal, if you don't have a heat gun just let it sit in the sun. The hood will get warm enough so that the decal will peal off without leaving much residue.

 

[moparado]

I’d grab a Heat gun and remove the decal.
that should look better.
call me crazy, I’m just not a fan of decals and stickers of any kind.
I totally understand some people like the stickers, but the reality is the vinyl is going to wear out much sooner than the paint.
eventually you are going to find yourselves in this situation where the decal is starting to look like crap.
I’d remove it, see what you think.
If you miss it put a new one on.

One issue is the decal vinyl was likely preventing the paint underneath it from fading.
But who knows after removal it might even be acceptable as is.
After removal another option would be to get the entire hood detailed either DIY or by a professional detail shop and see how it turns out.
Clear coat fade is one thing but a base coat fade would be something else.

 

[Four Litre Beater]

My experience modern painting dosent fade like the older vehicles. I have de-badged many vehicles 5 years old +.
none have had any discoloured paint.
Now that being said I don’t live in a desert climate. Perhaps paint fade is still a thing in Arizona?
my experience tho, modern paint is very UV stable.
if it wasn’t we would have different colored hoods and roofs

 

[moparado]

My experience modern painting dosent fade like the older vehicles. I have de-badged many vehicles 5 years old +.
none have had any discoloured paint.
Now that being said I don’t live in a desert climate. Perhaps paint fade is still a thing in Arizona?
my experience tho, modern paint is very UV stable.
if it wasn’t we would have different colored hoods and roofs

Depending on if those older vehicles are decades ago old they used lacquer based paint usually with no clear coat.
The clear coat is the primary defense against color fading with modern vehicles.

Anyhow myself if i had the OP'ers deal i'd try everything possible to save the decal and freshen up the faded paint.
If all failed then yes as you said get rid of the decal.

 

[Four Litre Beater]

I don’t know if you can fix damaged vinyl stickers

 

[moparado]

I don’t know if you can fix damaged vinyl stickers

All we have to go by are the OP's pictures who is so far AWOL from their own thread they started.
That dark mark might not be damage but 'could' be something that was poured on the decal that kept only that area from fading. I would still try some of the things i mentioned earlier to see if the decal is even salvageable.

If it turns out it is damaged then yep the only options are to remove it, replace it or live with it.