How do you take care of vinyl graphics?

[Campfire RV]

Recently, I discovered a small section of graphics on my motorhome have begun cracking due to the sun exposure here in the desert. What do you do to protect your graphics on your RV? We are hoping to build an RV garage later this year to help protect from further sun damage. I was thinking of removing the graphics and applying new ones then have a paint shop add clear coat over the paint and graphics. What do you think?

 

[Utclmjmpr]

Apply a product called 303, thats the name of the product and the company that makes it. 303 is high in a UV blocker that will save the decals if applied once per month.>>>Dan

 

[rvpuller]

Recently, I discovered a small section of graphics on my motorhome have begun cracking due to the sun exposure here in the desert. What do you do to protect your graphics on your RV? We are hoping to build an RV garage later this year to help protect from further sun damage. I was thinking of removing the graphics and applying new ones then have a paint shop add clear coat over the paint and graphics. What do you think?

Just remove the vinyl graphics and have them painted on, painting clear over the top will be a waist of money.

Denny

 

[steveblonde]

Good quality vinyl 3m 180c with laminate will last 10 yrs

 

[NickB]

Definitely do not clear coat over vinyl. If painted graphics fit your budget, do as Denny said and they'll last just about forever. Otherwise, just have them replaced with vinyl like Steve said. There are different levels of vinyl decals. The new ones will likely far outlast the OEM.

As far as care goes, the 303 product that utahclaimjumper mentioned is really good stuff and will give you the best protection. Generally, just regularly washing and gently waxing over the decals keeps them in nice shape. Some of them just fail because they're junk decals - ever seen a 3 year old Montana Fifth Wheel?

 

[JohnDale]

Just replaced and updated my decals and the price was good.

 

[NickB]

Wow, John, that really turned out nice!

 

[John Stephens]

Just replaced and updated my decals and the price was good.

Inquiring minds want to know - how much? The decals on my 2005 Adventurer are beginning to crack and roll up on the edges, so I'm figuring I've got about another year before needing to replace them.