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Old 02-19-2020, 10:44 PM   #1
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Removing Decals

My front graphics was turning brown underneath. I removed it first by trying a hot air blower (hair dryer) then I used a eraser wheel and that removed the decal but left a faint imprint image. A before and after picture attach. Is there a cleaner/remover that is safe to use on gel coat?
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Old 02-19-2020, 10:55 PM   #2
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try McGuire's cleaner wax and work your way back from there. avoid harsh compounds and opt for a light, almost hand glaze, consistency if you can. rub it between your fingers. if it feels too harsh, it probably is.
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Old 02-20-2020, 01:53 AM   #3
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Thanks, I think I’ll try some toothpaste! It will polish the dullest headlamp covers
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Old 02-20-2020, 01:58 AM   #4
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Toothpaste is too harsh and cuts too well and it'll dull the hell out of the finish.

I kind of like the ghosting.
I might leave it or add a highlight maybe.

Someone with a cricut can cut you a new graphic if it won't buff out.
Almost any sign shop can cut and print any graphic.
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Old 02-20-2020, 02:15 AM   #5
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I’ve detail my cars for years using toothpaste, you just need to use one with a RDA rating of less than 100. Then you can control the “cutting” without dulling the finish.
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Old 02-20-2020, 02:29 AM   #6
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Or you could have someone paint new graphics over where the stuck on graphics were, but that would only work if you like the graphics design Thor put on originally.
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Old 02-20-2020, 02:45 AM   #7
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I’ve detail my cars for years using toothpaste, you just need to use one with a RDA rating of less than 100. Then you can control the “cutting” without dulling the finish.
Years of experience, then why'd you ask what's available?
And why mention headlights if you've done fiberglas anf gelcoat with toothpaste before?

I'm pretty lost on this.
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Old 02-20-2020, 03:13 AM   #8
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My years of experience is with automotive finishes not fiberglass gel coats! What works on old lacquer finish might not work with gel coats, that why I was answering for help. Sorry if I confused you.
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Old 02-29-2020, 08:50 PM   #9
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I have the same issue with the front decal on our 2017 ACE 30.1 and plan on removing it once we get some nice weather. It looks like some type of fungus is growing under the decal.

Check this RV withTito post. He says use WD40

https://www.rvwithtito.com/articles/...ove-rv-decals/
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Old 02-29-2020, 10:35 PM   #10
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There is a product I have used to remove residue left from decal. It is called Trailer Bright. The website is www.trailerbright.com. This is a liquid , and will clean the gel coat without causing any problems with the fiberglass.
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Old 03-01-2020, 03:42 PM   #11
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There is a product I have used to remove residue left from decal. It is called Trailer Bright. The website is www.trailerbright.com. This is a liquid , and will clean the gel coat without causing any problems with the fiberglass.


I looked at this product but to pay for shipping nearly what the product cost is asinine.
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Old 03-01-2020, 03:52 PM   #12
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Gelcoat

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jusjay View Post
My years of experience is with automotive finishes not fiberglass gel coats! What works on old lacquer finish might not work with gel coats, that why I was answering for help. Sorry if I confused you.
I would give McGuire's GelCoat restorer a try along with a good quality orbital buffer. This stuff with the professional buffer is amazing. Be patient with it.
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Old 03-01-2020, 07:17 PM   #13
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I removed all the decals from my coach, after a little less than a year of it rolling off the factory floor - before they had faded or peeled. It left a little bit of residue on the edges, which I've been cleaning off with Goo Gone. It works okay, it just takes a bit of soaking and elbow grease. The tough part is that it needs to sit on the glue for 10 to 15 minutes before you start trying to rub it off, and the surface you're doing is vertical. A paper towel soaked in it helps, but it's slow going. There's a similar product called Goof Off that I think would work better, I just haven't had a chance to pick some up yet.

Looks much better...
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Old 03-01-2020, 07:23 PM   #14
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Oh, forgot to mention, it appears that the front cap of the RV is a different material than the back and sides. The decals stick onto it far better. While the sides left a little residue, the front is a bit of a mess, and takes way more Goo Gone and effort to clean up.
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Old 03-04-2020, 03:48 AM   #15
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Great video!
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Old 03-09-2020, 11:40 PM   #16
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Decal Glue Removal

Wd 40
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Old 03-20-2020, 06:07 PM   #17
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I am disappointed to find out I may have to do this in the future to our 2019 purchased used in Jan 2020.
I do have a question...
Is it known if the decay of these decals is due to sun, time, environment (IE Salt air) or a combination of these?
I am currently storing the unit in a covered (not indoor) facility.
This might help me justify the high cost to keep it there instead of looking for a lower priced option at my leisure.
I also saw that THOR recommends application of a liquid was once a year. Does this help the decals?
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Old 03-20-2020, 06:18 PM   #18
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Removing Decals

Mine is in drive way 24/7 never covered 2016 Thor axis. Decals are perfect no discoloring at all we camp everywhere mostly fl ga al miss. So I don’t have a clue except I wax my unit twice a year with past wax all over including decals. Turtle paste wax in I think yellow can. Paste wax put on by hand and taken off by hand. Takes about a week. I’m 74 years old. I do it by myself with music playing. Just take your time make sure clean before waxing. O I wash it twice a month by hand also. Don’t need a gym membershipClick image for larger version

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Old 03-20-2020, 07:21 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GordSanClemente View Post
I am disappointed to find out I may have to do this in the future to our 2019 purchased used in Jan 2020.
I do have a question...
Is it known if the decay of these decals is due to sun, time, environment (IE Salt air) or a combination of these?
I am currently storing the unit in a covered (not indoor) facility.
This might help me justify the high cost to keep it there instead of looking for a lower priced option at my leisure.
I also saw that THOR recommends application of a liquid was once a year. Does this help the decals?
Keeping the sun off it will significantly extend the life of the decals, but no matter what you do they will not hold up as well as painted graphics. I always kept ours inside, and after 3.5 years they were still as good as new. My plan when they deteriorated, was to have them striped off, and have someone with more talent than I have, paint the same graphics over the marks that would most certainly be left.
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Old 03-20-2020, 09:06 PM   #20
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Decals on RVs are like everything in life. They will deteriorate, fade, peel a little and so on. My last coach was 15 years old when I got rid of it, and although the decals were not brand new, going down the road or standing 10 feet away, they looked acceptable. I washed the coach with Blue Coral wash n wax after every trip. I am treating my new coach the same way and after 2 years it still looks great, to me anyway.
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