FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We use 3M pressure sensitive acrylic foam tape on most of our moldings. Our U shaped products (Door Edge Molding and Edge Trim) use a pressure sensitive glue.

Molding should be applied at temperatures above 65°(18°).

We recommend using pruning shears available at hardware stores.

Newly painted vehicles should set for 5 days before applying molding. Surface should be cleaned of road film, wax, or other contaminants that may interfere with the bond of the molding to the surface. To clean surface, a 50/50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water on a clean cloth is recommended. Area must be dry before applying. Allow molding to set for 24 hours prior to washing vehicle.

Moldings marked “paintable” may be painted directly. If you would like to paint a molding not marked as “paintable” we recommend the following: Clean molding thoroughly with 39362 SEM Soap and a scuff pad.
Lightly sand or scuff the molding with 400 grit sandpaper. Apply 3834 VINYL PREP (either aerosol or quart). Do not allow VINYL PREP to stand on any painted surfaces as discoloring or lifting may occur. Wipe off with a damp rag. Apply paint system of choice.

If applied with little pressure, it can be removed very shortly after application. For applications that have been installed for longer periods of time, loosen one end of the molding and peel away from the vehicle. Any tape or adhesive residue can be carefully stripped away. For stubborn residue, use a 3M Stripe off Wheel or 3M Prep solvent 70 and 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner.

Surface temperature should not exceed 65°(18°). To cool surface use a damp cloth or sponge. To clean surface, a 50/50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water on a clean cloth is recommended. Peel backing paper off exposing adhesive. Press onto desired surface. Do not over stretch tape during application. Go over tape with soft cloth to ensure bond. All tapes ( except 36′ ) have a clear removable top liner. To remove, pull parallel with the stripe. Not at right angle. Allow at least 3 hours in sunlight before washing, waxing, etc.

We recommend not clear coating Cal-Stripes. Over time, the clear coat may cause the adhesive to fail.

Cal-Stripes is made of 2 mil cast vinyl with 7 to 10 year durability.

All products should be returned where they were purchased.

Minimum order and set up charges may apply. Typical minimum run is 3,000 ft. Special custom profiles will be quoted with tooling and set-up charge.

Cowles products are only shipped within the USA. Please contact us for distribution outside of the USA.

We warrant products manufactured by Cowles Products Company to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of manufacture. In the event of any claim under this warranty or otherwise with respect to our products which is made within such one-year period, we will, at our option, repair or replace such products.   In no event shall Cowles Products Company be liable for any other loss or damage, whether direct, indirect, and incidental or consequential. This warranty is your EXCLUSIVE remedy and shall be IN PLACE OF any other warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or fitness for a particular purpose. This warranty may not be assigned or transferred and any unauthorized transfer or assignment thereof shall be void and of no force or effect.

All products and pricing are subject to change at any time without notice. Actual colors may vary from the color on your screen due to monitor color restrictions.