How to fix Cracked & Faded RV graphics. Easy DIY job

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 TO POLISH & PROTEC...
HOW I WASH AND DETAIL OUR COACH:
• WASH & PROTECT YOUR RV...
My entire PLAYLIST page here:
/ rvstreet
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EVERYTHING I USED IN THIS VIDEO IS IN MY AMAZON STORE:
www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet
HOWEVER, I'VE ALSO LISTED THE-INDIVIDUAL LINKS-TO THE PRODUCTS USED IN THIS VIDEO BELOW
• 3M Scotch Performance Masking Tape - amzn.to/3axj4xJ
• 3M Strip Off Wheel - amzn.to/2FmVI4e
• Rejex 16oz Bottle - 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 - amzn.to/3aCpSKK
• Rejex 16oz. Bottle to protect your graphics and RV - 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 - amzn.to/3aCpSKK
• Meguiar's 32oz. Diamond Cut Compound - amzn.to/2VBvala
• 7" Rotary Wool Heavy Cutting Pad (use with above diamond cut compound) - amzn.to/2zlXrDI
• Medium-Heavy Cutting Pad, Orange (5.5 Inch Pad) - amzn.to/3aCRlM8
• Pressure Washer - amzn.to/3bBaL5y
• Soap Cannon and 3 Premium Soaps - amzn.to/354jeeR
• Soap by the Gal. (Save Money) - amzn.to/3bC12fb
• The Best Water Hose Quick Connects you’ll ever buy - amzn.to/3byJ9Ot
• Meguiar's MT300 Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher - amzn.to/3cQ2nPX
• Meguiar's G18309 Ultimate Fast Finish (for Windows) - amzn.to/2VwVLQt
• Rejex 16oz. Bottle to protect your graphics and RV - amzn.to/2VB1QLP
• Red 6.5" Foam Waxing Pad (Pack of 3) - amzn.to/2xNFFZU
• Red 6.5" Foam Waxing Pad (Single Pad) - amzn.to/3bBYk9F
• Meguiar's Ultimate Polish - amzn.to/3cI7CAR
• 303 Aerospace UV Protectant - Gal. (Save Money) - amzn.to/3eJWVzT
• 303 Aerospace UV Protectant - 32oz. - 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.

[@tonyfisher4113]

I still cant believe he is gone. I truly hope his videos will live on he is still helping so many of us RVers

[@RVstreet]

I still can't believe he is gone either 💔😥

[@ron7447]

Did Martin pass? How did I miss this news? 😢

[@Mattlawton-ft6ew]

​@@RVstreetjust came across this how very sad he's died and 😪 rip

[@hrios3016]

In sorry te hear his passing, he's helped me with many projects, RIP..😢

[@RVstreet]

Thank you

[@Redpilled19]

Our angel, Martin, continues to instruct and guide us.

[@johncampbell4923]

Prep is the key to a good paint job as you have proven here. One tip on rattle cans, warm paint sprays smoother (better atomization of the paint). When I rattle can, I will stand the can up in a bucket of warm water, about 3/4 of the way up the can for a minute or 2, dry the can thoroughly, shake well. Makes a world of difference, virtually eliminating the dreaded orange peel.

[@RVstreet]

Absolutely. I didn't mention it in the video but I did set the cans out in the sun for a couple of hours before I sprayed for that exact reason. thx John 😜

[@zacharycofer5929]

Orange peel is going to happen no matter what if you put on several coats of paint especially heavy coats. The key is after you get all your clear coats done and let dry for a few days you go an wet sand the whole car an then take a buffer and hit it with some polishing compound and it will look deep an like glass

[@stephencrandellsr4915]

As a bodyman and painter you did a great job and demo The only suggestion is to let paint cure for about 10 to 30 days before sealing or waxing this gives sufficient time for all the solvents to evaporate out 100% Keep up the good work

[@RVstreet]

Well Stephen I totally agree. BUT.....there's always a but right...? We only had a 7 day stay at that park and I had to "get er done".

[@stephencrandellsr4915]

@@RVstreet Totally understand

[@kmr9061]

You are a wonderful educator. Very clear instructions, comprehensive directions, and outstanding demonstration! Thank you!!

[@lancerains4185]

Good job my friend just proves old hippies know how to paint.

[@marcykane9715]

Wow, I love this guy. My husband and I are in the middle of re-doing all the decals on our 2005 HitchHiker 5th wheel. After getting several 'not in our price range' quotes, we found this video and decided to do them ourselves. The instructions were excellent and we haven't run into any issues. Thank you so very much.

[@linechouinard628]

How much did it cost you?

[@my2sons8791]

Excellent video and fantastic results using off the shelf consumer products. Just one piece of advice to add - I would use a cleaner/degreaser or denatured alcohol to wipe down the area to be repaired BEFORE you begin sanding. This will remove any waxes, polishes or other potential contaminants that can interfere with the new paint being used.

[@davidlastoria3341]

Excellent work! Thank you for the very well laid out, informative video!

[@CLTGeek]

FYI: That damp cloth activates the stuff in the green tape that gives you a clean painted edge. I don't know if you did that intentionally but folks should do that intentionally as it gives a crisper edge to the paint when you use the green tape.

[@jacknimble1]

You are thinking about frog tape. The stuff he used is not activated by anything.

[@davidlatullip88]

Great KZbinr! I watch a lot of videos on KZbin and this guy is a perfect example of a do it yourself educator! Great job man and thank you!

[@RVstreet]

Thank you so much David. Got some more coming up very soon.

[@jcrefasi1]

@@RVstreet worked with my fiance for 7 yrs in his auto body shop. Your example of taping curves was spot on. The way you handled that "rattle can" makes me think you have used a air spray gun a time or two. Excellent tutorial in my humble opinion

[@ruthwilliams8851]

I agree! I started subscribing to him after watching the first time. He explained things so well!

[@matthewmills6452]

This is great. You're an RV rockstar. I haven't done this yet with mine, but it is exactly what I planned to do.

[@joyandscott7959]

Great how to video. Nice to see the park allowed you to perform the task. Enjoy your winter down in South Texas.

[@TheFalcro1234]

Great job on the instructional part of the presentation. Great results too the finished product looks amazing. I am a "hobby" painter myself but my grandfather was a paint specialist. He started his training apprenticing in about 1915 doing hand brushed laquer paint on Horse drawn carriges, then transitioned into automotive paint and body work as his career progressed. He always told me that 95% of a great paint job is in the prep. He always wanted to teach me how to paint but all I wanted to do was make things go fast. However I did mange to learn a litle bit and most of that was learning the prep. My paint looks decent because of that prep work. Thank you for doing this!

[@joe7004]

Nice JOB ! I think you explained the process very well, I'll be looking forward to your next video.

[@VelvetElvis8]

Looks amazing! I wish I had seen this when I had a coach with faded and cracked decals!

[@janefurgersonm2528]

Love this video can't wait to try and do ours. It wasn't kept under cover and the sun really cracked the graphics. You have made a difficult job much easier and simpler to due.

[@philipplastina181]

Great video! Good to see your thorough explanation of the process. Very professional "Do it yourself" method for sure. Love it!

[@earleanes985]

Great job! Plain and simple with step by step instructions.

[@retiredammo4617]

You did it the right way & took your time putting on each cost! Great job & it looks great!

[@abbiebeast]

Thak you Thank you Thank you - your stuff is GREATE! I'm an electrical engineer for 30+ years and love to airbrush - but a newbe to the RV world your videos are TOP NOTCH!!

[@lonnieblackwell5107]

Excellent and timely as I need to do the same to our Mountain Aire!

[@charleshogge5258]

Great video! You are a natural instructor. Everything was explained so well.

[@RVstreet]

WOW thank you so much Charles. That means a lot.

[@tinab6032]

Nice job and instructions. Thanks. Your coach looks well taken care of.

[@JGUNW1R3D]

Dude is a BOSS. Love this video and your explanation of how you got such a fantastic outcome.

[@RVstreet]

I'm going to show my wife this. From now on she needs to call me BOSS.

[@debbieweiers3845]

It looks so good when it's finished, you did a great job and are a very patient person. Also I thought you explained the whole process so well :)

[@colincarr1102]

Not made comments before, but you are a natural. Loved it

[@GGlazier52]

Great Video! I loved your complete explanations of each step. It was very helpful. I think I might give it a try.

[@patriciagaroutte978]

Great video. You explained everything clearly and the work is beautiful!

[@Jazz92Jazz]

Your attention to detail is awesome!

[@jackhood8906]

Really great video! We have been wondering how to repair our graphics on our 5th wheel and this is the best info we have found! Thanks!

[@johnwren3976]

First, b4 sanding, wipe it all down with a wax remover or mineral spirits to make sure no contaminants or silicone is present. Otherwise you'll sand it into your surface & have problems later. Also, spray paint on big box stores have lot codes on them. Make sure you buy spray cans with the same lot codes or the color might vary..

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Thank You

[@kazzTrismus]

and peel the tape when wet to avoid all the hassle of paint tearing. get it all done in less than a day and the paint shouldnt tear... de-taping within minutes of the final coat will help. having a helper for big jobs is key to keeping the tape an paper out of the wet paint...also doing the thin tape last (if you get good enough at it) his dust coat techniques is correct especially on graphics as they are sensitive to the thinners.

[@jacknimble1]

Even better, buy all your supplies at the local auto parts store. It is usually a higher quality of paint and clear. They also sell high build primer which will aid in the filling of the cracks.

[@brandicreates7213]

Thanks so much! I spent a couple days following your process and it looks so good now!

[@ZhmiKnopa]

A fast way to make cracks disappear is to clean them out with a mini-sandblaster, and fill them with auto body glaze. Just like you were patching drywall, sand it smooth with some 400 while you are prepping the rest of the decal for paint. A hopper gun is $20 at Harbor Freight, use baking soda instead of sand.

[@hrford8362]

awesome tutorial in refinishing your graphics, thank you, might even do my own now

[@mickimc2883]

Wow! Great job! That looks beautiful!

[@Bluegrassboy49]

Great job! I enjoyed watching your entire video. From a distance, you can't tell the difference.

[@joe-annataylor4159]

Much needed video but I wished I’d seen this a week ago as I was painting my little red wagon, getting off the rust. Love your instructions!

[@beth.icanfly3983]

Thank you for documenting this! I know your tutorial is going to help me successfully paint my van.

[@patmurphy389]

Thank you for this! We have some cracked graphics on ours. Being as I worked in an auto-body shop doing detail work on vans in my younger years, this was right up my alley, so thank you so much! It's easy & simple to do. See you on the road, from Tennessee.

[@RVstreet]

Thx Pat.

[@stevenparkin6486]

Well done. Right amount of detail; no key detail was missed yet no filler talk. Also, I like your target goal to be "good but not perfect", which fits my projects too. - Steve, Utah USA

[@billbarrett582]

"Far from good, but good from a far" 😊😉🤫

[@galvanizedgnome]

Where is Steve, Utah. Is that in the south east?

[@randymiller1604]

Nice job I didn’t know those cracks could be repaired I thought I would have to replace all my graphics I’m going to do exactly what you did I know it’s gonna work thanks for the great information happy camping

[@belindasmith-ramsey5979]

This was a very informative video. Glad I stumbled upon it. I live in New England and keep my RV covered from Oct to April. Still has cracks, but now I know how to fix them myself. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@scottdye6798]

Thanks, this is so helpful for me, as I am looking for an RV in Phoenix, where the sun is merciless and many RV's for sale have faded graphics.

[@steveryan6773]

Very much appreciated . Very informative and cost effective. I really need to do to my fifth wheel.

[@marceldubuc3264]

You just save my life, I didn’t know what to do with my graphic. Your explanation are clear if I failed it will be my fault. Thanks

[@williamwilliam6714]

I have been dreading this procedure, far to long now. I need a drink !

[@ollieandson]

Thanks for sharing, you are excellent instructor and very patient on taking your patience time and not rushing through the process.

[@wendellhagg3511]

Greatest How Too Video I’ve Seen !! Great Job Well Done !! H.

[@mikelarkin741]

Great video...thanks for the lesson. I'll feel a whole lot better tackloing this on our RV now!

[@MIKEH.777]

I think you did a great job and it looks great

[@rickr442]

Longer strokes on ALL your paints would give a smoother, more even surface and color. Looks good!

[@claudiagarone9535]

I have been looking for just this video to save our fading graphics. Thank you so much for this how-to video!!!!

[@RVstreet]

You're very welcome Claudia.

[@agems56]

Thank you so much for the detailed demonstration! I thought there would be a much more involved operation! I will get right to it!

[@ancientone3040]

Fantastic job. You do have patience. And it shows in your work.

[@RVstreet]

Patience with stuff concerning the coach...yes. A lot of other things...not so much. Like people entering onto the highway on ramp while TEXTING.

[@marshaadams5501]

Absolutely fantastic! Our previous coach had graphics and I hated them. Full body paint was a requirement for our new coach and I plan on keeping it nice by following your instructions and using the Rejex and the wash. I even got the canon sprayer! Your coach looks awesome! Great job!

[@craigstine7343]

Excellent job, easy to follow and great example of an inexpensive DIY fix. Be well and travel on! Thanks again sir!

[@RVstreet]

Thank you Craig. 😜

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

Of paint starts pulling the paint edge off, a very light razor blade score will allow for a perfect paint line. It will actually look like a graphic. Excellent job!!!!

[@marymccarley5128]

MaryMac So glad I saw your video!! Our class C's decals look so bad, I've threaten to go get sharpies and color in the cracks!! When my husband heard this he flipped out!! I can now show him your video and we can repair them - those are the only things that make our unit show any age!! Thanks again!! 😉

[@RVstreet]

You're very welcome Mary. That's what this channel is all about. TRAVEL • LEARN • SHARE

[@71lhalili]

Great video and KZbinr. Very clear and concise instructions

[@MrMakintime]

He brings me back to gettin stuff done, he makes me feel like i should get up and knock it out. i love it

[@ianlane1490]

Excellent. We are really appreciating and enjoying your videos. THANK YOU

[@RVstreet]

💕💕

[@karonvangilder8713]

We loved your how to video with the RV paint. You were very very thorough

[@johnf.6942]

Great work ! You provided clear detailed instructions on how to do it, and I’m sure that saved tons of money by not taking it to a dealership.

[@RVstreet]

A dealer wouldn't even touch this kind of job. thx John

[@enjoyingretirement4846]

Great alternative idea to solving a issue all RV owners with vinyl will have.

[@firstsgtpete8614]

Very good video, thanks for making it. I had been considering what to do about eh graphics on our 2005 Motor Home. I would not have thought to use the 1/4 inch tape first, very good advice.

[@jamesfox9638]

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH !!!!!!!!! I never thought about panting them. I was Just going to order new ones. I am sure you saved me A lot A lot of cash

[@bobgil3464]

Beautiful work. Simple instructions.

[@RVstreet]

Thanks Bob so much.

[@EvolutionDIY]

Awesome result. I know how much time it takes to film and edit these types of projects and videos. I really appreciate you taking the time. I’ll probably be using this strategy in the near future on a neglected RV we have purchased. Thanks again.

[@glocksm40]

Thank you Martin for sharing your video! Now I know I can do my graphics without spending thousands to have it done. 👍

[@cryptoidman]

Thank you for the detail. It also helps to know the time involved to get my mindset. Otherwise I'd rush it thinking I knew what I was doing. Also really appreciate the specific links in the SHOW MORE.. Thanks man!

[@RVstreet]

Thanks so much Paul. You can do this. And yes just take your time.

[@rottsrool]

Just what I need to do to my decals on my couch. Great informative video thanks.

[@tinaperez9756]

Thanks so much for your video. It was very helpful and informative. You did a great job of explaining what to do. I would like to try this on my 2004 Minnie that I bought 2 years ago and it has several faded and cracked decals. I will send this to my email for future reference and attempt what you have done. Your RV is so gorgeous!

[@Grizz1957]

Awesome video !!!! I have been wanting to do this to my little QB21 Coachman for the past few years and now you have given me the confidence that it can be done and with amazing results ... Thank you very much ...

[@bassplayerwe01]

Awesome job, I can't wait to do it on my RV. Thanks

[@rl9427]

Great job! Your attention to detail speaks for itself!

[@craigshannon5687]

Exactly process we want to complete on a few of our cracked & faded decals on our 2016 trailer. Thank you so much , I am now confident with following your exact detailed instructions our graphics will look great. All I can say is Wow & thanks so much, amazing perfection on your instructions.

[@thetinmanwich]

Thank you for your videos. First time RV owner so it really helps.

[@RVstreet]

Thanks for tuning in Travis.

[@dreamlookautodetailingauto3353]

Good job with explaining and the detail RV street!

[@michaelperalta9027]

Great idea and information on how to manage graphic issues on travel trailer. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@RVstreet]

Thanks for watching

[@HappyQuailsLC]

You did an excellent job on that! I am impressed! I'm getting ideas.....

[@darlenenelson215]

fantastic work! we have a 1996 Holiday Rambler we are fixing and decals are next. We have had it for about 18 yrs so it is time to give it some love :) thank you for your video very helpful.

[@justmike57]

Great job and helps me get my mind working on mine.

[@bobr6078]

Very impressive.... on my list of what to do this summer... on our 03 Fleetwood

[@dannoname9025]

Right amount of detail and no filler talk, perfect!

[@jeannelanctot9212]

Came out awesome! Thank you now I feel confident to do my motor home!

[@benryan9466]

Nice job very acceptable finish and content delivery spot on. You make your audience feel like we’re in a paint class and we’re the only student 🏅👍

[@RVstreet]

thx Ben

[@watchwomenaustralia7552]

Cheers from Down Under .... You did such a professional Job and gave me confidence to tackle this now ... Thank you so much

[@ruthwilliams8851]

This was great! New owner of a worn out 2006 Cougar with no idea of what to do on the outside. I can do this!!

[@melissae1034]

Fantastic! I actually believe I could do this now. Thanks so much for the effort it took to film and demonstrate!

[@RVstreet]

You're very welcome!

[@oscarjackson9708]

Just fantastic work!

[@JR-ph9xw]

Such a helpful and informative video! Thank you!!

[@rouxchat6033]

Looks great. I went with option one on my Lance camper. LOL. Was a nightmare removing the decals but so happy now it's done.

[@RVstreet]

If anybody wants to just remove an old graphic, I put a link to the 3M Stripe Off Wheel in the description text. That's what I used on the end of an electric drill motor and this wheel works awesome and takes out a ton of the hard labor. It took me 2 wheels to remove the 10'-12' one on our big slide and took me about 5hrs., then I compounded, polished and then applied RejeX. Can't even tell that graphic was ever there. thx Roux

[@raulandmylulu]

Future project for our 2005 c-class. Agreed. Excellent instructions. Following!!!

[@reyess12]

Thank you for sharing this information. It is quite helpful, and I will try this method to correct my decals.

[@raffiecastellanos3163]

I really like the way you explain in detail. Great job Thank you for sharing...

[@RVstreet]

Thank you Raffie so much. 💕

[@genethomsen9459]

Thank you for this video....there a couple things I have learned over the years...1st....you can pull the tape just after painting....when the paint is wet it will not peel the edge...2nd always pull your tape at about a 45° angle away from the painted edge. Give these a try practicing on something...I would be interested in hearing how this works for you. I hope this didn't sound like a critique of your work. I really enjoy your videos & have learned a lot from them. I am a newbie & have a lot to learn & you have helped me greatly. Hope to see you on the road when this pandemic is over & I am able to finally get moving.

[@robertjones5653]

Thanks going to make my old girl shine like the old days!

[@garynorden1117]

floor wax 3 or 4 coats

[@u15mgf00]

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT Video! This will be my next project! Every question I had you answered thru the tutorial. Thanks a million.

[@u15mgf00]

What would you recommend for filler in these cracks prior to sanding? I'd like to have a sooth surface after fine sanding! Would glaze filler work or actual bondo? Or something else?