Hairline Cracks in Graphics

[CarnationSailor]

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

[JimK-NY]

CarnationSailor wrote:


I think I am going to choose a wax with good UV protection and see if my detailer will use it (properly).

Let us know what wax you find that actually has good UV protection that will last long enough to be of any value.

[CarnationSailor]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'm not at a point where a major restoration of the graphics (sand, repaint, or replace etc.) is called for.

The use of a restorer which has to be done in the shade is practical when it's a DIY job, but not when using a mobile detailer who probably wouldn't want to do 1/2 the job and then come back when the other half is in the shade. Plus the detailer most likely wouldn't be familiar with using the restorer.

I think I am going to choose a wax with good UV protection and see if my detailer will use it (properly).

Thanks again for all the responses.

[craig7h]

CarnationSailor wrote:

craig7h wrote:
I have stopped using wax on the graphics on my 07 MH. I found the wax was doing more harm than good.

I found this product while asking the same type of question you are.

https://mckees37.com/collections/maxs-rv-care

I use the graphic restorer at least once a year try for twice. So far its as kept the graphic looking good.

Good Luck

Do you use the Max's Restorer on the graphics and regular wax on the gel coat that is not covered with a graphic?

I use a mobile detailing service to wash and wax my 5th. They have been using wax on everything for 8 years and my graphics are not faded at all. Not sure if I could get a mobile detailer to use wax on the gel coat and restorer on the graphics. I'm sure it would take longer and cost more.

Simple answer Yes. The restorer has to be put on in the shade, it has something to do with the product. I tried once to do in the sun and could feel the build up of heat on my finger. A little goes a long way, first rub it in then wipe off excess. I know there are alot of waxes out there and everybody has their favorite. I have been using NuFinish for years and am happy.

Good Luck which ever way you go

[Grit_dog]

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
A few ways the "fix" your graphics.

Not too bad.

I actually had to fast forward thru that c rap to see the outcome…..lol.
But I just got 300% stupider after watching just a bit of it.
I hope you posted this sarcastically!

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

A few ways the "fix" your graphics.

Not too bad.

[CarnationSailor]

craig7h wrote:
I have stopped using wax on the graphics on my 07 MH. I found the wax was doing more harm than good.

I found this product while asking the same type of question you are.

https://mckees37.com/collections/maxs-rv-care

I use the graphic restorer at least once a year try for twice. So far its as kept the graphic looking good.

Good Luck

Do you use the Max's Restorer on the graphics and regular wax on the gel coat that is not covered with a graphic?

I use a mobile detailing service to wash and wax my 5th. They have been using wax on everything for 8 years and my graphics are not faded at all. Not sure if I could get a mobile detailer to use wax on the gel coat and restorer on the graphics. I'm sure it would take longer and cost more.

[craig7h]

I have stopped using wax on the graphics on my 07 MH. I found the wax was doing more harm than good.

I found this product while asking the same type of question you are.

https://mckees37.com/collections/maxs-rv-care

I use the graphic restorer at least once a year try for twice. So far its as kept the graphic looking good.

Good Luck

[JimK-NY]

My Rv is approaching 20 years old and the original graphics are in great shape. So is the additional graphic I added 12 years ago. My RV lives outdoors and has spent a lot of time in hot and sunny conditions in the SW deserts.

UV light is the main killer of RV graphics.

With only a little google research you can quickly confirm: 1. Carnuba and other typical RV/auto waxes contain zero or minimal amounts of UV protectants. In addition these coatings typically don't last very long 2. 303 contains UV protectants but 303 only lasts a few weeks before it needs to be reapplied in order to maintain UV protection.

Acrylics are natural UV blockers. Acrylic glazing is often used for artwork to prevent fading. So one solution to the fairly rapid fading, cracking and deterioration of graphic decals is to use an acrylic wax.

I have been using Zep acrylic floor wax on my RV for many years. I initially applied 4 thin coats. Every year or two I apply another thin coat. I have never had any issues with yellowing, cracking or deterioration of the finish. The Zep finish also protects against dirt, bugs, staining. A quick rinse is all that is needed to keep my RV looking new.

If you do consider Zep, I will warn you up front that careful prep is needed before applying the first coat. Any old waxes and oxidation need to be removed. I used wax stripper, and lots of scrubbing with a 3M kitchen pad and bar keepers friend.

[LouLawrence]

As mentioned earlier, keeping the graphics out of the sun is the only thing that will slow down the process. Nothing will stop it.

[ford_truck_guy]

Use Aerospace 303 on them... Better then wax for decals


Aerospace 303 Clicky

[Grit_dog]

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]

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]

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]

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.