ZEP with or without decals? Before or After?

[dacostadesigns]

I have removed the old decals from my faded 94 C-Class. I want to do the Zep treatment, but I also want to replace the decals. I am wondering if I should first put a few coats of the zep before the decals or should I apply the decals & then coat it. Anybody have any experience / suggestions?

[OFDPOS]

Some have had a good experience with the zep others haven't.

I'm sure robatthelake and myself will get flamed here, BUT I totally agree with not using it !

Alot of times the gelcoat shine can be brought back with a good DA buffer !

Go on youtube and type in removing/replacing decals alot of good advise and of coarse some lame ...

I've never worked with the Zep before , but I would think you would still have to clean/prep the surface to put it on.
Doing that your half way there , might as well just put the decals on then put a couple coats of wax on and your done.

I could just see the Zep turning yellow or peeling after awhile !

[robatthelake]

Do Not use ZEP ! It was never intended to be applied to an RV! I used it and have absolutely Ruined Both My Motorhome and Ski Boat!

It is absolutely the wrong stuff to use period!

[dacostadesigns]

I guess, I was concerned that the decals would "over adhere" to the porous dry gelcoat, and that the decals would look weird if I applied zep over them, or have a bonding issue to the surface of the decals. I suppose, I could avoid applying the zep to the surface of the decals.

[hershey]

Remember, the decals have to stick to what ever surface you apply them to. If its the Zep, then the decals stick to life if that of the Zep. If you stick them directly to the Gel Coat, then the life of the decals is extended by a large margin.

[zigzagrv]

Chris Bryant wrote:
I would put the decals on first- otherwise they will be adhered to the layer of Zep acrylic.

X2

[Chris_Bryant]

I would put the decals on first- otherwise they will be adhered to the layer of Zep acrylic.