Restoring RV Decals in 5 Easy Steps

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Last Updated on August 17, 2024 by Paul Clayton

Restoring RV Decals in 5 Easy Steps

One of the benefits of buying an older RV is that you get much better value for your money. The downside is that it doesn’t look new anymore. Most used RVs look shabby and usually have worn-out decals and graphics.

Key Takeaways:

1. 1. Cleaning Decals: Start by using RV-specific decal cleaners like Rejuvenate Restorer Wipes to improve the appearance of faded decals without harsh chemicals.
   2. Wet Sanding: For minor scratches and scuffing, wet sanding can restore the decals’ shine, but be cautious with the pressure applied.
   3. Temporary Fixes: Shoe polish can temporarily fill cracks in the decals, though it’s not a permanent solution.
   4. Decal Removal: When decals are beyond repair, removing them using a heat gun or hairdryer is a viable option.
   5. Replacing Decals: If removing decals leaves your RV bare, consider replacing them by sourcing new ones from manufacturers or sign shops.
   6. Protection: To prevent future fading, protect your decals from harsh sunlight using RV covers, ports, and protective coatings like 303 Aerospace Protectant.

Over the years, exposure to sunlight and inclement weather has cracked and faded decals, and they don’t look as nice as we would like them to.

Fortunately, several hacks can fix your RV decal problems. In this guide, I’ll share my top tips for RV decal restoration so you can transform your old RV into a nice, shiny one.

Read on!

1) Use RV Decal Cleaners

The first thing to try when attempting to revive your faded RV decals is using a decal cleaner. It’s a simple and inexpensive method of returning the decals’ luster.

I’ve tried several decal cleaning products but have succeeded with the Rejuvenate Restorer Wipes. Apply two coats and let them dry thoroughly between them for best results.

Using the Rejuvenate Restorer is also easy, and once you get it on your rig, you’ll be pleased with the results—a shiny coating. Of course, the cleaner won’t restore your RV decals to their original condition but will eliminate the shabbiness, swirls, and curls on the decal.

Rejuvenate Restorer Wipes, however, aren’t the only decal cleaners. I’m sure there are plenty of other options, but avoid products with petroleum distillates. They can dissolve the decal adhesive, leading to bigger problems.

2) Consider Wet Sanding

Sanding RV decals sounds sketchy, but it can be a great way to provide an even finish and restore your RV’s decals to their original luster.

Wet sanding is more appropriate for a polishing operation and is great for creating a shiny surface. The process is less aggressive than regular sanding and doesn’t readily change the object’s shape.

However, understand wet sanding isn’t always the best option and will depend on the nature of your decals. To attempt wet sanding, for example, your RV decals shouldn’t be cracking or have deep scratches that reach the metal. However, wet sanding is a fantastic option if your decals have scuffing and minor scratches.

Here’s a step-by-step process of wet sanding your RV decals:

• Assess the level of sanding

The first step is to assess the level of damage to the decals and determine how much sanding is required and with what type of paper.

If your decals are significantly damaged, you need sandpaper with a lower grit number (1200-1500). If the damage is light scuffing, you can resolve it with sandpaper with a higher grit rating (2000-3000).

Remember that the lower the grit number on the sandpaper, the more abrasive it is. For example, sandpapers with less than a grit rating of 1200 shouldn’t be used for wet sanding, as they may generate scratches that are difficult to buff out.

• Clean your RV Decal

After selecting the right sanding paper, the next step should be cleaning. As its name suggests, wet sanding usually requires a lubricant to keep the sandpaper from damaging or burning the surface.

Use mild detergent and water to wash and clean the surface.

• Actual sanding

Start the sanding process. But first, dip the sandpaper in warm water for a few minutes. Allow the sandpaper to soak for about five minutes before using it.

Next, wrap your sandpaper around a sanding pad. Don’t attempt to sand using your bare hands or fingers, as the gaps between may create uneven sanding, resulting in an inconsistent finish. You must also perform sanding in a circular motion.

While at it, don’t use too much pressure; otherwise, you’ll damage the decal. It takes some practice to determine the appropriate pressure to use, but generally, you should ease off if you see the decal start to peel or see oxidized pigment flowing.

Repeat this motion until your entire decal is covered.

• Wash

Finally, wash your decal with clean water and let it dry. Hopefully, it should appear neat and uniform in color and feel smooth. If not, repeat the process.

3) Use Shoe Polish

If your RV has cracks, you could use shoe polish to touch up and fill the cracks. Fill the cracks with the polish and let it dry for one hour, then buff it out by hand or with a buffer.

Now, before naysayers jump in, realize shoe polish offers no protection, restoration, etc., of the decals. It’s also a temporary solution, and the effects are usually short-lived.

It would help to choose shoe polish the same color as the decal graphic. Also, tape off the other graphics so you don’t get color.

4) Remove the Decal

Sometimes, removing and replacing your decals will make more sense. The waxing, cleaning, and buffing may help, but these measures aren’t long-term fixes. In particular, the end is imminent if the RV decals start to curl on the edges.

Many have taken the route of peeling the decals. Yes, it’ll leave your RV looking bare and plain, but that’s an improvement over shabby, cracked, or faded decals beyond repair.

It would help to have a heat gun or a hairdryer to peel off RV decals. The heat from the hairdryer softens the glue and makes it easier for the decal to peel off without any sticky paper residue remaining. Sometimes, you might need a putty knife to peel the heated edges away.

5) Replace decals

If you’ve peeled off the faded decals and don’t want your RV to remain bare, you could install new ones.

Finding the exact replacement for your RV decals can be challenging, even from the manufacturer, especially if it’s an old or vintage RV model. Even then, the manufacturer is usually the best place to start looking when you need an RV decal replacement.

You could also try your luck with a good sign shop. Look for shops that do vinyl die cuts to duplicate your RV decals with computerized machines. They photograph your decals and duplicate them on a larger pattern-cutting machine.

How to Protect My RV Decals

Inclement weather, especially exposure to the sun, is usually the big reason for faded decals. Therefore, your best prevention method is to reduce time outdoors in direct sunlight. Do this by investing in an RV port or cover when your RV is in storage.

Of course, your RV won’t always be in storage every time and will inevitably be exposed to inclement weather. Therefore, use a decal protector in addition to RV ports and covers. We are big fans of 303 Aerospace Protectant.

It effectively protects RV decals against harsh sunlight and dirt, ensuring their long-term durability.

This video was inserted to explain the subject matter. Thanks to Miles and Smiles

This video was inserted to explain the subject matter. Thanks to: RVstreet

Wrap Up

Restoring RV decals can be a bit challenging, but it is doable. Here are the steps you can follow to restore RV decals:

1. Clean the decals thoroughly: Use a mild soap and water to clean the surface of the decals. Please do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage the decals.
2. Remove any residue: If residue remains on the decals after cleaning, use rubbing alcohol or an adhesive remover to remove it. Be gentle and take care not to damage the decals.
3. Apply heat: If the decals are peeling or curling at the edges, you can use a hairdryer or heat gun to apply heat to the edges. This will soften the adhesive and help the decals stick better.
4. Apply a decal restorer: Many products on the market can help restore faded or damaged decals. Choose one specifically designed for the type of decals on your RV.
5. Apply a protective coat: Once the decal restorer has dried, apply a protective coat to help prevent further damage to the decals. A clear coat or wax can be used for this purpose.

Remember, restoring RV decals requires patience and attention to detail. Take your time and be gentle with the decals to avoid causing further damage.

Overall, having a nice-looking and smart RV can make you feel proud. Staying on top of RV decal maintenance greatly helps with this.

The tips we’ve listed above are handy for eliminating the shabby look and keeping your RV free from swirls, cracks, marks, and fading on the decals.

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