Decal Care ?

[clarkgriswold]

I know I'm not the only one with this problem with the decals on their RV but the decals on our RV are cracking (spider webs). Does anyone know how to best maintain the remaining decals so they don't crack? I am thinking that waxing and/or some like Armour-all may be good.

Also, anyone know a easy fix for the ones already cracked? Replace? Remove and paint? Paint over?

[Nick-B]

For vinyl stripes and decals that are in good shape, I would recommend 303 Protectant. Wax is not good for vinyls and I personally threw out my Armor-All juice years ago.

If the the graphics are cracked, you can:

• Live with it
• Paint over - which leaves an "alligator skin" texture to the paint
• Remove stripes only, which will leave a "ghost" of the old stripe
• Remove and replace with new vinyl stripes
• Remove and repaint stripes

Depends what you are willing to pay and how picky you are.

Myself, I'm a cheap bugger and am more than willing to get dirty and save some bread. My striping is all wasted, so when the time and money are in alignment I plan to strip everything and do a full body repaint myself. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

[clarkgriswold]

I've had plenty (too much actually) of experience removing decals as I did that to every decal on our 1999 Dolphin. Then I had a sign shop make decals to help cover the 'ghosts' on the sides. So, if you need advice on removing them, I've got plenty of that.

But I'm not sure how to maintain the decals. I might try the 303 Protectant. I take it that you've had better luck with it then armour all?

[Clay L]

One thing for sure, anything with petroleum distillates should not be used according to the people that make the decals.
I had used ProtectAll wax that does contain petroleum distillates and mine are in pretty bad shape.

I am using 303 on mine now but I think it's too late.