waxes/polymers

[Lloyd]

There has been some discussions and also some controversy about wax verses polymer. Some say - don't use wax especially on the decals it will ruin them. Some say use a polymer product, that won't hurt your decals.
Ours say use 303 Aerospace Protectant for the decals. Which is not a wax but a silicone type product. Most of us use this product on the slide seals and door/compartment gaskets.

My question is---who knows for a fact that wax hurts the decals and it shouldn't be used on them?
Where is this information coming from? Is there any concrete evidence to support this claim?

[mark5w]

Here ya go Lloyd: From Everything About Rving: How can you keep the decals on your RV from peeling off?

Vinyl decals on RVs can be damaged by chemicals such as petroleum distillates that are contained in some waxes, by prolonged exposure to the sun's ultra violet rays, excessive scrubbing when cleaning the exterior of the RV, etc.

There are two proven ways of protecting the vinyl decals on an RV. The first is by treating them with a protectant. The one I highly recommend is 303 Aerospace Protectant. Below you can read what the manufacturer says about their product.

"RV, Motorhome and Vehicle Decals
Have you ever had your decals or 'stripes' on your RV or motorhome fade or crack from oxidation? Here is why.

The decal/stripes on RVs are vinyl. As a general rule, one should refrain from using anything containing petroleum distillates or abrasives on vinyl, including Vinyl decals. Unfortunately, most waxes contain petroleum distillates and often abrasives.

and from a Rv decal manufacturer: Custom RV Decals replaced & removed, Prescott Az - DOES WAX HURT RV decals - ,

Wax causes the adhesive backing to fail, causing curling and peeling...as well as cracking and fade!


All the major vinyl graphic manufacturers such as 3M will tell you this, as will the major RV Graphic Companies such as Sharpline, ZombieKiller, Performance Graphics and the big one Valley Screen Process who furnish graphics to Jayco, Forest River, Thor and more.

But, everyone can make up there own mind..,I did. No wax on my Rv.

[sjk1998]

What is the consensus on using Rejex on the exterior and it's protection on the decals? I have used it in the past and seems fairly easy to apply and wipe off.

[Lloyd]

Here ya go Mark--



Posted by RV Doctor
We own a Keystone Passport travel trailer with a fiberglass exterior. I like to keep a coat of wax on the trailer to protect it. The trailer has many decorative decals and I have been told that wax can harm the decals. It is a real pain to wax the trailer and not the decals. Is there a recommended product that can be used on both the fiberglass and the decals? Ken H., (Aurora, CO)

Frankly Ken, I believe a lot depends on the type and quality of the material used to make the decals and/or applied graphics and how well they were applied; in other words, to what degree of preparation, etc. My research shows many various comments and suggestions for applying or not applying wax over graphics. Some have had success while others have not. Mequiars product specialist, Michael Stoops had this to say:

“You can wax over vinyl stickers, decals and graphics if they are smooth and glossy in appearance. For those that are matte finished it's best not to wax over them, but we have seen some really good success with Gold Class Trim Detailer lightly applied to matte finished graphics.

A couple of things to look out for:

• Pointed edges on decals can be prone to lifting if rubbed over too often and once they lift, it's pretty much game over for that decal.
• Dark colored graphics against dark paint (think red on black, etc) may show dried wax along the edges that you'd have to clean up with some Quik Detailer and a soft brush. Not a serious problem, just a little extra detail work.”
  

All that said, I would suggest trying it in on a very small decal first to determine if it will work. Having a spare decal on hand in case it doesn’t, is probably another good idea. But with all the varied suggestions found all over the Internet, I’d say it’s a crap shoot when it comes to waxing over graphics. With so many unknown factors, it’s almost a mandate to try it and see if any harm is done. But there is clearly a risk, as determined by some.

[woodwalker]

I had a thor summit for 6 years and had it detailed and waxed twice a year. When I sold it it looked like brand new waxed decals and all

[Lloyd]

And one more.
RV Decals and the special care they require
My rig is 9 years old now, 8 in this picture. Do you see any cracks in those decals?
Turtle wax exclusively.

[mark5w]

You ask for facts, and I gave them from the manufacturer. Believe what you want, I don't believe in using wax.

This is another popcorn thread.

[woodwalker]

Cause not everyone agrees with you. Enjoy your popcorn

[mark5w]

I like being a lone wolf.

[Lloyd]

Originally Posted by mark5w

You ask for facts, and I gave them from the manufacturer. Believe what you want, I don't believe in using wax.

This is another popcorn thread.

If you bothered to read what I posted, you will find facts there also.
As far as believing what I want to--look at my decals-- the facts are in the pudding.

[mark5w]

Lloyd, It doesn't bother me. I know opinions vary. Just stating my preference. Just like in Truck Wars.

[woodwalker]

I like the idea of popcorn and pudding

[r2millers]

On our trailer, the previous owner only waxed up high enough to reach. Go figure?
The lower decals when waxed look original, the untouched, higher decals are cracking and need to be removed or replaced.
It shows me that even if wax Isn't the best option as the experts say, it really prolongs any deterioration.
I continue to wax everything.

[travelin texans]

The quickest way to screw up your decals is if you or some "professional" detailer adds bleach to the wash water. I've waxed my last several rvs with Turtle Wax & the only one that had decals messed up were the ones that "professional" washed with his "miracle" cleaner that smelled like pure bleach.

[Wendyy]

My RV had been sitting in my yard in the South Florida sun for over two years untouched. Mildew had covered the finish on the fiberglass. I purchased this product based on the reviews. I could not believe GelGloss not only cleaned the camper but actually brought back the shiny finish. No real scrubbing required. I would be proud to pull into any RV park after using this product.

[Papa-T]

I have to admit. I’ve never waxed any camper I’ve ever owned. Well, I’ve always washed with the combo wash and wax stuff. And of course I keep mine in an enclosed metal building I had built before I even built my house. So, that definitely keeps it from the elements and hard rays of the sun.