Are decals a bad idea? (1 Viewer)

[Paddyfrog]

We were thinking of personalising our new for us, but second-hand, MH. My husband has a cutting plotter (for his work, but he is very artistic) so we could remove the boring old pink and lilac swirls on the side of the Challenger, and create something much more interesting to look at.
Has anyone done this? Would it be stupid to be so instantly recognisable? I'm not talking about adding a whole rainforest with masses of parakeets, just something discreet but of personal importance to us. Or is being instantly recognisable/identifiable a bad idea? What about resale later?
Thank you for your feedback and experience.

 

[Vanman]

For a simple sounding question, it opens a whole can of worms. If they are good and well done they could add to the vans worth and saleability ... conversely ... not.

Personally though I think it comes down to whether you are a 'live for today' sort of a person, or a save it for best/never sort. If the decals would make you smile when you saw them that's all that would really matter to me.

 

[Zigisla]

Not sure about how resilient they are to washing etc and logevity, but I love the idea of personalising your MH. If I had that equipment, I would stand out from the crowd. Why not

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[Silver-Fox]

Go for it i say

 

[hilldweller]

Thank you for your feedback and experience.

I've seen some stunning decals/artwork on vans. Go for it, it's all about doing your own thing.

 

[xsparks]

You will find that when you remove the old decals it will leave a ghost like impression of the old design. You will need to take this into consideration when designing the new ones.

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[Four of us]

When our boring Autocruise ones started to look sad we removed them using a hairdryer and I got busy with some bought stickers. We love the result and it makes us smile. We have had some very positive comments and they have been washed over with no problems. They might not be to everyone's taste but are easily removable if/ when we decide to sell.

So enjoy.

 

[Minxy]

Just be aware that it could affect the resale value if it's not 'original' so make sure you take that into consideration.

 

[Vanman]

I think that's very well done @keades it also makes me wonder if it's a theft deterrent, because it's much harder to hide that than to swap the plates

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[jollyrodger]

Go for it

 

[csd4t]

I do vinyl signs for a living, when the DVLA wanted self builds to "look" like a motor caravan from the outside I thought what better way than to actually call it so. Most good quality vinyl has a 5-7 year lifespan but if using printed vinyl then it needs to be laminated otherwise the inks will fade with sunlight.

 

[Geo]

I think that's very well done @keades it also makes me wonder if it's a theft deterrent, because it's much harder to hide that than to swap the plates

Sure is, I wouldnt steal it
It reminds me of Grannies old hand embroiderd Doylies
for the record it made me smile too

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[Geo]

You will find that when you remove the old decals it will leave a ghost like impression of the old design. You will need to take this into consideration when designing the new ones.

Just be aware that it could affect the resale value if it's not 'original' so make sure you take that into consideration.

Both these comment need serious consideration, desireability as well as value, the ghost effect is by far worse than you'd imagine even after some serious buffing and polishing
it will come back with a vengeance, so if you cant fully cover the old design re think your plans

 

[Anthea M]

Don't forget the windscreen one!

 

[magicsurfbus]

Stopped at the Gruissan aire recently I saw this huge German bus-like MH with a custom made decal covering the entire rear end. It was a photo of the back of the car he'd got stowed in his boot like Thunderbird 2. Talk about showing off.

Only issue I can see is that the body panels fade differently so any decals will leave traces after removal, and having to remove loads may put off buyers when you sell, otherwise go for it.

Our new vehicle has got swanky green motor racing themed graphics on the side (God knows why) including what looks like air intake grilles. I want to modify them so there are pairs of demonic looking eyes peering out, and maybe the odd talon or two poking through as if something horrible is imprisoned within. Probably not far off the truth actually

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[buttons]

View attachment 158749 When our boring Autocruise ones started to look sad we removed them using a hairdryer and I got busy with some bought stickers. We love the result and it makes us smile. We have had some very positive comments and they have been washed over with no problems. They might not be to everyone's taste but are easily removable if/ when we decide to sell.

So enjoy.

I like that, looks good...

 

[mitzimad]

partly it depends on the age of the van and how long you intend to keep it i wouldnt decorate a year old n&b that i would be selling in 2 years but i might on a ten year old eldis that i cant see myself selling anytime soon

 

[stuurman]

The back of my Hymer and the artist who made the decal (with his daughter). Photo taken in 2011 in Bonterra Park. I just love it. Go for it.

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[TheDogMan]

We always put decals on, usually using photo's of our dogs, on the motorhome, van and trailer, never found they have spoilt the paintwork when removed and I do think there is a good chance that thieves by choice would steal a bog standard vehicle first.

 

[Paddyfrog]

Well thank you all for that information! I think you have covered every angle.
My husband is quite the professional as he makes stone signs for a living, stone carver, and thus has access to wonderful, light-resistent vinyls.
So a few ideas buzz about. The MH is from 2001, so we will take care that what we put on is acceptable to a new owner. I would like something relaxing, like pink flamingoes standing in a cool pool with frogs and bullrushes (à la Camarague), or tropical, so parakeets, greenery etc. Will have fun working on the options. And of course a lizard here and there, because that is our symbol, as our garden is full of them! Thanks for those who took time to post their beautiful artwork, you inspired me. Lovely.

 

[xsparks]

Because the decals affectively act as a sun block you will notice a difference in the colour of the underlying paintwork.

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[Silver-Fox]

I do vinyl signs for a living, when the DVLA wanted self builds to "look" like a motor caravan from the outside I thought what better way than to actually call it so. Most good quality vinyl has a 5-7 year lifespan but if using printed vinyl then it needs to be laminated otherwise the inks will fade with sunlight.

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