Paint and Body
Custom Paint and Graphics for RVs and Commercial Vehicles
About 10 min left
OCRV Center designs, sprays and applies custom paint schemes, reproduces discontinued factory graphics, and executes full color changes on recreational and commercial vehicles. Custom graphic work runs $1,500 to $9,500 and full custom paint schemes run $8,000 to $35,000 depending on complexity and surface area.
The problem with a fifteen year old coach that took a hit on the driver side is rarely the bodywork. It is the swoosh. Manufacturers discontinue graphic packages constantly, and once the die is gone the only way to put that coach back the way it looked is to rebuild the artwork from scratch.
We do that. Photograph the undamaged side, scale the geometry, cut new masks or print new vinyl, and reproduce it well enough that nobody can tell which side was repaired.
Reproducing Discontinued Factory Graphics
Reproduction starts with measurement rather than eyeballing. We photograph the intact side square on, establish scale from known dimensions on the coach, and rebuild the vector geometry from that reference. Curves that flow across a body line have to be plotted in three dimensions because a flat print will not lie down correctly on a compound curve.
From there it is either a cut mask and sprayed color, or printed vinyl, depending on how the factory applied the original. Sprayed graphics repaired with vinyl look wrong under raking light because the surface texture differs, so we match the original method.
Full Custom Schemes and Color Changes
A color change is a much larger job than a repaint in the same color, because every jamb, every edge and every area normally hidden by trim now has to be addressed. Skipping the jambs is what produces a coach that looks great until a bay door opens and reveals the old color.
We disassemble to the extent required to carry the new color everywhere it needs to go, and we quote it honestly, which usually means the number is higher than the one someone else gave you for the same description.
Sprayed Graphics Versus Vinyl
Sprayed graphics are permanent, hold up better to long term ultraviolet exposure, and cannot peel at an edge. They cost more and cannot be changed later without a repaint.
Vinyl is faster, less expensive, reproduces photographic detail a spray gun cannot, and can be removed when a fleet rebrands. It also has a service life, generally five to seven years in Southern California sun before edges begin to lift. We recommend based on how long the graphic needs to last and whether it will ever change.
Clear Coating Over Graphics
Sprayed graphics get cleared as part of the finish, which is what protects the color edge. Vinyl generally does not, because clear over vinyl can lift or wrinkle it depending on the film.
On commercial units that see high pressure washing we will discuss protective options, because the wash wand at close range is what destroys most fleet vinyl long before the sun does.
What Is Included
- Photographic reference and scaled vector reconstruction of discontinued graphics
- Plotting of graphics that cross body lines in three dimensions
- Choice of sprayed or vinyl application matched to the original factory method
- Jamb and edge coverage on full color changes
- Artwork proof supplied for approval before anything is applied
- Clear coat over sprayed graphic work for edge protection
Our Process
- 1
Reference Capture
Undamaged side photographed square on with known dimensions in frame to establish accurate scale.
- 2
Artwork Reconstruction
Vector geometry rebuilt to scale, curves plotted against the actual body contour rather than flat.
- 3
Proof and Approval
Scaled proof supplied for your review before any material is cut or sprayed.
- 4
Surface Preparation
Base finish prepped and, on color changes, disassembly carried far enough to reach jambs and edges.
- 5
Application
Masks cut and color sprayed, or printed vinyl applied and post heated to conform to compound curves.
- 6
Clear and Finish
Sprayed work cleared and polished. Vinyl edges sealed where the application calls for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you recreate the graphics on my RV if the manufacturer discontinued them?
Yes, and it is one of the more common requests we handle. We photograph the undamaged side square on with a known dimension in frame, rebuild the artwork as scaled vector geometry, plot any curve that crosses a body line in three dimensions so it lies down correctly, and then either cut masks and spray or print vinyl to match the original factory method. You approve a scaled proof before anything is applied.
Should I choose sprayed graphics or vinyl?
Sprayed graphics last essentially as long as the paint, cannot peel at an edge, and cost more. Vinyl is faster and cheaper, reproduces photographic detail spray cannot, and can be removed for a rebrand, but in Southern California sun it generally starts lifting at the edges around year five to seven. If the graphic is permanent and the vehicle is a keeper, spray it. If it is a fleet identity that may change, use vinyl.
How much does a full custom paint scheme cost on a motorhome?
A full custom scheme with multiple colors and flowing graphics on a large Class A runs $18,000 to $35,000 or more. On a Class C or a travel trailer the same treatment runs $8,000 to $18,000. A color change costs meaningfully more than a same color repaint because every jamb, edge and normally hidden area has to carry the new color, which requires disassembly a straight repaint does not.
How long will custom graphics take?
Artwork reconstruction and proofing takes three to seven business days on its own. Application then adds one to three weeks for graphics on an otherwise finished vehicle, or folds into a four to ten week timeline if the graphics are part of a full repaint. Reproducing a complex discontinued package takes longer than applying a design we already have on file, because the geometry has to be rebuilt from photographs first.
Custom Paint and Graphics is performed in shop at OCRV Center, 23281 La Palma Ave, Yorba Linda, CA 92887, serving Long Beach, California and the surrounding region. Call (949) 799-3387 to discuss your vehicle.
Get Your Vehicle Looked At Properly
Call the shop, describe what happened, and we will tell you what the realistic scope and timeline look like. All work is performed in shop at our 35,000 square foot facility.