My trailer has vinyl stripes that have become faded and are damaged in a few places.  I got a few quotes for replacing them that ranged from $500 to $1000.  I think this wouldn't be a difficult project to do on my own, has anyone done this?  Could I just purchase tape from a place like this: http://www.vinylstriping.com/ then take off the old and replace with new?

Mike

Replacing graphics can be a DIY project that will save many dollars. Decals and striping materials can be sourced from many on line vendors.

On aluminum, the removal of a decal or stripe, can result in a non faded area that was previously covered. This will show up as a darker area than the surrounding metal, and cannot be completely blended. Installing the same sized graphic or larger will cover this blemish.

Old materials can be removed using a heat gun, chemical stripers and mechanical means. Adding new graphics is usually a peel and stick method, using water and dishwashing soap to locate and smooth larger applications.

The only necessary tools for installation are a spray bottle, sponge, an old credit card or small squeege, a utility knife and a heat gun. A tape measure, masking tape and patience will be needed for the layout. If the graphics will be installed over rivets, you will need the heat gun, to soften and seat the new decals around the rivet heads.

In our area, I was quoted $450 for the installation (labour only) of two 8'x 2' graphics that I would supply. I spent an initial hour and a quarter on the original installation, and another 15 minutes or so to later finish the lot. Pretty good wages I'd say. 

Thanks Gard....I was actually thinking that the I would use the non faded area to my advantage.  I would replace with the same size graphics and use the area as a guide.

Will there be any need to remove glue after I take of the old stripes?  Will the new vinyl just stick down much like tape?

Mike

Will there be any need to remove glue after I take of the old stripes? 

Yes, you will want as smooth and clean a surface as possible. On bare metal, I use acetone. On painted surfaces there are many products available. Here's one:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&cp=18&gs_id=1f&xhr=t&q=decal+glue+remover&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1265&bih=761&wrapid=tljp1323970027500024&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=18381385623030549213&sa=X&ei=4y3qTty3OtOE0QHBt-XACQ&sqi=2&ved=0CGEQ8wIwAQ#

 Will the new vinyl just stick down much like tape?

If your stripes are adhesive backed, they will stick like tape. If they are decals, they will have less initial "sticking" adhesion and can be moved around, if applied on a thin bedding of water and soap. They will eventually dry and permanately adhere to the surface.

On smaller decals, it's quite possible just to peel and stick. On larger applications, I would recommend you use the water option. This lessens the possibility of wrinkles, misplacement and mistakes. Using the dry method, it's very difficult to reposition a graphic once it is applied. Usually, any attempt can result in the destruction of the graphic.