Here's a reprint from another one of my posts on research I did on graphics & the Montana graphics in particular:
Burlington Graphics has been the
ONLY vendor supplying decals for the Montana line.
---They are a 24 year old company that specializes in screen, flexographic and high resolution digital printing.
---They are considered one of the top graphic companies in the USA.
"Avery” (the leading name in labels & adhesive paper) supplies Burlington Graphics with the adhesive vinyl graphic paper.
---Graphics have a street life of 5 to 7 years
if maintained properly.
---It's a 2 mil cast paper and one of the best you can get.
---The thinner the better when it comes to the graphics industry. You don't want a thick edge on graphics. That just allows for water to collect & sit on the edge and that weakens the edging which allows for curling of the graphic and it gives the wind something to grab onto.
---As with anything else, whenever better vinyls and adhesives are produced, Burlington will upgrade to the newer product. That is why some folks who get replacement graphics might notice a change in them.
Any one of the below will shorten the street life of the graphics:
---Graphics applied to the vehicle in weather below 55 degrees.
---Live in areas that get constant hot sun.
---Prolonged exposure to the sun.
---Stored outside without a cover.
---High-pressured washed.
---Not waxed several times a year.
It’s impossible to keep our RVs out of the sun while traveling. But what we can do is:
---Try to get shaded campsites.
---Store the RV under shelter or get a cover for it.
---Hand wash and wax it more often. Washing and waxing is critical. We should be waxing every couple of months, at least. Waxing keeps water/rain/moisture from collecting and sitting on the edge of the graphic which will eventually work it's way under the graphic and the graphic will start to peel.
Why the graphics aren't laminated: Remember when many years back, the automotive industry had problems with the “clear coat” on automobile paint fading and cracking. It happened mainly to vehicles in the west due to the hot sun exposure, but was seen on vehicles across the USA. That is what would happen to laminated graphics on RVs with prolonged sun.
---Consumers who go to the length to have custom graphics installed on their autos & trucks, usually maintain them, wash & wax their vehicles far more than their RVs so laminated graphics fare rather well on those vehicles and the graphics will usually last their estimated street life. We had bought new a 1976 Datsun that ended up being afflicted with the “clear coat” problem and we definitely wouldn’t want to see it on our RV.
It's not known why some Montanas have problems
with their graphics right away and some still look like new.
The only thing that is known for sure...
since the street life of graphics under perfect conditions is estimated
to be at 5 to 7 years, we all will have problems with our graphics sooner or later.
If you have been told by your dealer or Keystone that the graphics year you need is out of print, or no longer available, or you are out of warranty, contact the nice folks at Burlington. They will help you.
Burlington Graphics says:
"BGS is willing to help other Montana owners whose RVs have gone beyond their warranty term."
If you are out of warranty and want help in replacing some or all of your graphics, take a couple pictures of your graphics and contact Don Jacob. His contact information is below:
Don Jacob
Customer Service Rep.
Burlington Graphic Systems
Ph: 262-554-8808 Ext. 1118 / Fx. 262-554-8586
don.jacob@burlingtongraphics.com