There are many reasons why you might decide to remove RV decals. The existing decals may not have been properly maintained and look worn or faded, they could be a style or color that you don’t care for, or you may want to replace them with your own personalized decals. Whatever the reason, there are many routes you can take to remove those unwanted decals! Here is what we have found to work best for us when removing decals from our RV’s exterior.
Step 1: Warm Up The Decal Adhesive
Everyone that removes decals seems to agree that HEAT is the best way to get started. People have tried different methods for applying the heat, and all of these have been proven to work! You can use a variety of different tools, we recommend:
- Hair dryer
- Steamer
- Heat gun
- Direct sunlight
Applying heat to the decal anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes (depending on the air temperature) warms it up enough to be removed more easily. Parking the RV so that the decals are in direct sunlight for a few hours will make your job much easier. The warmer the air is when you try this project, the easier it is to peel!
Step 2: Start Peeling The Decals
There are several tools that can assist in removing the decals. Sometimes your fingernail is all you need to get the peeling started. Other options include:
- Putty knife
- Razor (use carefully so you don’t scratch your RV!)
- Credit card
Depending on decal size, age, and air temperature, this might be a slow process. Your decal might peel off in very small strips, or it might peel off completely with one peel.
Step 3: Remove The Old Glue
You will need paper towels and gloves for this next step. After the decals have been removed, you will most likely have some glue that is left behind on the RV. There are several products you can use to help with the adhesive removal.
- Goof Off
- Rapid Remover Adhesive Remover
- Goo Gone
- 3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover
Simply apply the cleaning product onto the glue as instructed (with a paper towel or spray directly onto the RV), and let it sit on the surface for a few minutes. Using one of the scraping tools from the previous step, scrape the remaining glue off.
Your putty knife, razor or credit card should easily scrape off the adhesive after the cleaner has been applied.
Step 4: Remove Any Oxidation
After the glue is gone, you may still have some “ghosting” where the decals used to be. These ghosts are caused by the oxidation discoloring the area around the decals. You’ll have to remove the oxidation on the vehicle’s surface to match the color beneath the vinyl that has been protecting its surface area from oxidation.
A heavy-duty oxidation remover, such as Meguiar’s Marine/RV Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover, is what you need for this final step! This product will restore weather-exposed surfaces, reducing ghost images from vehicle surfaces covered by graphics. Work a section at a time using a small amount of product on a 100% cotton terry cloth towel. Rub thoroughly into the surface with moderate pressure. Immediately wipe with a separate cotton terry towel. Do not let the product dry on the surface.
Your RV is now rid of the unwanted decals and you can enjoy the blank surface or apply new decals!
You might also be interested in:
How To Fix RV Delamination
Buying a Used RV: Inspecting The Exterior
Lauren is a wife, mother of two, photographer, blogger and lover of nature and adventure! Currently traveling around the U.S. in a fifth wheel, Lauren and her family seek to live life to the fullest and continue to look for ways to simplify their lives in order to live larger with less. Follow along on their journey by visiting their family travel blog.
About the Author: Lauren is a wife, mother of two, photographer, blogger and lover of nature and adventure! Currently traveling around the U.S. in a fifth wheel, Lauren and her family seek to live life to the fullest and continue to look for ways to simplify their lives in order to live larger with less. Follow along on their journey by visiting their family travel blog.
The old type single edge razor blades also come in hard plastic. Work well.
what camera do you use. I want to photo wild horses and am now using a cell phone.
GENERATOR DOES NOT TURN OVER, CAN NOT START IT! HELP
Hello Jim,
Thank you for contacting us.
What is the year, make, and model of your RV?
Thanks!
Very proud of how easy it absolutely was to wash with a car wash mitt, sprayed on and therefore the shine came back immediately. Decal colors also returned. the following day there was a tiny low amount of wax chipping on the black decals, but this was easily wiped off with a microfiber. but 1/4 bottle of TR Wax used, 29ft RV.
I’ve found that nail polish remover works very well for removing glue residue.
use a rotary eraser.fits in any drill.will not do any damage to finish underneath decal.
How to get the warning stickers off
Hi Randy. Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send the email associated with your paid membership account. Thanks!
Ticket 35305 Decals have completely turned to junk, brittle and will not peel off even with heat. The glue i have tried many products to remove it and still no luck…. ie. goof off, adhesive remover, eraser on a electric drill, Steam cleaner etc.
Hello Dave,
Thank you for contacting us. Here is the experts response:
There are a few different products I used based on what is needed. They have used different adhesives for decals over the years so some things might work good on some and not others. Rubbing alcohol is good on some and will not cause damage to other things. Naptha (a light paint thinner) works well when rubbing alcohol fails. This is still pretty safe for the paint and side walls. If those don’t work I go to acetone. This is much stronger and can take off coloring in decals and other stickers so be cautious with this. Acetone actually breaks down adhesives really well but it is very strong so be careful where you use it. If you have good clear coat left on the walls it should be fine to use but if the clear coat is faded it is possible it might take some paint off as well. I would try rubbing alcohol or a light fast vaporizing paint thinner first. Just a enough on the rag to get the area saturated and sit for a few seconds and then use a plastic scraper to help get it off.
https://www.rvrepairclub.com/article/how-to-remove-decals-from-rv/
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
How do I remove the front window cover & reline insulation strip
Hello Carolyn!
We’d love to help! What is the year, make, and model of your RV?
Thank you!
Jessica
RV Repair Club Video Membership
I have found fingernail polish remover works great for removing the leftover glue.
Hi, I have just read you article on decal removing. I would like to know, do any of the techniques suggested have any effect on the integrity of tinted windows, ie does it remove the tinting ?
Removing decals is the easy part. The old glue is the chore. Tried all the products listed and more with little success. Finally found Turtle Wax Label and Sticker remover. Along with a plastic putty knife it works great. And much less time consuming than the other products!!!
Looking for new decals
Generator cranks no start,is there a fuel level sensing device and where is it usually located?, i.e.what determines the fuel level is too low and shuts down the generator.
Bill,
There is a fuel level sensor gauge inside of the fuel tank. It will stop the flow of gasoline to the generator when the fuel tank reaches 1/4. This is to prevent you from being stranded and left with no gas for travel.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
I would like to be in contact with other owners of similar units. To compare ideas and exchange ideas.
There are lots of Facebook groups for specific RVs. I’m a member of a “Coachmen Chapparel” Facebook group and it IS really helpful to connect with people who have the same rig.
Can I tow a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500, automatic, flat tow
Tony,
According to this dinghy tow guide, it is towable as long as it is the 4wd model.
http://images.goodsam.com/newmotorhome/towguides/DinghyGuide2007.pdf
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
Thanks for spreading your experience. Great tips explained. Covered almost every little aspect. Hope this might help campers and hikers. I really appreciate your article
Thanks, Bailey!
Where do I find the battery compartment and the inverter on my 5th wheel Camper trailer
Dear Harold,
We’d love to assist! Would you be able to provide us with the year, make, and model of your camper trailer? Any details you can provide would be most helpful!
Sincerely,
Jessica
RV Repair Club Video Membership
Being that my coach is fairly new most of the decals look great, however I have one that has turned dull and oxidized. How can I bring back the bright and shinny appearance to match the other decals? Is there a product to bring back life or do I have to replace it. Thank you..
Dear William,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
Most of the time when a decal has oxidation it would have to be replaced to get the full color and look back to it. It is possible that just the coating on it has gone dull and can be revived though. There are many products out there but using an RV wax could help restore the look. Thetford makes a wax that removes oxidation that could help you, I will post a link below with more information. I would try a product like this before replacement. I hope it helps!
https://www.thetford.com/product/premium-rv-wax/
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
What is the best way to remove decals from my motor home
Hello,
Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please click on the special offer below:
https://go.rvrepairclub.com/a19774/
Thanks!
No 12 volt from battries going into coach. Works on shore and on generator
Check to see if you have a remote ‘house’ circuit breaker panel. We have one that is located inside of a locked storage compartment. We suffered the same malady on our first trip some years ago. Found ‘house’ circuit breaker had tripped. Haven’t had any problems since. Good luck!
looking for new decals
Need front Decal for this wildcat 5th wheel make is RTRAV