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How to Remove Decals and Graphics on an RV

by Steve
(California)

How to Remove Decals and Graphics on an RV

How to Remove Decals and Graphics on an RV

How hard is it to replace the decals on a 1997 35' Southwind? Where can you purchase new decals and about do they cost?

ANSWER: Hi Steve thanks for your question. As long as the graphics on your RV are not painted on the best method I recommend to remove the existing RV decals is to do like a lot of professional paint and body shops do and use a Eraser Wheel which fits on a 3/8" Electric Drill


Eraser Wheel

These wheels (like the one pictured above) when used properly do an excellent job of removing stripes, RV Decals, glue, etc. regardless of how long they have been on your RV. This quick and easy method will not damage the finish of your RV as long as you keep in mind that the wheels are designed to run at an optimum speed of 2,000 RPM plus or minus 200 RPM.

Depending on the number of graphics you need to remove you may need several of these wheels to complete the job.

Watch the video below to see how easy it is to use one of these wheels like the 3M Stripe Off Wheel.

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Now that you have removed your old decals, you need to replace them with new ones, I urge you to read our answer to: Where Can We Get New Decals For Our RV?

I hope that this information was helpful.

Happy RVing

RVing Al

Over 1,500,000 successful roadside rescues—Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service

Comments for How to Remove Decals and Graphics on an RV

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Replacement decals
by: Anonymous

Does anyone have an answer to his question about where to purchase new decals?

Editor's Note: You might want to read our answer to: Where Can We Get New Decals For Our RV?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Boat
by: Anonymous

This would probably work on an older, metal fishing boat too? We want to repaint it and it has old stripes etc on the sides.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		removing decals
by: Anonymous


decals

The finish under the decals will be intact, although you may need to clean up small amounts of remaining adhesive before applying new graphics.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		removing old graphics
by: Anonymous


heat guns

I would say the heat gun is your best bet. I have used this method many times. Clean the area well with an alcohol wipe before applying new graphics.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Removing stripes from RV
by: Mike


heat guns

The eraser wheel works very well and will not hurt the finish if properly done, but I chose to use a small heat gun to remove the stripes on my 1984 Coachmen popup. I suppose a hair dryer would work also, maybe even better because it generates less heat. I then taped my RV and painted new stripes to replace the old stripes which were faded, cracked, and brittle. The new stripes look great!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		removing decals
by: Anonymous

after you get the decal off, then do you have to repaint or is the finish intact??

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