We've discussed the yellowing effect on our coach finishes after several years of being exposed to the elements. Always alert for "new methods" of doing things, the following sounded too good to be true.
I found the following information on another RV site (have not included the author). Since I know absolutely nothing about the product and/or possible problems from using it, I would appreciate input from our Excel Forum experts. I can see the DW's face when I tell her all the decals fell off the coach and it turned yellow from my cleaning experiment!
I'll be sleeping in "Semi-Suite" by myself for the next year!
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I picked up this tip on one of the many RV groups that I belong to.
It was suggested that you use a product called Penetrol to renew the finish on fiberglass RV exteriors. I purchased a quart and tested it on an almost 20 year old motor home that we are selling. It works! The fiberglass looks like it has had a clear coat put on it. It really shines!
Product information is at the following website:
PenetrolWebsite
There is no mention of fiberglass refinish on the website, but on the back of the can it says the following:
Penetrol restores faded fiberglass on RV's, truck cabs and motor homes.
1. Wash with
DEKSWOOD(a cleaner manufactured by the Flood Company) according to label directions.
2. Saturate a rag with PENETROL. Then wipe it on, wait 5 minutes, and carefully wipe off PENETROL with a clean, soft cloth to revive color.
This product is available at Home Depot (and other places I am sure) for about $7.00 per quart or $25.00 per gallon. Located in the paint department. This product is intended to be used as a paint additive to make oil paint flow and/or spray better.
I got great results by washing the exterior very well. I put the product on with a 1-inch x 4-inch paint roller and a 2-inch x 3-inch painting pad. I put the product on MUCH heavier than directed. I did not wipe it off. It took several days to 'set up'. The finish was slightly tacky for about 48 hours in 80-degree weather. It has been about 4 days now and it is set up fine. It does not take much product. We have a 40-foot motor home and I used about 3 quarts. When I rolled the product on, there were small air bubbles in the finish and texture from the roller. After setting for about 10-20 minutes, the finish leveled out and looks great. I went right over the decals and stripes with no apparent problem.
DISCLAIMER.... I HAVE NO IDEA OF WHAT THE LONG TERM DURABILITY OF THIS PRODUCT. USE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK. I have several concerns as to what may happen to the finish in the long term. The finish may yellow, crack, craze, peel, or just fall off in a big chunk. After testing on a small spot, I decided to do the entire motor home because we were selling it. The finish looks (almost) as good as the day it left the factory. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>