Pre-Cut Sunstrips: Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PolyWard pre-cut sunstrips, answered. For fitting instructions, legal requirements, and buying advice, the complete sunstrip buyer’s guide covers the full picture.
What are PolyWard pre-cut sunstrips made from?
PolyWard sunstrips are made from outdoor-rated vinyl by Oracal and Ritrama, two established vinyl manufacturers widely used in the vehicle graphics industry. Both carry a 5+ year outdoor rating, meaning the material is rated to withstand UV exposure, rain, and temperature variation for years of normal use. The adhesive is built into the vinyl and requires no separate bonding agent.
How long will a sunstrip last?
Fitted correctly on a clean, prepared surface, a PolyWard sunstrip will last several years. Both Oracal and Ritrama vinyl carry a 5+ year outdoor rating. The most common cause of early failure is improper application rather than material degradation, typically air trapped under the film or inadequate surface prep before fitting, or not properly squeezing out all the soapy water.
Will the colour fade over time?
Most colours do not fade. Red is the exception. Red vinyl absorbs UV light and may show some fading after a few years of direct sun exposure. All other colours in the range, including Gloss Black, Matte Black, Gloss White, Matte White, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Green, Orange, Silver, and Yellow, hold their colour for the rated lifespan of the material. For guidance on choosing a colour, see the sunstrip colour guide.
Can I reuse a sunstrip after removing it?
No. Removal causes the vinyl to stretch, bunch, and crease. The adhesive bond also degrades during the peel. A removed strip will not sit flat or bond cleanly a second time. If you need to refit after removing an old strip, a replacement is the right option. See the sunstrip removal guide for the correct removal technique.
Will a sunstrip stick to a tinted windscreen?
Yes. Window tinting is almost always applied to the inside face of the glass. PolyWard sunstrips fit the outside face. The two products occupy different surfaces and do not interfere with each other. The outside glass surface is the same whether the windscreen is tinted or not. For more on why sunstrips always fit to the outside face, see the inside or outside guide.
Can I get a sunstrip with custom text or graphics?
Yes. PolyWard can add custom text or graphics to a pre-cut sunstrip. Additional charges apply depending on the size and complexity of the artwork. Contact us with your requirements for a quote before ordering. Contact us to discuss your requirements and to get a quote.
How should I clean a fitted sunstrip?
Regular car washing with a sponge, wash mitt, or cloth is safe. Glass cleaner is also fine to use on the surface. Avoid pointing a pressure washer jet directly at the edges of the strip. Sustained high-pressure water at the edges can force the adhesive to lift. Standard hand washing presents no risk to the strip or its bond to the glass.
My car is not listed. Can you make a sunstrip for it?
Not immediately, but PolyWard uses digital cut files rather than physical tooling, which means new vehicles can be added to the range when demand is sufficient. Register your vehicle using the interest form at the bottom of the pre-cut sunstrips buyer’s guide page. If enough requests come in for a specific model, it gets added to the range.
How do I know if a sunstrip fits my specific model or variant?
Each product page lists the compatible models and model years for that strip. Check the product page for your vehicle first. If you are unsure which variant you have, the site search and the vehicle subcategory pages are the quickest way to check compatibility. If you are still unsure after that, contact us before ordering.
Are pre-cut sunstrips legal in the UK?
Yes, when fitted as directed. PolyWard strips are sized to sit above the swept area and comply with UK MOT requirements and the 10mm police rule. For the full details on what the regulations say and what the MOT test checks, see the sunstrip MOT rules in the UK page.