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Topic: Peeling Sticker (Read 587 times) previous topic - next topic

Peeling Sticker

The leading edge on one of my stickers on the side of the coach is starting to peel away from the gel coat.  Is there a recommended adhesive to use to stick it back onto the gel coat or the best way to handle this so it doesn't get worse.  Right now it's only about a 1 or 2 inch section that is peeling.
Greg & Erin Burress
1999 U295 36 (Sold Aug 2021)
ISC 8.3 Banks Stinger
450 Watts solar
2019 Jeep Overland Hemi

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #1 –
You're lucky they've lasted as long as they have.  Once they start peeling, it's only going to get worse.  I found that nothing really helped to re-stick them, and the best option for me was to trim the peeling edges back to good vinyl with a razor blade, being careful not to scratch the clear coat.  I did that for several years until they got so bad that it was time for re-striping at Extreme.

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #2 –

You can trim back and apply a decal edge sealer.
Amazon.com: 3M Edge Sealer 3950 1/2 Pint 8oz for Vinyl Graphics: Health &...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Future Foretravel Owners
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Retired USAF, Retired DOD Civ's
FAA A&P, Indust. Eng., Acft Depot Lvl. Maint.
Larry and Becky Rountree

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #3 –
For trimming the curled edges, a single edged razor blade held flat against the decal and pushed along the length will quickly excise the failed edges, leaving the rest of the decal in decent shape.  Trying to score the decal with blade perpendicular  will be tough and probably result in some gelcoat damage.

Think positive.  Every bit of decal you remove now is that much less you'll need to do when it's finally time to remove em all.  That job is no picnic.
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #4 –
Thanks for all the advice.  Didn't want to use any adhesive that affected the gelcoat so cutting away the sticker seems the most logical thing.  The edge sealers makes a lot of sense and I'm going to order that.  I saw a thread from gracerace back in May on redoing their stickers which I think is something to do as one of my annual improvements to the coach.  Thanks again!
Greg & Erin Burress
1999 U295 36 (Sold Aug 2021)
ISC 8.3 Banks Stinger
450 Watts solar
2019 Jeep Overland Hemi

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #5 –
Greg I have personally used the 3m edge sealer mentioned earlier for over 30+ years in the aerospace community. If you are going to use it I would recommend masking off both sides of were you plan to use it. 1/16 inch is enough. More is always better. Pull the tape immediately after application so as the edges can relax down flat and not leave a noticeable seam. I'd does build in material. It has a applicator inside the can similar to a pvc cement can. It also has similar appearance. Also it will lightly yellow in several years. We replace all our stickers every couple of years so that doesn't bother us. We use it too Prevent erosion on the sticker and damage. It helps 95% @ 300mph. Tape and pull quickly it will look good. Don't tape it will look Horrible. Hope his helps.
Scott

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #6 –
Thanks Scott.  Do you know about what it costs to replace the stickers?
Greg & Erin Burress
1999 U295 36 (Sold Aug 2021)
ISC 8.3 Banks Stinger
450 Watts solar
2019 Jeep Overland Hemi

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #7 –
Absolutely no clue. Sorry
Scott

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #9 –
Greg
Try the Wrap Professor out of Killeen. They are the closest to you and do decals. At least they can give you a good quote.
THE WRAP PROFESSOR
Future Foretravel Owners
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Retired USAF, Retired DOD Civ's
FAA A&P, Indust. Eng., Acft Depot Lvl. Maint.
Larry and Becky Rountree

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #10 –
Edge sealer can work well at the beginning stages of your sticker issues, when you only have a few places that have started peeling, but once it starts in one location it's going to start in others very soon.  You literally have hundreds of linear feet of sticker edges that can and will start peeling.  It's a losing battle that can be delayed, possibly for several years, but not cured without removal and replacement.  Replacement with new vinyl or wraps is cheaper but won't last as long as paint.  Or, removing the stickers and going all white is another option that some have chosen.  It looks better than severely worn out stickers but does leave ghosting issues to be dealt with.

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #11 –
I have some ghosting on the basement doors as those stickers have been removed by PO.  I'm going to look into putting new stickers on.  What is the best way to remove the current stickers and are the sticker designs available from FT?  I suspect if I change the design I'll have some ghosting.
Greg & Erin Burress
1999 U295 36 (Sold Aug 2021)
ISC 8.3 Banks Stinger
450 Watts solar
2019 Jeep Overland Hemi

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #12 –
New stickers are no longer available from Foretravel.  They sold all of their old stock to a 3rd party years ago, that was and may still be selling them.  You'd have to search for more info on that.  But then you have ~20 year old "new" stickers, that may or may not work well.  If you go the sticker route, your probably better off finding someone that will create new ones for you.  I don't know if FT can provide designs for them.  I do know that John Smith (John & Stacey) went that route and had a local shop copy the existing design and was happy with the results.  You might PM him if he doesn't see this thread.

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #13 –
The PO on my coach removed the decals and put a 3m vinyl stripe on the coach, maybe an option for others. The colors are all on one piece of tape.

What did you do to your coach today VIII
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Greg & Erin Burress –
I have some ghosting on the basement doors as those stickers have been removed by PO.  I'm going to look into putting new stickers on.  What is the best way to remove the current stickers and are the sticker designs available from FT?  I suspect if I change the design I'll have some ghosting.
Check out these threads where others have removed old decals and used "wraps".
Almost Naked
Wrap is finished
40ft 1997 U320
 

Re: Peeling Sticker

Reply #15 –
Greg if you use the edge sealer down the road when you do replace your stickers you will regret putting it on. May do more damage than good in the long run. If you cost it out over the next ten years might be cheaper to pull and paint. Sticker may have improved but won't compare to paint. IMO. on our planes the new paint jobs have all the placards painted on because they last so much better.
Scott