Whether you have stripes, custom logos for your business, flames, or custom designs that even we can’t think of, your RV graphics are important to you, and expensive. Both of those facts are reason enough to keep your RV graphics in great shape as long as you can, which means protecting them even in the most daunting challenge most RV owners have to face: winter.
Whether you have decals that can peel off or a fresh addition of paint on the side of your RV, you’ll want to keep them in great condition. Here’s how to protect your RV graphics in winter.
First Things First: The RV Graphics Facts
Let’s get a few things out of the way before we get started:
- RVs are not cars. What worked on your car won’t necessarily work on your RV, and vice versa. Protecting RV graphics requires a new approach.
- Not all RV graphics are made equal. Adhesive graphics, vinyl adhesive graphics, painted graphics—the list goes on and on. Know your graphics if you want to protect them.
- Traditional products are not enough. Some RV owners even note that regular wax, when applied to graphics, can sometimes lead to less color quality over time.
Tips for Proper RV Graphics Care
Before winter really hits in earnest, you’ll want to make sure that you know how to care for your RV graphics in fair weather. Some people recommend RV covers for long-term protection of RV graphics against wind, snow, rain, and even sunlight, which can tend to wear away at the color of even well designed graphics if left unimpeded.
It’s important to wash your RV and dry it thoroughly on a regular basis: this keeps your graphics clear of debris as well as moisture. The longer your RV graphics are exposed to fair, dry air with limited exposure to elements like sunlight and precipitation, the longer your RV graphics can be expected to last.
Prepare the Right Tools for Winter
Before winter comes, be sure to give your RV a thorough cleaning, drying, and waxing. But look for a wax like Graphix Wax before getting started, as most ordinary car waxes might not be ideal for maintaining the long-term luster and color of your custom graphics.
Graphix Wax is a great way to get a head start on winter, but it shouldn’t be the only tool in your arsenal. Keep a snow brush handy to clear your RV sides of snow and debris as best you can. Be wary of scraping away ice, however, as scraping can potentially damage your graphics. It’s best to use a brush.
Give Your Graphics a Check this Winter
If you want added protection, use an RV cover regularly to ensure that your graphics are protected from the elements. If you don’t have an RV cover, you can put in a little time to check your graphics and make sure there isn’t any debris, excess moisture, or dirt getting to your graphics. Try to squeeze in a moment or two every few weeks to check your RV exterior for damage and excessive debris; if you find it, use a winter brush to clear it away. And remember: winter might be tough, but if you take the right steps to protect your RV, your graphics can be even tougher.
