Anyone brought decals back to life?

hdrolling · 01-19-2017, 10:09 AM

So my 2015 Raptor front decal is starting to fade, and I was wondering if anyone has ever found a way to bring the color back or a way to make them not "look" as faded?

I know I will need it replaced if I want it to look perfect but I was wondering if using something like the "back to black" cleaners you use on the plastic parts of vehicles might make the faded parts look darker so it doesn't stick out so bad?

The whole decal isn't bad, just the top. I wash the whole camper after use, was surprised to see it faded that quickly.

I've been reading old threads and know it's common, also read the post on removing and reinstalling new decals. Just wondering if I can postpone for another summer but making the faded one not look as bad as it does now.

Anyone tried anything that helps the faded look?

JoePK · 01-19-2017, 06:48 PM

Hello, haven't had to fix mine yet - still looking good. Here's what I found on another forum:
1. Wash the decal area thoroughly and allow to dry.
2. Using 1500 grit, wet sandpaper available at your automotive supply or paint store, apply the sandpaper to a rubber sanding block, dip it in warm water for a minute or two, apply water to a small area of the decal and lightly sand using uniform pressure.
3. In very short order, you will see oxidized pigment flowing from the sanded area. Do not over-sand at this point!
4. Wash the area with clean water and allow to dry. When properly sanded, the decal should be uniform in color without any sign of "blotchiness" or non-uniform coloration.
5. If the area does not appear uniform in color, wet the surface again and continue sanding until a uniformly colored surface is obtained.
6. I should point out that at this point, the decal surface will be glass smooth over the entire sanded area when you are done.
7 After the decal is sanded and washed, apply a high quality wax. I found in my experiments that real Carnuba wax provided the best surface appearance and I suspect that it will also provide the best long term protection. However an extremely close quality finish can be achieved with "Maguires Cleaner/Polish" in place of the Carnuba.

In these experiments, I tried (in a addition to the wet sanding) extremely fine grade (0000) steel wool, "Protectant 303", "Maguires Cleaner Polish", carnuba wax alone, "Mothers Back to Black" and "New Finish" wax. None came even close to providing the quality of restortion obtained with the wet-sanded and waxed finish.

**JRTJH** · 01-19-2017, 07:25 PM

The 2015 Raptor brochure indicates that it comes standard with an "Upgraded graphics package guaranteed for 5 years". http://www.keystonerv.com/media/1746...ochure_web.pdf

It's listed in the standard features section of the brochure....

I'd contact your dealer and simply inform him that the decal has faded and you need him to take care of it.

Good Luck

hdrolling · 01-19-2017, 07:28 PM

I might have to try this, I've been waxing with Chemical Guys Extreme Depth Liquid Carnauba Creme Wax with X-Seal and a buffer.

We don't plan to get the camper out of storage until June so I have some time to play around with getting it to look better.

Ruko · 01-19-2017, 08:31 PM

We recently purchased a used 2013 Fuzion. While researching it one of the biggest complaints I found was that the decals would fade or peal off within a couple years. The owner said it the trailer had been stored outside so I expected the decals to be in rough shape. When we went to look at it I was very surprised to see they looked like brand new still. I mentioned it to him and he said he uses "303 Aerospace Protectant" to reduce the UV damage. He applied it twice a year and this trailer literally looks brand new after 4 years outside. I don't know if it would help revive your decals but it sure seems to keep them looking nice. I definitely plan on continuing to use it. Now I just have to find some.

gearhead · 01-20-2017, 04:26 AM

If the decals are the new kind with lots of little holes be very careful.
I had the usual black streaks under my scare light and tried to remove them with car wash soap, then a "black streak remover", then cleaner wax, then fine rubbing compound, then polishing compound. I did a fine job of dulling a 4" x 4" area of the decal.
You might try the black trim restorer. It works for a while. Feels like it has a lot of glycerine in it, or polymers.
If it's under warranty I wouldn't do anything. Don't give them a reason to deny warranty work.

hdrolling · 01-20-2017, 08:05 AM

I bought it used from a guy in FL that bought it somewhere in the midwest, should any Keystone dealer be able to handle warranty issues if I didn't buy from them?

gearhead · 01-20-2017, 06:04 PM

I don't know, but I'd chase that down sooner rather than later.

bobbecky · 01-21-2017, 07:26 PM

I see two options with that front cap. Pull the decal off and have an artist airbrush anything that pleases you, outdoor scene, an animal, or just anything, or, that front cap is prime billboard space for advertising, just like they put on cars and vans

hdrolling · 05-17-2017, 08:47 AM

Well just to update Keystone said the warranty on the front graffic is expired in an email I received from them, I replayed back asking about the "New Upgraded Graphics Package with 5 Year Warranty" listed in the brochure but have not heard back.

Taking the camper to the local Keystone shop Sat so they can take pictures and send it up through their channels to see about getting it replaced for me.

It's not sounding to good right now but at least I tried.

hdrolling · 05-17-2017, 10:13 AM

Keystone just replied back rather quickly:

"Thank you for your response, this is not a misprint. However, the first 1 year goes through Keystone RV warranty and the graphics company has a 5 year on the decals themselves.

Please note that if your dealership turns in the authorization request, we would cover it and work with the graphics company to resolve.

Hope this helps."

So the first email said "No, your out of warranty", 10 minutes later after I mention the 5 year their all about helping.

Maybe I'll get a new decal after all?

Frank G · 05-17-2017, 12:58 PM

When I was at Keystone last week in Goshen IN, I asked if they printed there own graphics and the reply was, no. Since the origin of the graphics is unknown (to us) I selected 3-M to look at there warrantee. With no hope of figuring out what products were used and whose Ink and machines were used in the production...good luck.

Anyways take a look at this.

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1...20Bulletin.pdf

I am happy Keystone is coming through for you, It gives us all some hope.

hdrolling · 06-27-2017, 08:54 AM

UPDATE****

Heard back today that Keystone is sending a new front decal and is covering 3hrs of labor to get it installed! Looking forward to having my 2015 look like it should again.

homer3 · 06-28-2017, 07:32 PM

Some issue with fade but mostly cracking lines like mini varicose veins. Any suggestions on this. I have found that trying to deal with Keystone is like a he said she said with no solution.

homer3 · 06-28-2017, 07:48 PM

one would think as much a share of the market that Keystone owns and then floods with their Cougar products that; 1. They would stand behind their products on warranty issues etc, as well, 2. they would have an abundance of repair parts/supplies for individuals who have purchased their products. Just speaking from a customer service standpoint.

hdrolling · 07-19-2017, 10:36 AM

Just to update, I dropped off my raptor at CW today to get the front decal replaced under warranty. They are also fixing a recall on the front steps that I have been meaning to bring in and get fixed.

hdrolling · 08-06-2017, 02:26 PM

Another update, it took 10 hrs for camper world to remove my old decal. Now they are going to completely repaint the front cap before applying the new decal.

I'm okay with this, but does it sound like they damaged anything removing the old decal.

I'm thinking a heat gun was used and messed up the paint, anything I should be looking for when they finish and I go to inspect? It's all covered under warranty so new paint doesn't sound bad to me.

Thoughts?

Goose · 08-09-2017, 05:12 PM

Use 303 protectant on your decals. Stuff works great. It's expensive at $15/bottle, but worth it. It's at Advance Auto Parts. May be at other stores as well.

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**JRTJH** · 08-09-2017, 05:31 PM

Goose,

You can buy a gallon of Aerospace 303 from Amazon for $53. Or, if you can wait, they usually have it on their Black Friday sales for $30.

https://www.amazon.com/303-30370-Pro...=aerospace+303

Goose · 08-09-2017, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Goose,

You can buy a gallon of Aerospace 303 from Amazon for $53. Or, if you can wait, they usually have it on their Black Friday sales for $30.

https://www.amazon.com/303-30370-Pro...=aerospace+303

[emoji15]Good to know. Thank you.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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