Pinstripes

Running a stripe down the side of a pickup or adding accent lines to a hood takes decal material that can follow body curves without lifting or wrinkling. This collection gathers pinstripe and multi-stripe decal kits sized for common placements: rocker panels, tailgates, hoods, fenders and boat hull sides. Most striping here is cut from cast vinyl for curved surfaces, with calendered options for flat panels like truck beds and toolboxes. Whether you are restoring a classic muscle car look, striping a work truck, or finishing a marine build, you can filter by width, stripe count and finish to match your panel layout.

What's in the Pinstripes Collection

This collection covers single-stripe decals, dual and triple stripe kits, and full side-body striping sets for cars, trucks, SUVs and boats. Each listing states the stripe width, the gap between stripes on multi-line kits, and the total cut length so you can plan coverage before ordering.

• Single pinstripes from narrow 1/4 inch lines up to 1 inch accent stripes
• Dual and triple parallel stripe kits with set spacing
• Long-run striping for rocker panels and full side panels
• Short accent stripes for hoods, fenders and tailgates

These decals suit DIY installers doing weekend projects, body shops finishing a repair or repaint, and fleet owners adding simple branding lines to work vehicles.

Materials Behind Pinstripes

Striping that follows door handles, fender flares and wheel arches should use cast vinyl, which conforms to compound curves and holds shape after heating. Flat panels like tailgates, bed sides and toolboxes can use calendered vinyl, which is thicker, less expensive and easier to handle on large flat runs.

• Cast vinyl: best for curved panels, 5 to 7 year outdoor life
• Calendered vinyl: flat panels, 3 to 5 year outdoor life
• Gloss laminate that helps shield against sun damage for hood and roof striping that gets direct daylight
• Matte finish for a low-sheen, painted-on look

Static cling and clear pinstripes are best reserved for show vehicles, since both finishes cost more and show surface texture up close.

Sizing and Fit for Pinstripes

Measure each panel before ordering. Most side-body striping runs between 60 and 120 inches per side, and kits are sold in cut lengths you trim to fit. For a full-size pickup rocker panel, plan for roughly 100 to 110 inches per side; midsize trucks need about 80 to 90 inches.

• Classic pinstripe look: 1/4 to 3/8 inch wide, placed 2 to 4 inches below the beltline crease
• Modern sport stripe: 3/4 to 1 inch wide, centered on the door or spanning hood to tailgate
• Triple-stripe kits: check the stated gap, usually 1/4 to 1/2 inch between lines
• Wheel arch accents: cut short runs of 18 to 24 inches per arch

On boats, mount hull-side striping at least 3 inches above the waterline and check that the surface area is free of non-skid texture.

Pinstripes: Installation and Care

Pinstripes show every alignment error, so take your time with layout before removing any backing.

• Step 1. Wash the panel with dish soap and water, then wipe with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free towel.
• Step 2. Dry the vehicle fully and work in shade between 60 and 80 degrees F.
• Step 3. Lay the stripe out and mark start and end points with low-tack painter's tape.
• Step 4. Peel the backing a few inches at a time, keeping tension light so the stripe does not stretch.
• Step 5. For curves, use a heat gun on low and a felt-edge squeegee, working the vinyl into the curve.
• Step 6. If your decal has an air-release liner, press trapped bubbles toward the nearest edge rather than lifting the stripe.

After install, wait 48 hours before washing. Hand wash only, and avoid pressure washing directly on stripe edges.

How to Pick Pinstripes

Work through this short list and the right option usually becomes obvious:

• Curved panels or flat panels? Cast vinyl for curves, calendered for flat.
• Panel length measured? Order cut length plus 10 percent for trim and mistakes.
• Paint condition? New or intact paint holds adhesives well; chalky single-stage paint needs prep or repainting first.
• Look you want? Gloss reads traditional, matte reads modern, static cling reads show truck.
• Sun exposure? Hood and roof striping benefits from a gloss laminate that stands up to sunlight.

If you need custom widths, colors or a logo worked into the stripe line, see our Custom Stickers collection instead.

Related collections

• Car & Truck Decals
• American Flag Decals
• Boat & Marine Decals

Frequently asked questions

How do I know how much striping to order for my truck?

Measure each panel with a tape measure rather than estimating. For both sides of a full-size pickup rocker, plan around 100 to 110 inches per side. Order about 10 percent extra for trimming and any mistakes. If your kit comes as one continuous run, you can cut it into sections with scissors or a utility knife before applying.

Can pinstripe decals go over door handles and body lines?

Yes, if the stripe is cast vinyl. Cast film stretches and conforms around handles, mirrors and creases when warmed with a heat gun. Calendered vinyl should stop at these features or be slit and wrapped, because it does not stretch the same way and can lift at edges over time.

Will pinstripes damage my paint when removed?

On factory or intact repaint in good condition, removal with heat at a low setting is normally clean. Old, chalky or previously repaired paint can pull up with the adhesive. Test a small corner in a hidden spot first, and warm the vinyl before peeling at a shallow angle.

What temperature should it be during installation?

Apply between 60 and 80 degrees F, ideally in shade or a garage. Cold vinyl is stiff and will not conform; heat from direct sun can make the adhesive grab before you position the stripe. If you must install in cold weather, warm the panel and the decal with a heat gun first.

Can I put pinstripes on my boat?

Yes, and we stock marine-appropriate options. Apply striping at least 3 inches above the waterline on a clean, wax-free gelcoat surface. Avoid non-skid textured areas. For boats kept in the water full time, look for listings that state marine-rated adhesive and expect to re-check edges each season.

Do you offer pinstripes in custom widths or colors?

This collection covers standard widths and colors. For custom widths, exact color matching to your paint code, or striping that incorporates text or a logo, start with our Custom Stickers collection, where you can upload artwork and specify dimensions.