Your stripes / Your finishing touch
Make them yours.
Fit them with care.
A guide to shaping, attaching and looking after your Hornor Works leather stripes. Read through the steps before making your first cut.
Always cut off the vehicle.
Remove the piece before using sharp scissors.
Start completely dry.
Micro-suction will not stick to a wet surface.
Remove the clear liner.
Hard to see, but it is there. The stripe will not stick until it is removed.
Before you begin
Gather a few simple tools.
Have sharp scissors, a soft clean cloth, a ruler or tape measure, and a way to record your measurements ready. A paper pattern is useful for planning cutouts without marking the leather.
Wash the intended area using your vehicle's recommended washing method, then thoroughly dry it. Remove dirt and grit before positioning the stripe. The micro-suction backing needs a clean, smooth, dry contact surface.
If you are unsure about a surface, coating or placement, ask us before installing.
Make it fit
Plan the placement before cutting.
Leave the clear protective liner on the backing while you plan the fit. Hold the stripe in position, check its direction and length, and note where moldings or other vehicle details interrupt the shape. For multiple stripes, check their spacing and end alignment together.
Transfer measurements to a paper pattern or the protective liner. Keep marks off the visible leather. Decide whether you want a shaped end, a straight end or a wrapped edge before removing material.
Explore end-cutting templatesRound, point, rounded square and inverted point. Templates are available for 3″, 6″ and 9″ combined widths. Print at 100% / Actual Size and measure the 1-inch check square.
Trim the removed piece
Small cuts. Frequent fit checks.
Remove the stripe from the vehicle and place it on a clean work surface. Use sharp scissors to make controlled cuts. Never cut or trim on the vehicle.
Trim a little at a time to fit around moldings and other details. Return the piece to position to check the fit between cuts, then take it away from the vehicle before cutting again. Leave a little extra material until you are happy with the final shape.
For a clean wrapped look
Where the placement allows, you can leave excess at the edge and tuck it under the hood. Keep the material clear of latches, hinges, seals and hot parts. Check the clearance and make sure the hood closes and latches normally without forcing it. If the tucked section interferes, reposition or shorten it with the stripe removed.
Installation
Peel. Position. Press.
- Check that the area is completely dry. Micro-suction will not stick if the surface is wet. Dry the contact area again if needed.
- Remove the clear protective liner. Every stripe has a thin, clear protective film covering the micro-suction surface. It can be hard to see, but it is there. Peel it off before attaching: the stripe will not stick while the liner is still on. Start at a corner and gently lift the film. If the edge is difficult to lift, press a small piece of adhesive tape onto a corner of the liner and use it as a tab to lift the film. Remove only the clear film, not the bonded backing. If you cannot get the liner off, contact us for help before installing.
- Position the stripe. Align it with your planned placement and gently lay it against the surface.
- Press evenly. Work along the stripe so the backing makes full contact. If the alignment needs adjusting, peel slowly from an edge and reposition.
- Check the edges. Make sure the stripe sits flat and holds across its intended contact area. If an edge lifts or the stripe does not hold, remove it and check for moisture, dirt, remaining protective film or a surface that does not allow full contact.
If you tucked material under the hood, check the clearance and latch operation again after positioning. Do not use a placement that interferes with normal vehicle operation.
Removal & care
Keep the leather and backing clean.
Remove gently
Peel slowly and carefully from an edge. Support the leather and backing together as you lift; avoid pulling the layers apart. If removal feels unusually difficult, stop and contact us rather than forcing it.
Refresh the micro-suction backing
Gently lift dust from the exposed gripping surface with low-tack adhesive tape. If needed, wipe with a clean, water-dampened cloth. Keep excess water away from the leather and bonded layers. Allow the backing to dry completely before reapplying.
Care for the grain
Dust the leather with a soft, dry cloth. Wipe light marks gently with a barely damp cloth; do not soak or scrub. Blot moisture and air-dry away from direct heat. Ask us before using cleaners, oils or conditioners, and spot-test recommended products on a hidden area first.
A little help
Something not sitting right?
The backing will not stick.
First, check for the clear protective liner. It is thin and hard to see, but every stripe has one. The stripe will not stick while the liner is still on. Gently lift it from a corner; a small piece of adhesive tape can help lift the film. If you cannot remove it, contact us for help. Once the liner is off, check that both contact surfaces are dry and the gripping surface is free of dust. The backing needs smooth contact across the placement. If it still will not hold, contact us with a photo before using the stripe.
A thread is sticking out after cutting.
If you added stitching, carefully snip only the protruding thread end. Do not pull it. Contact us if the stitching starts to loosen.
My printed cutting template is the wrong size.
Use US Letter paper in landscape orientation. Choose 100% / Actual Size and turn off Fit or Shrink. Measure both sides of the 1-inch check square before cutting.
Send your question and a photo of the area to info@hornorworks.com. We can help you work through the fit.