Bad Decals

[Davidceder]

So I have a 2014 Forest River Palomino 32RCTS. Love the rig but the front decal is totally oxidized and cracking. Every few months I take a plastic scrapper and scrape off the loose stuff. It looks like crap. The decal is in two parts and the upper is the one I am really having trouble with. I would like to take both the upper and lower portion completely off and just leave it painted or even repaint the front if it looks bad. I have heard of taking a hair dryer but don't think that will work on the cracking decals. Is there any "remover" I might use or any other recommendations will be appreciated.

[Davidceder]

Hopefully I can get this photo to upload

[Davidceder]

So; Not any takers on this? I guess it not something everyone does. In lew of any response so far can anyone tell me if the decals are usually Vinyl and if the end caps are gel coated over the paint? I found this product

GraphXOff Vinyl, Adhesive and Paint Remover - GROG

The manufacturer states it is safe if the end cap is gel coated and the youtube videos confirm that statement.

Thanks

[PhilG]

Google "Whizzy Wheel"
That's what I used to remove cracked decals on my Sunseeker

Phil

[Decon Blue]

I have always had luck with a hairdryer or heatgun. If you use heatgun DON’T hold close or in one spot too long and use low setting only. Time and patience will remove your decals. Then buff and wax paint.

[Davidceder]

The top decal is SO bad it is in thousands of small pieces and will never peel off. The bottom on is in much better shape and I might be able to peel that off easier. I appreciate the input. I really need to take care of this. Hopefully when I get it done the surface is still good enough to just leave un-decaled. If it is bad I will have it painted.

[llr]

heat it and use a plastic scraper

[dodr33]

Try a heat gun and oil based Goo-Gone...I had a Whizzy wheel damage my auto paint so be careful if you use it!

[NMWildcat]

Whizzy wheel works fantastic. I have used it on decals as cracked and dried as yours on my gelcoat. Remove any remaining glue with acetone. Just be sure to have a drill with the rpms that are suggested to make the job faster. Good luck!

[wheels]

My decals are noticeably above the gel coat, maybe try an Auto body decal eraser and mineral spirits (for the glue if any). Test a small area first, wash and wait for it to dry.

My first time getting the stickers and a small decal off involved a Costco membership card and mineral spirits. My gel coating wasn’t damaged at all.

Also I’ve seen my trailers brand decals on eBay. They are generic and not by Forest River.

Hope this helps.

[Scrapper]

I pealed my front decal off with a 1600psi pressure washer. It came right off but was a mess to pick up all over the ground.

[Davidceder]

Here is the response I received from FR. So now I know for sure the decals are vinyl and above the gel coat.


Hello David,

Yes, the decals are vinyl. We have current year decals available, but not your units year. The siding is manufactured by Amerimax. When we get it, it is already painted and gel coated. I'm unable to advise you on the best way to remove the decals. I know personally I would apply heat to them, which would allow for them to come off easier and not break apart as they would if they weren't heated, but if you want to be absolutely sure, I would recommend reaching out to your purchasing dealer to verify how they would do it.

[PhoneDude 8289]

I removed the decals with a hair drier. Removed left over glue with mineral spirits followed by washing and a boat / fiberglass gelcoat polish. Thought about replacing the decals but decided I like the blank slate.

[Davidceder]

What condition were your decals in? My front decal is in two pieces. The lower is intact and I might be able to peel it off. The upper is totally oxidized to the point that every time we go out I run over it with a plastic scrapper and tiny bits just fly all over the place. That is why I thought some type of decal remover would be better for the upper portion. Perhaps I will give it a test today.

[Biker]

Every time I read about sticker and decal issues i feel good about ordering ours without any of them. I like the clean look.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Biker

Every time I read about sticker and decal issues i feel good about ordering ours without any of them. I like the clean look.

Naked camper and naked life? I'm seeing a trend.

[Tapex]

Yeah, sometimes it's just as easy as not advertising for the manufacturer by going naked...[emoji38]

[mikeysotp]

The Sabre decal on my front cap is doing the same thing, just not as bad as yours yet. Tara was supposedly sending me a new one but it never came and now she is gone. I may go the custom route and put something really offensive on there.