Forum Discussion

Effy's avatar
Effy
Explorer II
Oct 20, 2014

Can you wax the decals or avoid them

Prepping to wax my MH - Ug. But I did a test spot and it needs it and shines up well. So can you wax the decals or do you need to work around them? I am almost afraid it will pull at the edges or wax can build in the edge of the decal.

Also, any recommendations on brand of wax? What's easiest, best results etc.

9 Replies

  • The reason I mentioned NuFinish is because it says on the can or bottle that it is not safe for rubber or vinyl. I use Turtle Wax Ice on everything...glass included.
  • ScottG wrote:
    I use combination cleaner/wax from Turtle Wax or Meguires. They have no effect on graphics other than to give them a little shine.
    The surface of our RV's is nothing special. Any wax will do fine and it doesn't have to be special for "RV's" or "gel coat" or fiber glass. That's just marketing hype.
    I've used just about everything that's ever on sale and they all work and last the same.


    Ditto. Been waxing and caring for vehicle finishes for almost 50 years. Started waxing fiberglass boats with Gary's fiberglass wax. Saw wax, and finishes progress to today. Any good automotive wax will do pretty good. A good Cleaner wax will take out most blemishes. however will not last quite as long as say Turtle Wax. None of them will hurt the decals. the only thing wax will do to decals is make them look better longer.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I have always waxed EVERYTHING, on the outside except for Glass and plastic light is supposed to pass through such as headlight covers and tail light lenses.
  • I use combination cleaner/wax from Turtle Wax or Meguires. They have no effect on graphics other than to give them a little shine.
    The surface of our RV's is nothing special. Any wax will do fine and it doesn't have to be special for "RV's" or "gel coat" or fiber glass. That's just marketing hype.
    I've used just about everything that's ever on sale and they all work and last the same.
  • You can wax them with carnuba wax. Something like NuFinish will kill them and some cleaners will do the same. Any wax or polish that is safe for use on glass, rubber, gel coat is safe for vinyl stripes. I use Turtle Wax Ice which is available at Wal-Mart or Protect All when I can find it.
  • I know years ago it was taboo to put wax on any pinstriping unless it was painted on. I would assume the same for vinyl graphics as well. I think there are solvents in some waxes that will penetrate the vinyl and cause the glue to turn loose eventually.

    As far as wax, I would use something recommended/formulated for fiberglass, if that's what your shell is made of.
  • I've been waxing mine for 10+ years and they look like new,
    I think it's the sun that does the damage.
  • I know they say to ignore them but if your finish is dull do you leave it dull next to your decals or wax to them? I will wax them and then take a soft toothbrush an brush the wax away from the decal. No white lines. I use Mothers wax, have for years.