StickerYou Blog

But first, when do you know when it’s time to let go of your custom RV decals? Most can last you years when maintained properly, but when your decals start cracking or chipping because of moisture and sun exposure, then it’s high time to take them off.

Even when your decals don’t look like they’re holding on for dear life, most RV owners also opt to remove them once the colors have faded. When what used to be a bright and bold design turns into a faded or discolored piece that’s making your RV look older than it is, you might want to start the sticker removal process immediately.

Removing decals from your RV can also be a matter of preference. Your design might be outdated or just doesn’t suit your new style. Getting these old decals off gives you a clean slate to apply newer and more modern custom fit stickers on your rig.

You’re ready to get started. Follow this step-by-step guide to help you remove stickers from your camper successfully and with minimal risk of damage.

Step 1: Heat Application

Heat can loosen up even the strongest of adhesives, so it’s your best friend in this project. With your heat gun or hair dryer, apply heat to the decal until it warms up. Keep in mind that a heat gun can get much hotter than a hair dryer, so it might need a bit less time to warm up the sticker.

Step 2: Peeling with Plastic Tool

After a few minutes of heating the sticker, put your heating device aside and grab your plastic scraper or putty knife. Slowly lift a corner of the decal and start scraping it away from the RV’s surface. If you encounter any resistance while scraping, you can blow heat on the area again.

Step 3: Remove Leftover Residue

Once the decal is removed, you’ll likely have some adhesive residue left over on the surface of your camper. You can remove this with WD-40, Goo Gone, or any other commercial adhesive remover. Before you apply the solution to the entire decal, though, make sure to test the product on an inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t damage the surface.

Soak the adhesive residue with your chosen solution and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then, gently scrape away the adhesive with your plastic putty knife.

Step 4: Remove Leftover Oxidation

Especially if the decal has been stuck on your camper for a while, you might notice a ghost image of the sticker even after removing it. To tackle oxidation, you can use an oxidation remover found in most hardware stores. Apply it onto the affected area and spread it around with a polishing machine or soft sponge.

Step 5: Polishing

After the sticker removal process, restore shine to your camper’s surface by applying a coat of RV polish. Pour a small amount of the solution onto a clean, soft cloth and apply it to the surface in a circular motion, ensuring complete coverage. Add more polish to the cloth as needed.