My RV looks sick...please help!

[RV Poppy]

Originally Posted by FIRE UP

RV Poppy,
May I ask, what year/model your Winne is? Based on your description of it's condition, I'd guess it's regular fiberglass sides, correct? Now, It would be nice if you could post some pics so I could see what I'm dealing with. I've done many "rub-outs" where the condition of the paint/fiberglass was in poor shape and brought them back to life. Without a doubt, it's going to be some serious labor, for sure. But, a professional buffer would help quite a bit. I'm not talking of those cheapo random-orbital wax applicator/removers, I'm talking about the pro models like the Dewalt: (DWTDWP849X)

Yes, they cost a bit but, they make you, and your project, look like professional has been at work. Of course you'll need some buffing
liquid/paste too. But, back to the problem. If your coach is in fairly sad shape, I'd start with, and you won't like this, some cleanser (Comet) comes to mind and some soap and water.

With the use of cleanser, you'll remove all oxidation, stains, deterioration and more. Then, you'll be starting with a new, fresh finish. And it will improve from there. Otherwise, you're polishing dirt.
Scott

Trust me. I would not just get on here asking for help had I not already tried multiple cleaners and plenty of soap and water. Have not tried the comet but doing that today with green cleaning pad. Do not think it will work either but will give it a go.

[JBDISCOVERY]

The suggestions to use ZEP have merit. Was reluctant to use it, but did so anyway. Looks great. Key is to clean the surface fully and then use the ZEP.
Believer now.
Regards,
JimB

1999 Fleetwood Discovery

[imob]

Originally Posted by RV Poppy

Trust me. I would not just get on here asking for help had I not already tried multiple cleaners and plenty of soap and water. Have not tried the comet but doing that today with green cleaning pad. Do not think it will work either but will give it a go.

Have you tried hitting it with a good pressure washer (2800 psi+) and a medium tip? Mine looked similar and that did the trick.

[powercat_ras]

Originally Posted by imob

Have you tried hitting it with a good pressure washer (2800 psi+) and a medium tip? Mine looked similar and that did the trick.

Use a 2800 psi pressure washer incorrectly and you will damage your RV side walls. Don't do this unless you have the required skill set. Perhaps you can practice on imob's RV before you do your own.

[imob]

Originally Posted by powercat_ras

Use a 2800 psi pressure washer incorrectly and you will damage your RV side walls. Don't do this unless you have the required skill set. Perhaps you can practice on imob's RV before you do your own.

Its white fiberglass... like a boat. You could blow water in seals and cause water intrusion. You could damage the graphics. But unless your using the pencil jet tip like its a CNC Router... it is not going to damage the fiberglass. and yes I did this cleaning on my own 16 yr old white fiberglass RV.

OH and for note really all I meant by a "real pressure washer" was more of meaning not using one of those electric ones that barely have enough power to move a leaf.

[426smartin]

Try bleach -- I did everything everyone suggested and it helped but bleach did the trick on the unpainted fiberglass. Mine had the small hairline cracks and it got the black out--- then I did the zep on the unpainted surface only!

[Rockwood27]

Originally Posted by 426smartin

Try bleach -- I did everything everyone suggested and it helped but bleach did the trick on the unpainted fiberglass. Mine had the small hairline cracks and it got the black out--- then I did the zep on the unpainted surface only!

The Zep Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover I referenced in post 10 is a bleach based product with surfactants. I believe the surfactants help keep the bleach on the surface longer and pull the bleach into the pores.

[RV Poppy]

Originally Posted by Rockwood27

Go to Home Depot and buy 8 things.
1. Bar Keeper's Friend (BKF)
2. Several packs of blue 3M scotchbrite pads
3. A couple of sponges
4. 3-4 Zep spray bottles
5. A bucket of Awesome powder
6. A gallon of Zep Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover
7. A gallon of Zep Wet-Look Floor Polish
8. A package of white rags or face cloths

Mix the Awesome in a bucket of water and wash the MH, starting with the roof. Next, pour some mold and mildew remover in a spray bottle. Spray the sides of the MH in small areas and wash with the sponge or scotchbrite. Rinse and repeat in a new area. Use a scotchbrite and sprinkle with the BKF. Scour the side of the MH. Yes, it will turn it scary dull! Rinse as you go. Rewash the MH with the Awesome. Wait for it to completely dry. Finally, pour some Wet-Look into a spray bottle. Spray some Wet-Look on a white (don't use color) rag. Wipe it on the MH with one stroke only...don't rub. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes. Repeat the Wet-Look application 4 or 5 more times until the streaking is gone. Your done for at least 2-3 years. Stand on the side of your MH and smile! You will see your reflection deep down into the surface!

I had similar black spots on my Itasca and all the rubbing and scouring wouldn't remove them. A quick application of the mold and mildew remover made them disappear in seconds.

Search for Zep wet look ...there are lots of great threads about its use and application.

For all of you folks that have responded to this post and blessed me with your input I thank you. In my short time using this forum I can see I will research it often. For all of you that have followed this post in hopes of finding a solution to your problems pay close attention. If your RV looks like mine did, then I must say that this is where you need to start. Thank you Rockwood27 for this info. I have not even gotten to the Wet Look part yet but the results thus far have me amazed. I have tried multiple cleaning agents, with various cleaning pad, and plenty of elbow grease, only to walk away cussing. I have followed this info step by step, but the biggest helper, in my opinion, is the mold and mildew remover. Cudos Rockwood27 and thank you a ton!!

[deandec]

Thank You for your success post.

Two important concepts that help make this forum so productive at times:

Your follow up post detailing your success is a very valuable resource to future researchers on this forum looking for a solution to a similar problem.

You can also use the "thanks" button at the bottom of a thread post to directly thank the poster who provided some info of help to you.

[spritz]

Originally Posted by RV Poppy

For all of you folks that have responded to this post and blessed me with your input I thank you. In my short time using this forum I can see I will research it often. For all of you that have followed this post in hopes of finding a solution to your problems pay close attention. If your RV looks like mine did, then I must say that this is where you need to start. Thank you Rockwood27 for this info. I have not even gotten to the Wet Look part yet but the results thus far have me amazed. I have tried multiple cleaning agents, with various cleaning pad, and plenty of elbow grease, only to walk away cussing. I have followed this info step by step, but the biggest helper, in my opinion, is the mold and mildew remover. Cudos Rockwood27 and thank you a ton!!

I used a product called Mold Armor sprayed on the end of a garden hose.
I used lots of different products to get it too shine again with a lot of work. Then I went back to a old reliable a paste wax from Turtle and wahoo what a product. Removed lite oxidation and left me a nice shine. Being retired I have lots of time to spend on her.
1982 PA Original colors.

[diga823]

Originally Posted by Rockwood27

Go to Home Depot and buy 8 things.
1. Bar Keeper's Friend (BKF)
2. Several packs of blue 3M scotchbrite pads
3. A couple of sponges
4. 3-4 Zep spray bottles
5. A bucket of Awesome powder
6. A gallon of Zep Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover
7. A gallon of Zep Wet-Look Floor Polish
8. A package of white rags or face cloths

Mix the Awesome in a bucket of water and wash the MH, starting with the roof. Next, pour some mold and mildew remover in a spray bottle. Spray the sides of the MH in small areas and wash with the sponge or scotchbrite. Rinse and repeat in a new area. Use a scotchbrite and sprinkle with the BKF. Scour the side of the MH. Yes, it will turn it scary dull! Rinse as you go. Rewash the MH with the Awesome. Wait for it to completely dry. Finally, pour some Wet-Look into a spray bottle. Spray some Wet-Look on a white (don't use color) rag. Wipe it on the MH with one stroke only...don't rub. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes. Repeat the Wet-Look application 4 or 5 more times until the streaking is gone. Your done for at least 2-3 years. Stand on the side of your MH and smile! You will see your reflection deep down into the surface!

I had similar black spots on my Itasca and all the rubbing and scouring wouldn't remove them. A quick application of the mold and mildew remover made them disappear in seconds.

Search for Zep wet look ...there are lots of great threads about its use and application.

Is there a temperature restriction for application of the ZEP cleaner, wax process?

[Beaver Isle]

I used zep on my new to me 2000 Georgie Boy Cruisemaster that looked terrible. I used the barkeepers friend to clean and followed the other directions as listed above. My unit is 34 ft so by the time I got around it was dry so I could go again. I gave it 5 light coats and it looks fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even the neighbors think so.

[RV Poppy]

Originally Posted by Beaver Isle

I used zep on my new to me 2000 Georgie Boy Cruisemaster that looked terrible. I used the barkeepers friend to clean and followed the other directions as listed above. My unit is 34 ft so by the time I got around it was dry so I could go again. I gave it 5 light coats and it looks fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even the neighbors think so.

I am totally with you on the new thing. Mine is not new either, but it is new to me and why I was so desperate to cleaner er up. Starting to turn it around one step at a time and once again you all have been great with your info and follow ups.

[buckstand]

Rockwood27 you are da' man!!
I had a little of that "black rash" show up on my coach so I went to Lowes and got a bottle of the Zep Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover. I sprayed some on a Mr. Clean pad and gently rubbed the areas. You could watch the black stuff disappear! I then rinsed it off with a wet rag and dried with a towel. I haven't gotten brave enough to do the "Wet Look" yet but I'm getting close.
Thanks!