The Best Waxes for RV Decals

A camper without painted graphics might look boring. RV decals help bring recreational vehicles to life. But, once you apply the decals of your choice, it does not mean you should not maintain their beauty.

This is where the best wax for RV decals comes into the scene. With the right wax for RV exterior decals, you can preserve the aesthetics of these graphics. Plus, the right product may also bring additional luster to the recreational vehicle.

Continue reading to know the best wax for motorhome decals. Also, you will find additional information about taking care of RV decals as you read further into this article.

Best Wax for RV Decals Reviews

1. 303 Marine 30350 UV Protectant Spray

The first item on this list is a powerful UV-blocking wax for RV decals. Its special formula prevents different types of potential damage to a camper’s graphics. In my experience, I found that this product helps protect against cracking and fading.

Also, it creates a matte finish to the painted graphics, an effect that I was not prepared to see. In contrast, some RV decal waxes on the market produce shiny results. In my opinion, I like the high-quality matte finish as it makes my camper appear more premium-looking than before.

Further, I’m quite astonished by this product’s ability to return lost color. I had my RV sitting under the harsh elements for a long time, which was a bad idea since it faded some of the colors on the painted graphics. But, a few spritzes of this product returned those colors and made it seem like the hues never deteriorated.

It is also reasonably safe to use on different surfaces. My experiments lead me to test this product on materials like vinyl, carbon fiber, rubber, and finished leather. These tests gave me first-rate results as the surfaces revealed minimal to zero damages from this RV-protecting spray.

2. Turtle Wax T-477R ICE Spray Wax

Transform your dull-looking RV into a cool-as-ice vehicle with this spray wax. This RV decal restoration product does more than protect graphics on recreational vehicles. It is because it can also give different vehicles additional security from sun and rain.

Perhaps its best trait is its versatility. I can use this formula on exterior surfaces like plastic, glass, and rubber. Furthermore, it restores the color and shine of different vehicles, such as motorcycles, sedans, and, of course, campers.

Using it is also a breeze. It offers a 3-step process to help protect vehicles and their painted graphics. First, the vehicle needs to be completely washed and dried. Next, I apply a light mist of this formula. Clean the wax with a microfiber towel afterward. Repeat these steps as necessary for the rest of the vehicle.

The spray bottle also adds top-notch convenience to its list of benefits. Unlike other waxes for RV vinyl decals, this container removes most of the guesswork involved in trying to estimate the right amount to apply. This feature removes about a few moments of trying to guess how much of the product is needed for each application.

A few seconds can be saved per application. But, add those seconds together, and it becomes a significant amount of time saved per vehicle-waxing operation.

3. Meguiar’s M5032 RV One Step Cleaner Wax

Say goodbye to wasting entire weekends waxing decals on motorhomes with Meguiar’s RV wax.

With this product, it only takes four steps to complete the waxing operation. First, I wash the surface of the recreational vehicle. The removal of below-surface defects like oxidation and scratches is next. Then, I apply this cleaning wax to the vehicle’s surface.

The wax dries reasonably fast, which means the last step is to wipe off the residue that may appear. Sometimes I don’t even have to wipe off any residue. Hence, it stays true to its ‘one step cleaner’ moniker for most cases.

Aside from offering top-notch convenience, this product protects both the surface and printed graphics on my RV. It also produces similar results on boats. I found that it creates extra durability to either vehicle’s surface, leaving the materials safeguarded against corrosion and UV rays.

It also restores faded colors and gloss, allowing recreational vehicles to look like they recently came out of the showroom. My friend had a camper vehicle that had not been waxed for about 13 years. It is astonishing to see how this product’s formula restored the lost color and luster for that vehicle.

4. Gel-Gloss WW-128 RV Wash and Wax

Put the ‘easy’ back in washing, waxing, and protecting recreational vehicles with this product. This RV decal protectant is a highly-concentrated formula developed by using bar soap.

Its soap components ensure that the formula is reasonably safe when organic matter, like flora and fauna, are nearby. Further, its biodegradable nature is phosphate-free, which might otherwise cause harm to campers and Mother Nature.

Not only did it protect my vehicle’s decals, but it also removed the dust, dirt, and grime that latched onto the RV’s surface. It even gave me sufficiently excellent results in removing black streaks.

The formula also spreads quite well across a large surface area. A quart of this product is appropriate to create about 16 gallons to clean and protect RVs. I even have some left after a cleaning and waxing operation, allowing me to use it on other materials like rubber, metal, fiberglass, and wood.

As for its finish, it is nothing short of satisfying. It does not leave any unwanted streaks, water spots, or residue. The formula also produces a nice, shiny glow.

5. Protect All 62016 All-Surface Care Cleaner

The Protect All Cleaner might do it all in protecting the quality and visual appeal of recreational vehicles. It has characteristics and features that rival most competing products. In some cases, this RV decal wax might even stand out on top.

For one thing, it offers a quick and easy application process. In my experience, I only needed to apply a reasonably small amount of the product to an area on my camper. A quick wipe with a clean microfiber cloth promotes even coverage over a reasonably large surface area.

The result is a slick yet slightly matte texture that efficiently removes static on the surface. This effect means that it becomes easier to clean the surfaces since dirt, grime, and other filthy substances can hardly stick on. Hence, future applications with this product can also become easier.

Further, this formula does not leave streaks or other types of residue. The outcomes are satisfyingly clear when dried.

I should also mention that the slightly shiny finish is thanks to the carnauba wax component. Its shine is quite comparable to the campers shown in showrooms. Thus, it means that using this product will make it look like a recreational vehicle is only a few days old, even if I have been using the RV for years.

6. Thetford 32517 Premium RV Wash & Wax

This Thetford Premium RV Wax offers one of the best values for a product that can restore and maintain a camper’s exterior aesthetics and function.

Starting its list of excellent traits is its versatility. Although it is marketed for RVs, this formula is also suitable for other vehicles. I had little to no issues when using it on other vehicles like motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, sedans, and ATVs.

Aside from being an excellent protectant to vehicle surfaces, I can safely say that this formula is one of the best RV cleaners on the market. Its cleaning performance is no joke as it can remove substances like bug carcasses, bird droppings, road film, dirt, and black streaks.

Moving forward, one problem I encountered with some RV decal waxes is their oily finish. Thankfully, that issue is not in this product. The results are non-oily, and it removes the static from surfaces, allowing for easier applications in the future.

It also protects RVs from harsh UV rays. After applying this formula to my camper, I left my recreational vehicle under the heat of the summer sun for a few days. The results were reasonably satisfying since I could not find any signs of color fading from the painted graphics.

Finally, this product is biodegradable. Therefore, it is sufficiently safe to use without the worry of harming the environment.

7. 3M 36106 Medium Cutting Compound Wax

This product might be the best wax for gelcoat RV because of several excellent reasons.

First, it does a great job in removing oxidation and scratches. It even works on different vehicles, particularly boats and RVs, as long as they are not silicone sensitive.

Second, it provides a multi-coated finish in one step. Apply this on a surface, and it cuts dirt, polishes, and waxes efficiently. Therefore, I do not have to schedule the entirety of a relaxing weekend to clean and polish my camper with this product.

Notably, the formula takes a reasonably long time to dry. Some people might find this trait as a shortcoming. But, the long wet time also means an extended shelf life. Plus, the residue is easier to clean when wet, albeit this product does not leave a significant amount of byproducts during applications.

The finish is also satisfyingly consistent. In comparison, some variants, especially low-quality RV waxes, tend to be quite inconsistent for their results. Thankfully, that is not the case with this 3M formula as it offers highly similar throughputs for every application.

8. Aero Cosmetics Car Wash Kit

This kit is more than a dedicated RV decal cleaner as it can also clean and protect vehicles. Further, its results can compete with the best in the camper maintenance product category.

Kindly note that most RV decal cleaners and waxes on the market only come as a single, dedicated product. But, this Aero Cosmetics kit is an entire cleaning and protection system. It comes with a full gallon for the formula, a 16-oz. spray bottle, four microfiber towels, a product guide, and a how-to-use guide.

The formula in question is quite gentle but powerful enough to remove tough dirt and stains. It also means that the product does not pose a significant threat to my skin if I drop some of the contents accidentally.

Further, it would seem that it works well with other similar products. I used this cleaning and waxing agent with other waxes, sealants, and ceramic coatings. The outcomes did not create issues, which is always a good sign.

As for the finish, it is non-sticky and reasonably versatile. This high-performing cleaner and protectant is great for different boats, cars, and RVs.

Not to mention that this product is fairly easy to use. All I did was spray it on and wipe it off with one of the microfiber towels included in the kit. By the end of the day, I had a clean and reasonably shiny RV.

9. cKee’s 37 MKRV-552 RV Vinyl Decal Restorer

Known to be one of the best RV compound and wax products on the market, this formula presents more benefits than many of its competitors.

One of its astounding features is its efficacy on vinyl graphics. It might not be the most versatile decal and graphic restorer out there, but it does its job well for what it can do. Its potency in restoring vinyl graphics is one of the best I have seen. It performs greatly in restoring the looks of 20-year-old vinyl graphics.

Still, I should note that it might have some difficulty in restoring ancient-looking decals. But, it does not seem to have problems restoring the aesthetics of fairly new vinyl graphics on RVs.

As its name implies, this wax is also usable on vinyl graphics on boats. It would seem that the finish enhances the vinyl decals’ water resistance. I applied this product to the decals on a friend’s boat a few weeks ago, and the colors of the graphics still look pristine.

Also, it does not require heavy rubbing to apply. A few wipes from a reasonably clean microfiber cloth is enough to spread the product across surfaces.

10. Meguiar’s M6316 Flagship Premium Marine Wax

Last, but not least, is this premium marine and RV wax from Meguiar’s. It has a range of benefits that can entice many marine and recreational vehicle owners.

For starters, it is reasonably easy to use. It requires four fairly straightforward steps for each application. The first step is to wash the surface. Then, clean visible surface defects. Apply this wax afterward. The last step is to wipe the residue with a clean yet reusable cloth or towel.

This product also does a reasonably good job in providing extra protection to RV and boat surfaces. I applied this formula to both boat and camper graphics. Then, I left those vehicles under the heat of the hot summer sun for a few days. I returned to the vehicles and saw that the graphics had little to no sign of damage from harsh UV rays.

My curiosity drove me to do further testing. So, I tried lightly scratching the waxed graphics. The wax does a great job in adding extra protection against light scratching to objects. It also removes light oxidation and swirls.

This wax is also quite flexible as it is usable either by hand or with a polisher. Both application methods provide excellent and reasonably shiny results.

What To Know Before Buying Wax For RV Decals

You might be planning to buy the 303 Aerospace Protectant RV decals solution or other waxes for painted graphics on recreational vehicles. But, ask yourself, ‘Are these the right products for my needs?’

Like buying relatively any product on the market, it’s best to consider some essential factors before finalizing the purchase. Some of these important elements are:

• Type of Application

Waxing solutions for RV decals tend to come in different types: liquid, paste, and spray-on. You can dig deeper into these types of RV decals in a later section.

Still, you must understand your specific requirements regarding your preferred application for the wax to purchase. Do you find it easy to use a liquid variant? Perhaps you prefer using spray-ons instead. Otherwise, a wax that comes as a paste would be your ideal preference.

• Purpose

Some waxes for RV decals may have different features. Certain variants allow camper owners to restore color and shine on vinyl decals. On the other hand, some options may be usable on recreational vehicles and marine vessels.

So, consider the versatility of the product before pulling money out of your wallet. As a rule of thumb, the wax with a high level of versatility tends to offer better value for money.

• Longevity

How long does a specific wax for RVs last? Lower-grade options may only last a few weeks to a couple of months. However, these can be good options if you are following a strict budget. But, consider the higher-quality variants if you want your RV’s graphics to last for about a year or more.

• Price

Certain waxes for recreational vehicles have fairly reasonable price tags. But, you can also find inexpensive and expensive options.

Remember, do not assume that an inexpensive wax will only offer low-quality results. Consequently, an expensive wax may not offer a satisfactory outcome.

Although the costs of buying an RV wax decal can become a major determinant if you will continue with the transaction or not, do not let it cloud your better judgment. As such, do not forget to think about other factors while looking at the price tags of products. In turn, you might purchase a product that will not give you buyer’s remorse.

The Different Types of RV Decal Wax

Different types of motorhome wax are in the market. Some of the more common variants to find are:

• Liquid Wax

Liquid RV wax can be the most common out of the different types of motorhome wax. You can generally find these in large bottles. Thus, liquid variations tend to be suitable selections for large campers.

• Paste Wax

Paste waxes may not be as famous as their liquid counterpart. It is because it requires more time and effort to apply. But, the main advantage to obtain from this type of RV wax is its large coverage. The right paste wax may allow you to cover your camper from top to bottom.

• Spray-On Wax

If you want convenient applications, consider choosing a reliable spray-on wax for RV decals. These products generally come in relatively small bottles, which might not be good choices for maintaining large recreational vehicles. Still, it might be challenging to deny that spray-ons are excellent time savers.

Benefits and Drawbacks of RV Decal Wax

The advantages and shortcomings of specific RV decal waxes on the market are generally distinct for each product. Still, some of the common pros and cons you may find on different motorhome waxes are:

Benefits of RV Decal Wax

• Applies extra UV protection to surfaces
• Usable on different materials, like wood, fiberglass, rubber, and vinyl
• Easy to apply
• Fairly reasonable price point

Shortcomings of RV Decal Wax

• Only usable on one type of material
• Might have difficult-to-remove residue
• May spread unevenly
• Might be sticky and/or greasy
• More expensive than other options

Who Makes The Best Wax For RV Decals

Different RV decal wax brands exist on the market. However, some companies tend to positively stand out more than others. These businesses generally know how to provide products that satisfy many motorhome owners.

One excellent example is Turtle Wax. If you have known about the recreational vehicle sector for quite some time, you may have already heard about this company.

Turtle Wax started by providing customers with the first bottled car wax. Starting in 1944, this business innovated the way RV owners maintained their vehicles. Over 70 years later, this company is still one of the leading motorhome wax makers in the industry.

Can You Wax Over RV Decals

One of the questions that may come to your mind is, ‘How to wax RV gel coat?’ Then, it will lead to another question, which is, ‘Is it possible to wax over RV decals?’

The answer is, ‘Yes.’ But, without some words of caution. You need to consider if the wax you are about to purchase is the right one. If you bought the wrong product for your motorhome decals or graphics, some issues, such as spotting and weakening, may occur.

How To Protect Your RV Decals

As mentioned in this article, one way to protect your RV’s decals is by purchasing and using an appropriate waxing solution. However, you can enhance the security of your motorhome by introducing other techniques. For instance, you can cover your camper when it is not in use.

How To Remove Oxidation From RV Decals

Many motorhomes have exteriors made of fiberglass with a gel coating. This coat is an artificial resin-based material to help protect the fiberglass. It provides a glossy and reasonably luxurious-looking shine to enhance a camper’s aesthetics.

But, oxygen can damage these looks. Thankfully, some techniques exist to help remove and prevent oxidation to your RV’s decals.

For starters, make sure to clean your camper regularly. Cleaning the motorhome at least once per month may help remove oxidation buildup and prevent it from spreading. Also, use the right RV wax and apply it at least once a year.

But, if oxidation is already beginning to spread throughout your motorhome decals, you might be able to remove this issue by using a non-scratch scrub sponge dipped in water.

How Do I Shine My RV Decals

Campers generally look their best when they have premium-looking shines. However, this luster may dissolve over time. You may restore that shininess by removing the oxidation buildup that might already be in the graphics. If DIY solutions do not seem to work, consider sending your RV to the professionals for expert help.

Conclusion

At this point, you should now know the best wax for RV decals for your specific needs. Keep in mind that the appropriate product should give you the best value for money. It should exude convenience, durability, and a reasonable price.

If you want to base your decision on my suggestion, consider buying the Turtle Wax T-477R ICE Spray Wax. Albeit the container’s spray nozzle might malfunction, it has benefits that far outweigh this slight shortcoming.

Philip Lopez

Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.