Graphics prices

[clyon51]

I tried a new thread but that didn't work in the General forum so I'll try it hear where the National folks are.

Going to strip off the graphics on the 'ol Dolphin soon. I have found one place and they quoted me $3600! All I wanted is the strpes re-done and a few modern looking swirls on the sides.

Anyway, it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to HAVE this done in Mich. So now I'm thinking finding someone that will make them and send to me. I guess I'm getting desparate

My main concern is finding someone who has re-done the outside and what a reasonable price is.

I would like to hear from anyone that has had this done and those that may have applied them themselves. Anything would be much appreciated!

[Ottawa]

Have you looked into having the stripes painted instead of Decals. When I looked into it, painting was the same price and a lot better looking and maintenance is a lot easier.

[Norm Mac]

My family has been in the decal graphics business for over 50 years (longer than I care to remember).
The quoted price might not be too far off for the total package you are looking at.

Here are some hints that might save money.

If they are including removal of the old graphics, you might want to do this yourself.
This is incredibly time consuming on an older MH with dried out striping. If they gave you a flat rate, they are surely covering all the hours they expect it to take plus a few more just in case it takes longer. (Note; my company would never quote a flat rate for removal on a motorhome)

If you are trying to match color of original stripes...
There are several manufacturers of color vinyls. Most motorhomes use colors not available from 3M and the larger suppliers. In order to match these colors we need to special order the rolls for you, they are 150 feet long and we would need to order a roll for each color and each width that you require. You may be able to save money by asking the company if they have similar standard colors that don't need to be special ordered.

"A few swirls"
This is a red flag (well, at least a yellow flag) for us in the graphics industry.
First: swirls and other graphics are usually large which uses a lot more vinyl and labor.
Second: we know you want your coach to look cool and different then everyone else's but designing several swirl or pattern variations for you to choose from takes hours of design time (think $50 to $100 per hour). Additionally, the coolest designs are usually multicolor which adds to the cost of production and installation.
Do some research online for standard stripe packages (there are many). print out copies of what you like. Most kits are made for cars and may not fit your motorhome, but the designer can save hours if he can see what you like and just needs to adapt it to fit and match the colors you like.

Installation;
You can save some money by installing yourself, striping is pretty easy but large swirls may give you some trouble.
Remember; if you mess up a graphic panel while installing you will need to buy that panel again.

The best advice I give all my clients: Make absolutely sure that you can not buy the factory kit before asking someone to reproduce it. I have told many potential clients over the years that I can not redesign and produce a factory stripe package for less than the aftermarket kit price. There are a few companies that specialize in graphics kits for motorohomes (I don't know the names) but maybe someone here can give the links to them.

Good luck and keep us posted as to how well things work out for you.

[kennersonf]

I had mine done and it cost $2800. They removed the old graphics and completely buffed and waxed the fiberglass. Even after buffing out the fiberglass there is a ghost of the old ones on the coach so the new graphics were the same design. Be advised, some of the fiberglass under the old graphics may have small spider web cracking. This will show up under the new graphics. It happens when there was a lot of sun exposure which was the case on my motorhome. The motorhome looks almost new. Here is the link to my former post. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f105/new-...-x-120987.html

[La.Paul]

I had new stripes made same as my old ones, just different colors, for 2003 sea breeze lx 8311. For stripes and application, $2700. The only "extras" I had done were some fluer de lis for sides, front and back. This price did not include graphics removal.

[clyon51]

Thanks for the responses and the info. It's apparent to me now I'm being overcharged for the work being done.

We're still in the middle of a complete interior re-model, so I'm going to set this aside for awhile. My thought right now is approaching our local paint shop.

[Vegasdan]

Go to my thread here on the National forum and see how I did mine. I had the graphics installed in Mesa for around $2300. My thread is "Starting renovation on Tradewinds".