Removing Stuck Strips: Camper Makeover Tips

Removing stickers from your camper can be a tedious task, but it's not impossible. The first step is to heat up the sticker with a hairdryer or heat gun. This will loosen the adhesive, making it easier to peel off the sticker. Next, slowly peel off the sticker with a plastic scraper or putty knife. Be careful not to scratch the surface of your camper. If you encounter any resistance, apply more heat to the area. Once the sticker is removed, use an adhesive remover like WD-40 or Goo Gone to get rid of any leftover residue. Finally, wash your camper to remove any remaining residue and give it a shiny finish.

Heat the sticker with a hairdryer or heat gun

Heat is a great way to loosen the adhesive on stickers, making them easier to peel off. To heat the sticker, you can use a hairdryer or a heat gun. If you are using a hairdryer, simply aim the hot air at the sticker for 5 to 10 seconds and then scrape the sticker off with a plastic scraper or putty knife. If you are using a heat gun, be aware that it can get much hotter than a hairdryer and may damage the surface of your camper if you are not careful.

When using a heat gun, hold it a few inches away from the sticker and slowly heat up the decal, starting at an edge. Once the decal is warm, use a plastic scraper or putty knife to gently lift and peel the sticker away from the surface. If you encounter any resistance while scraping, apply more heat to the area. Repeat this process of heating and peeling until the sticker is completely removed.

It is important to work slowly and gently when removing stickers with a heat gun or hairdryer to avoid damaging the surface of your camper. Be especially cautious if your camper has paint underneath the stickers, as the heat may remove the paint along with the stickers.

Additionally, if your camper is parked in direct sunlight, you can take advantage of the sun's heat to loosen the adhesive. However, working in hot weather may be less enjoyable.

Peel the sticker with a plastic tool

Once you've heated up the sticker, it's time to grab your plastic scraper or putty knife. You can also use a plastic razor scraper, or even a plastic gift card or plastic knife. Slowly lift a corner of the sticker and start scraping it away from the camper's surface. Be gentle, as you don't want to scratch the surface of your camper. If you come across any resistance while scraping, simply apply more heat to the area.

You can also try using an adhesive remover, like WD-40, Goo Gone, or Goof Off Sticker Remover, to help loosen the adhesive. Apply the product to the sticker and let it soak for a few minutes before attempting to peel it off. Always test the product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the surface.

If you're having trouble getting the sticker off, try using cooking oil. Apply the oil directly to the sticker and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The oil will soak into the sticker and loosen the adhesive, making it easier to peel off. You can also try this method by submerging the sticker in a container of cooking oil for 12-24 hours.

For particularly stubborn stickers, you may need to use a stronger chemical solution. Soak a rag or paper towel in nail polish remover, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol, and apply it to the sticker. Let it soak for about 15 minutes, then attempt to peel the sticker again. Just be careful, as some of these solutions can damage certain surfaces. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.

Remove leftover adhesive with a product like WD-40 or Goo Gone

Removing stickers from a camper can be a tough job. Even when the stickers come off, the glue often remains. This leftover adhesive can be removed with a product like WD-40 or Goo Gone.

WD-40 is a well-known lubricant that can help loosen the hold of sticky substances on surfaces. It is a reliable and safe option for removing sticker residue from a variety of surfaces, including car windows and glass jars. To use WD-40 for sticker residue removal, first, clean the sticker area by removing as much of the residue as possible with your fingers. Then, spray the WD-40 onto the affected area. Allow it to sit for several minutes to soften the adhesive. Finally, use a clean rag to wipe away the loosened adhesive and any excess product.

Goo Gone is another effective product for removing sticker residue. It is designed to remove sticky, greasy messes and can be used on various surfaces, including clothing, dinnerware, tables, carpets, cement, wood, plastic, and metal. To use Goo Gone, apply it to the residue and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a putty knife to remove the softened adhesive, wiping the glue onto a paper towel or kitchen paper. Finally, wash the area with hot, soapy water.

Both WD-40 and Goo Gone are readily available at hardware stores, automobile accessory retailers, and general stores. Before using any adhesive remover, be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area to ensure it does not damage the surface.

Remove leftover oxidation with an oxidation remover

Removing stickers from your camper can be a tedious task, but the process is simple. After you've peeled off the stickers, you will likely be left with some adhesive residue. To remove this, you can use an adhesive remover like WD-40, Goo Gone, or Goof Off Sticker Remover. Once you've removed the residue, you can then tackle any oxidation.

Oxidation is caused by the sun's UV rays. It occurs when the gel coating over your camper's fiberglass exterior starts to wear off, exposing the raw fiberglass to the elements. You will know your camper has started to oxidize when it begins to lose its shine and sparkle, and starts to look cloudy, chalky, or yellowed.

You can slow down the oxidation process by regularly washing and waxing your camper. However, once oxidation has occurred, you will need to use an oxidation remover to restore its shine. You can find these products at most hardware stores.

Apply the oxidation remover to the affected area and spread it around with a soft sponge or a polishing machine. After this, you can 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.

Depending on the level of oxidation, you may need to use a microfiber rag and polish to buff the surface by hand, or use an electric buffer. In extreme cases, you may need to wet sand your camper to remove the oxidation.

Wash the camper

Now that the stickers are off, it's time to wash your camper. Washing your camper regularly is important to prevent dirt, mould, and mildew from building up. Here's a step-by-step guide to washing your camper:

Prepare Your Camper for Washing

Before you start scrubbing, there are a few things you should do to prepare your camper:

• Gather your cleaning supplies: You'll need a bucket, a mild detergent like dish soap, a brush with a telescoping handle, a squeegee, a towel, and a hose. You may also want to wear shoes with good traction to prevent slipping.
• Choose the right cleaning products: If you have a metal camper, use a pre-wash and non-abrasive cleaner. For painted metal campers, you can use a standard car wash cleaner or a cleaner specifically made for metal RVs. If your camper is made of fibreglass, you can use an all-purpose RV cleaner or a wash-and-wax product.

Start Washing the Exterior

Once you have your supplies ready, it's time to start washing:

• Work in small sections: To make the job more manageable, work in narrow vertical sections, starting at the top and working your way down.
• Apply the cleaning solution: Use your brush to apply the soap and water mixture to one section at a time.
• Rinse each section: Once you've finished scrubbing a section, rinse it off with the hose before moving on to the next area. Pay extra attention to the wheels and lower areas that tend to get dirtier.
• Remove excess water: Use a squeegee to wipe off the water, and dry any remaining areas with a towel.

Clean the Roof

The roof is usually the dirtiest part of the camper, so it's important to give it a good cleaning:

• Start with the roof: Since water flows downwards, starting at the top will make the job easier and prevent rewashing.
• Wear proper footwear: Make sure to wear high-traction rubber-soled shoes to prevent slipping while you're on the roof.
• Use a pressure washer (optional): If you want to avoid using soap, you can use a pressure washer instead. Start at the top and work your way down, keeping the nozzle about 18 inches away from the surface. Be careful, as the pressure washer can strip graphics or loose paint.
• Rinse as you go: When you're about halfway done, rinse off the soap and dirt with the hose to prevent it from drying on the roof.

Detailing

Once you've removed all the dirt and grime, it's time to add some shine:

• Apply liquid wax: Use a large, damp sponge to apply liquid wax in large circles. You should be left with a dull film on the surface.
• Buff the wax: Use a dry rag to buff off the wax. This may take some effort, but it will be worth it for the shine.
• Clean the wheels and windows: If you have chrome wheels, use a chrome-specific polish. For enamel-coated or painted wheels, no specific polish is needed. A little tyre shine can also make your wheels look great. For the windows, use a window cleaner and newsprint or a squeegee to get a streak-free finish.

Frequently asked questions