Exterior Graphic Care
Exterior Graphics Installation
Exterior Graphic Removal
Trailer Wiring (not a 5th wheel)
Some graphics designs on the side of your RV have been applied using a plastic type material with an adhesive backing. Some of these vinyl designs have a lifetime guarantee of 8 years and some will last the life of your RV. Others, like ours, begin to peel and shrink after only a short period of time, in our case after only 4 years. So,,, we began to look for a solution. The following are some of the results of our look for a replacement or repair.
There seems to be a lot of conversation about decals/graphics on the sides and front of RV's and there are lots of commentary on the web about care, maintenance and replacement. The following is not necessarily pure fact but things that are tainted with our own opinion. So read and enjoy but don't take all of this information as "set in concrete and the only way to handle graphics".
1. Washing and waxing your graphics; There are differences of opinion about washing and waxing your graphics. You obviously need to wash your RV from time to time and you should not be using any soaps that would or could be considered abrasive. We use a mild soap and water combination like Dawn, Ivory or Joy for the sides, front and for the rubber roof. Rinse thoroughly. Do not use abrasive sponges like SOS pads or abrasive cleaners like Comet to clean your graphics. We are leaning toward not waxing over your graphics simply because you will probably "rub" the edges while putting the wax on or taking it off. Understand, we are overly cautious since our has prematurely started peeling.
2. Start cleaning at the top of the graphic and work down, rinsing the abrasive dirt and contaminants away as you go. Periodically step back and rinse the whole side or front from the top down. Don't forget that if you are doing the rubber roof, do it first. That will prevent dirt from washing down the side of your freshly washed RV after you clean the sides and front. Doing the top first will also give you and opportunity to examine it for any damage or repair that needs to be done.
3. Avoid washing your RV or graphics with a high-pressure sprayer such as a power washer. If you elect to use a high pressure sprayer avoid contact with the graphic since the sprayer may be able to lift the edge or your graphic causing it to peel.
4. Don't attempt to cover your graphics with clear paint or sealer of any kind.
5. Wipe your decal from the center toward the outer edge to prevent from wiping against the decal edge.
6. Do not let gasoline or other fuels drip or remain on your graphics. If a spill occurs, wipe off the graphic and rinse with water immediately. It would be best to use a mild soap and water to finish the cleaning job at the first opportunity.
7. Do not use petroleum-based solvents on your graphics. They can soften the vinyl of the graphic.
8. Do not apply wax over your graphics, especially if the wax contains any petroleum or silicone distillates. Car wax will not improve the finish of graphics and can damage the surface of vinyl graphics after repeated exposure.
Installation of a small graphic could be done by the average owner, however installation of larger graphics should be done by a professional. The following are some basic steps that could be used for graphic installation.
Surface temperature of substrate should be a minimum of 45 degrees for optimal adhesion and performance.
1. Clean substrate thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol prior to graphic application.
2. Use proper application tool to apply graphic; squeegee for smooth wall; rivet brush for corrugated metal.
3. Spray the substrate and the back of the graphic after removing the back liner with a mild mixture of dish soap and water. This will allow you to move the graphic some before sticking it down.
4. Remove liner from back of graphic.
5. Gently place graphic in desired application location. This may required the assistance of a second person to line up the graphic as close to the finished location as possible. Squeegee vertically in center of graphic towards the outer edges.
6.Graphics can be lifted to remove slack and prevent creases prior to squeegeed, but not after.
7. Leave protective pre-mask on graphic for at least 15 minutes following installation of graphic before attempting removal.
8. Remove pre-mask by pulling 180 degrees across the graphic, not 90 degrees away from the substrate.
9. Graphic should be re-squeegeed after removal of pre-mask, especially where removal of the pre-mask begins at small points.
10. Air bubbles can be popped and removed by using a tool with a fine point, like a pin. Do not use a wide blade like a Stanley or X-ACTO knife.
1. Soften graphic and adhesive by first warming the graphic with a heat gun or blow dryer. Facing graphic to the sun on a warm day will also help.
2. After removing graphic, any remaining adhesive can be removed by using chemical cleaners such as lacquer thinner or citrus cleaner.
3. Make sure to thoroughly clean residue left behind by these chemicals with isopropyl alcohol before applying a replacement graphic.
RV Stripes and Graphics Installation instructions
Just to clarify where I am with murals and such for my RV; I had a problem with the graphics coming off my 2005 KZ Durango. I had the front one replaced under warranty less than two years after I bought it and it was coming off again (2010). The decals on the back and right side were coming off so I decided I would try to fix the problem by going to a longer life decal. I ordered a mural from Freak Decals (expected life 5 to 7 years) as shown below and was absolutely delighted with the result. The picture is great, it survived a plethora of bugs hitting the front during travel and in general looks pretty smart. I tried unsuccessfully to work with them to have one of my own photographs blown up to use on the sides and back. There seemed to be a total failure to communicate with the people on the other end. I found myself communicating with someone email listed as Mobile Graphics, East Graphics Inc. I am not sure of the relationship between FreakDeacals and these folks.
The FreakDecals web site says you can send them a print as small as 4"x6" and they can make a mural or custom size decal.
I sent some .jpg files (about 1MB compressed that I can make great 8"x10" prints with) along with a sample of how I wanted them cropped for the finished product. There is where the confusion began.
First they said the the DPI of the file wasn't good enough and had to be 300DPI or better.
I printed out one of the pictures (it looked great) scanned it in at 300DPI and sent it to them.
They said it looked a little pixilated (so 300DPI doesn't work?).
So I sent another note back and said "can you just print the file out that I sent on an 8"x10" piece of photo paper and scan it to your own DPI preference and save me from having to print everything out on 8"x10" paper and sending it to you? It would save a step and be a lot faster."
They sent a note back saying "The photos you scanned are not the best maybe due to your scanner. So I would suggest mailing the originals.
This was a culmination of about 10 emails so I gave up and found another place in Las Vegas. They are printing them and when I get them here I will let you know what the quality of the decals are.
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Before; peeling for third time |
After; Decal from Freak Decals and installation by Shoreline Boat and RV Repair, Tulsa |
The RV we bought is fortunately one of those equipped with cables used to open and close the black water and grey water valves. Just Kidding!! These things don't work well at all and is a concern everyday we use them. When we first bought the RV it gave us LOTS of trouble and at one point in the time the black water valve would not close completely. What a mess. So, I have been on the look out for a solution to the problem. I am currently doing research on the Drainmaster valves to see if I can fit them under our RV. They have some tempting features. Like electric switch activated draining and a weatherproof switch that can be mounted externally.
Here's a link to Drainmaster which looks like a good solution. I will let you know if an amateur like me can install it correctly on our RV.
Click to enlarge image above and click again for one more enlargement
