Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 17, 2025 ...

Painting over graphics

June 11, 2015, 08:23:19 pm

This may sound crazy, but my graphics are in great condition but the colors are dated. Has anyone ever taped off and painted over the graphics with modern colors. This would be cost effective and give the coach a new look. Opinions please.

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Re: Painting over graphics

Reply #1 – June 11, 2015, 09:16:42 pm

i think you're talking nearly the cost of altogether new graphics. But, ask Xtreme if I'm wrong.

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Re: Painting over graphics

Reply #2 – June 11, 2015, 10:09:28 pm

I once painted over a vinyl stripe on my boat.  After a few years the paint cracked.

FWIW

Keith

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Reply #3 – June 12, 2015, 07:45:06 am

Good idea to call extreme and based on what I have read there are some primers that can be used to make it possible.

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Reply #4 – June 12, 2015, 08:05:35 am

There are products designed for this and it is a doable option, "BUT"  The final product durability is only as good as the substrate it is applied to and the vinyl is not as good as the fiberglass. I know it is a lot of work to remove the original vinyl but it would give you a much better, longer lasting product. The cost of Quality Automotive Finishes are not cheep and you will spend no more on materials to do a better job.

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Reply #5 – June 12, 2015, 11:13:31 am

I don't see how the savings warrant the risk. Why not spend a few more hours of labor to remove the vinyl and get a job that will last? The risk, spend 10% (if that?) less and then have to redo it AND remove the vinyl in the future.

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Reply #6 – June 12, 2015, 04:37:40 pm

I'm not going to paint over anymore vinyl... spent 3 weeks prepping for that and the results were so so..

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Reply #7 – June 12, 2015, 05:04:45 pm

Earlier it was said that the success of any paint or coating is reliant upon its substrate. 45 years in the polymer coatings business says that statement is so true. I highly recommend having the old decals removed and new ones painted on if you want to retain the original look of the coach. I think that if you are capable of removing the decals yourself without damaging the gel coat, the cost of painted decals is about the same as new decals and a much better choice long term. I have seen the painted decals on Nighthawks 1989 and they look great. I am not sure how long ago they were painted on but I know its over 5 years.

I have seen several people purchase "Decal Revitalization" kits as advertised in some RV magazines. I have yet to see one that works consistently or for the long term. Its impossible to turn something old into something new. Bite the bullet and get it painted. If you can fit it into the budget I also highly recommend having the coach clear coated and the roof painted if you plan to keep it for the long term. Your coach exterior is then virtually zero maintenance.

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Re: Painting over graphics

Reply #8 – June 12, 2015, 06:37:13 pm

Thank you all for your responses and opinions. My plan will be to upgrade my graphics but I will remove the existing ones. Then I'll decide  paint vs. vinyl . Either way will be better than painting over.

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