The graphics on my 8 year old 5th have held up very well, maybe because it gets waxed every 6 months. However, now I am beginning to see hairline cracks in the darker graphics (decals) (no cracks in the white decals) on the side that faces the Palm Springs, CA sun all winter long.Wanting to prevent further cracking, I'm thinking of waxing the graphics more often, but I'm also open to hearing what others have done in response to this problem.Thanks

The reason that the dark colors are cracking is because they absorb heat. The only way to stop this is to keep it out of the sun.You can remove and replace or just remove the vinyl but if it already has cracks it's done.

Is there any way to "touch up" these cracks?

If they are simple patterns, consider using them as a pattern, remove and paint them back.A good quality fiberglass paint will hold up well and can be touched up.

joebedford wrote:Is there any way to "touch up" these cracks?Not really. These are "hairline" - extremely fine cracks that are not visible if you get 5 feet away from them. Any attempt to touch up them would for sure look much worse. I'm not looking to fix the ones that are there. I just want to prevent them from getting worse and from more forming.

Most graphics are only good for about 7 years. I took off all my graphics and added new ones on the front and back. They said in the paper work they are good for up to 6-7 years and not to use wax. Sure enough by 7 years they were gone again.Trailer looks blah but not spending tons of cash for new graphics for a 19 year old trailer.

Hairline Cracks in Graphics | Good Sam Community

Grit_dog
Navigator
Jun 27, 2023
May consider covering them with a vinyl wrap, same or different color.
Would be fairly easy to outline the existing graphics with knifeless tape slap some vinyl over it and cut them out the same shape. Wouldn’t fix the cracks but would hide them if they haven’t opened up and started peeling yet.
That’s what I was gonna do on our old TC but a for sale sign ended up being cheaper and much quicker!
jjj
Explorer
Jun 27, 2023
Most graphics are only good for about 7 years. I took off all my graphics and added new ones on the front and back. They said in the paper work they are good for up to 6-7 years and not to use wax. Sure enough by 7 years they were gone again.Trailer looks blah but not spending tons of cash for new graphics for a 19 year old trailer.
CarnationSailor
Nomad
Jun 27, 2023
joebedford wrote:
Is there any way to "touch up" these cracks?

Not really. These are "hairline" - extremely fine cracks that are not visible if you get 5 feet away from them. Any attempt to touch up them would for sure look much worse. I'm not looking to fix the ones that are there. I just want to prevent them from getting worse and from more forming.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jun 27, 2023
If they are simple patterns, consider using them as a pattern, remove and paint them back.

A good quality fiberglass paint will hold up well and can be touched up.
joebedford
Nomad II
Jun 27, 2023
Is there any way to "touch up" these cracks?
corvettekent
Explorer
Jun 27, 2023
The reason that the dark colors are cracking is because they absorb heat. The only way to stop this is to keep it out of the sun.

You can remove and replace or just remove the vinyl but if it already has cracks it's done.

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Hairline Cracks in Graphics

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