How to fix cracked & faded RV graphics. We have a 2012 Winnebago Vista 35F RV Motorhome and it had a few cracked and faded vinyl graphics. In this video, I’m going to cover how we fixed two of them by painting them.
One of you asked this question:
You used three methods (eraser, vinyl decal, paint). Which one did you prefer and why? (Time? Effort? Potential screw up? Cost? End result?)
My reply:
1) Eraser best method & cheaper (a couple of wheels, then compound, polish & RejeX) lots of labor, have to have a high power electric drill but will never have to be dealt with again. I myself would only use this method if the existing graphics are really gone & beyond repair. As I explained in the video, I did this to one of my graphics that was beyond repair.
2) Going over existing decal with todays high UV resistant vinyl decal material is a good alternative & easier, but expensive & if you make a mistake your screwed & have to do it again. Then it’s more money again.
3) Painting is the cheapest, takes longer, but results are pretty darn good. I was totally satisfied with the outcome. Not perfect but a whole lot better than it was. Will last years if you protect well & often with RejeX.
HOW I POLISH OUR COACH:
HOW I WASH AND DETAIL OUR COACH:
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EVERYTHING I USED IN THIS VIDEO IS IN MY AMAZON STORE:
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HOWEVER, I’VE ALSO LISTED THE—INDIVIDUAL LINKS—TO THE PRODUCTS USED IN THIS VIDEO BELOW
• 3M Scotch Performance Masking Tape – https://amzn.to/3axj4xJ
• 3M Strip Off Wheel – https://amzn.to/2FmVI4e
• Rejex 16oz Bottle – https://amzn.to/2VB1QLP
If you want to remove old RV graphics use this tool (see below) on the end of an electric drill—not a battery operated drill. This tool will not harm your fiberglass or gel coat. After you remove the old RV graphics, then compound, then polish to bring back the new shine and then RejeX to protect your coach and your other RV graphics from now on.
• 3M Stripe Off Wheel 07498, 4″ x 5/8″ with Mandrel – https://amzn.to/3aCpSKK
• Rejex 16oz. Bottle to protect your graphics and RV – https://amzn.to/2VB1QLP
Complete list of all the tools I used to restore & keep our 10 year old RV looking like new:
• 3M Stripe Off Wheel 07498, 4 in x 5/8 in with Mandrel – https://amzn.to/3aCpSKK
• Meguiar’s 32oz. Diamond Cut Compound – https://amzn.to/2VBvala
• 7″ Rotary Wool Heavy Cutting Pad (use with above diamond cut compound) – https://amzn.to/2zlXrDI
• Medium-Heavy Cutting Pad, Orange (5.5 Inch Pad) – https://amzn.to/3aCRlM8
• Pressure Washer – https://amzn.to/3bBaL5y
• Soap Cannon and 3 Premium Soaps – https://amzn.to/354jeeR
• Soap by the Gal. (Save Money) – https://amzn.to/3bC12fb
• The Best Water Hose Quick Connects you’ll ever buy – https://amzn.to/3byJ9Ot
• Meguiar’s MT300 Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher – https://amzn.to/3cQ2nPX
• Meguiar’s G18309 Ultimate Fast Finish (for Windows) – https://amzn.to/2VwVLQt
• Rejex 16oz. Bottle to protect your graphics and RV – https://amzn.to/2VB1QLP
• Red 6.5″ Foam Waxing Pad (Pack of 3) – https://amzn.to/2xNFFZU
• Red 6.5″ Foam Waxing Pad (Single Pad) – https://amzn.to/3bBYk9F
• Meguiar’s Ultimate Polish – https://amzn.to/3cI7CAR
• 303 Aerospace UV Protectant – Gal. (Save Money) – https://amzn.to/3eJWVzT
• 303 Aerospace UV Protectant – 32oz. – https://amzn.to/2xV1TZT
DISCLAIMER:
We are in no way experts or professional mechanics. But being a journeyman millwright for years & being EX Military, has proven to be very helpful in my lifetime learning how to care for & maintain all sorts of machinery & equipment like: helicopters, airplanes, tanks, motorcycles & many types of other vehicles. That, along with 18 months preparing & upgrading our RV before we went full time, & now traveling for several years has gained us a lot of knowledge. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you’re unsure about working on your RV. Work you perform or products you purchase based on any information we provide is at your own risk.
camper decals graphics
I’m so sad this man is gone 😔🙏🤍
Well, I may try this. Hmmmmm. Thanks for the great video. I bought a used 5th wheel – and the graphics need redone. But, it's not gonna be until after this winter. 🙁 But you have me hope!
I just start watching his videos, he is so clear and easy to follow. I am so sorry to hear of his passing 😢. My condolences to his family. He will truly be missed on this YouTube channel.
Thanks for the great video! We completely remodeled the interior of our 2009 Keystone Cougar 5th wheel and planned on replacing the exterior graphics with original ones but after watching your video we will be using the paint over method you accomplished. Sorry to hear of your loss.😥 It's been 4 years, do you still have the RV and wondering how the paint is holding up?
Good job my friend just proves old hippies know how to paint.
Loved Martins videos❤️some of the best content of any. Especially when he was going through his tools, man of my own heart. We have bought a number of products recommended by him. This is may24 just found out he went home to be with our savior JESUS I imagine he’s having the time of his live ✝️❤️prayers for family and wife. I imagine based on current events the rest of us are not far behind watching and watching for the Lords glorious return!!!! GOD BLESS
Great content, I have the same colors
In sorry te hear his passing, he's helped me with many projects, RIP..😢
most rv decals are vinyl. to restore colour, apply heat. cracked decals will need to be replaced, or repainted as done here. best is prevention: uv clear coat 1x yearly.
I just saw a FB post this morning of someone who redid her RV decals with paint. Then I found this video. I suspect there is a connection, as the FB poster said she followed a YT video! I may as well!
They sell external triggers
Great job looks good thumbs up👍
Chihuahuas ripped mine first time I went out. Thanks for this video.
Some serious lemon peel
I know this is over 4 years since having done the video, so I'm going to assume you may not reply… but I'm going to take a chance that you will still be receiving notices whenever anyone comments. My question is why you didn't remove the masking tape as soon as the paint had started to cure a bit (approximately 30 minutes after the final coat had been sprayed on) rather than waiting until it had dried overnight?
It is sad that he is gone. He and I are so much alike with maintaining the RV. I do all that he's done but I didn't make videos. I'm learning how to and as soon as I get it all figured out I'm gonna keep his spirit going. My channel is called " it's an RV thing. RIP Martin and guide me from heaven.
Sorry , what I see you should put the can in warm water before you paint.
Hey RV Street “ (good video ) I watched it twice , my second time with more concentration, as a Painter I have to appreciate your competent job and I especially found you a good easy to follow instructor, recently I purchased some of those same type of spray cans to use on my pick up except they said “ HAMMERED” on them WOW did it come out BEAUTIFUL! Have you ever tried that can ? , they come out looking like a clear coat is on there metallic type look . Blessings hope to meet you out there Timmy L”Lanes
🎉)
Good job dude! Love your tattoo.
Excellent job of explaining in a clear concise method. Thank You!
Thank you for sharing this video. It was very informative. I did happen to see some areas that were sprayed a bit heavy and some orange peel as well in the graphics. Nothing to worry about if you do not look for it or anything or even care about it. Anyway, I thought I share with you a tip to solve that issue if you like. Start off sanding gently using 1000 grit stand paper then move on to 2k then 3k sandpaper then reaply the clear top that you had used. This will help make the serface more presentable for you and to others as well. Question with the Rejex. Is that to use on Fiberglass or gelcoat? I have never heard of this product, so I thought I give it a shot.
Wow! Great job!!! Thanks for the info!!
Admire your patience!
my rv gel coat paint is still in good shape, but the vinyl wraps they put on as the secondary color has clear coat on top and that is starting to fade, peel and crack all over. How can I fix this problem?
Would you use this same approach to paint the RV as well? You have the best approach. Our lower skirt is showing it's age and the original coloring is all but gone. Thinking of your approach but just without the graphics. Nicely done, Sir!
Fantastic! I actually believe I could do this now. Thanks so much for the effort it took to film and demonstrate!
I still cant believe he is gone. I truly hope his videos will live on he is still helping so many of us RVers
Which you were in SC I'd hire you to do that to our RV!
Beautiful job.
Excellent!! Great restoration!
A great option I’m seriously considering. Thanks.