Preserving RV Graphics

Adk Camper · 02-10-2014, 06:43 AM

I just picked up a new Jayco 33 RLDS and during the walk through I asked the question,What's the expected life of the exterior graphics on the TT before they start to fade and or crack due to the elements of the weather?. They said they've seen them start to go from as little as 2 or 3 years or last up to 10 years. Now this leads me to my question. Since my TT is brand new is there a proactive measure that I can take to prevent the graphics from going to hell? My thought is to add clear coat over them. Has anyone done this or has done something else to preserve their graphics that has proven to work?

David472 · 02-10-2014, 08:42 AM

With stick-on graphics, a method I've seen work with boat applications, is to keep it covered when you're not actually using it. Indoor storage or a good fabric cover.

Threebutchers · 02-11-2014, 06:24 AM

I found this article from 3M Products that may be of interest.....they suggest Meguiars Gold Classic - the wax I have been using many years. And as David472 mentioned.....the article indicates a direct correlation to longevity and UV exposure.

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe...K8nLK8KKKKKK--

3'senough · 02-11-2014, 11:46 AM

On my previous unit I waxed them with the sidewalls using NuFinish and you could still see your reflection in them after 3 seasons. Wax seems to do a good job. I might look into the Meguiars product upon reinvestment of materials, although the Nu Finish paste has done a great job so far.

Seann45 · 02-11-2014, 02:05 PM

Mine are not cracking they are blistering... had a decal guy at the Quartzsite RV show say he had never heard of that and did not believe me till I pulled out my pocket cam and showed him pics I had taken that morning.

Adk Camper · 02-12-2014, 06:44 AM

I asked the dealer about the preservation of the graphics and the service manager said to not wax the graphics as it does more harm than good although I think it would be better to apply wax. I think I'll make a few phone calls to a couple graphic shops that specialize in graphics and see what they say and I'll post back what I find out.

Threebutchers · 02-12-2014, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adk Camper

I asked the dealer about the preservation of the graphics and the service manager said to not wax the graphics as it does more harm than good although I think it would be better to apply wax. I think I'll make a few phone calls to a couple graphic shops that specialize in graphics and see what they say and I'll post back what I find out.

Not all waxes are created equal - as a general statement - the dealer may be correct. The Meguiars Gold Class recommended by 3M in my previous post is not general wax, either.... it a combination of oils and polymers.

BunkintheRear · 02-12-2014, 02:24 PM

I think stick on graphic longevity has two parts. Fading and sticking. You have to attack the situation from these two fronts. This thread has mentioned several solutions for fading, but the graphics are peeling up, bubbling, or tearing - who cares if they are as bright as they were on the factory floor? I love my pressure washer but RV graphics do not. Be careful using any brittle wash brush or high pressure application.

Bird Dawg · 02-13-2014, 10:02 AM

We used to offer sign vinyl as part of our business. Our suppliers of vinyl all said the same thing, if you wax the vinyl graphics, it prevents the vinyl from being able to breathe and it will crack and bubble. I am not sure if synthetics, like Nu-Finish are in the category. It would be difficult to wax the side of an RV with out getting any on the graphics, but you can minimize how much gets on.

Fred

clutch · 02-13-2014, 09:10 PM

I really don't think it makes much difference if the trailer is left uncovered or out side in the open. I apply was over mine but only because it's easier than waxing around them. It would be nice if we could opt for no decals when we buy a new trailer.

Smoothslx · 02-14-2014, 03:27 PM

That is why I removed all the decals on our SLX RB185. I have seen too many peeling and faded. It looks better without them.

tinlizzie23 · 02-14-2014, 05:26 PM

I think it has to do primarily with exposure to the sun. We have a 5er that was parked for several years at a campground and owned by the CG's owner. It was never waxed or covered, as far as I know. One side was in shade most of that time, and the other was exposed to the sun. The sunny side graphics are fading, cracked and peeling, while those on the shady side look almost like new.

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