Exterior Renovation

[rjjr]

We just bought an RV about a month ago and it's time to get the exterior looking good again. It's actually in pretty good condition as far as white parts are concerned but the stripes are cracked and peeling around the edges.

I'm looking at two different options but I'm not sure which is the better way to go. The first is to remove the existing stripes and have new vinyl made. This will cost about $3,100. The second is to remove the existing stripes and paint the stripes on. This will cost $3,500.00.

The shop I'm working with has told me the new stripes, whichever way I go, have to match the existing stripes location. This makes sense as I'm sure the finish under the strips will be different than the rest of the coach. I like the idea of paint because there are so many colors to choose from and the painter is willing to do a bit of air brushing to add a little detail to the stripes rather than doing just a solid flat color.

Let me know what you think.

[Teacher_s_Pet]

Paid about $2600 remove decals, buff coach and replace decals/stripes in 2005 on our 1998 Intruder. "Expert Hand-cut" decals were applied. Not only were edges not smooth and logos off old location by 1-2" inches, the Mylar top film bubbled in a about a foot which was "corrected" by peeling it off. The service provider kept giving us "we'll correct it" until we had to leave the area, after 7 months in his shop, off and on. Told us then to "bring it back next year". Traded it off within 3 months on our Tiffin. Would never put decals on again...I would lean toward air-brushed replacements.

[rjjr]

The shop is quoting me $688 to remove the old decals. I'm not going to touch them for that price. Maybe I'm too old or too lazy but it doesn't sound like much fun.

[rgatijnet1]

Using the heat from a hand held hair dryer will allow you to peel the vinyl decals off and might save you a lot on labor costs.

[viajante]

Gjac wrote:
I think I would peel the decals off myself and use the shadow as a template and paint if myself. $3500 will by a lot of fuel.

$3500 is a lot, but IMHO, worth it. I have seen too many botched DIY paint jobs. I would leave it to a pro.

[Gjac]

I think I would peel the decals off myself and use the shadow as a template and paint if myself. $3500 will by a lot of fuel.

[ScottG]

There would be no question to me - go paint!
Stickers will only hold up so long in the elements but paint should last as long as the rig.