What wax should i use?

[Harleycruise]

Every time I wax the motorhome I have a hard time getting all the swirls out. It appears hazy, not a real good shine. Does anyone have any ideas on what I should use?

[justaroamer]

Not sure exactly what you have as to brand, year, finish, etc.
I can tell you that some brands in the '80's - 90's were not painted and had a very thin gelcoat layer on the frp panels that was compromised rapidly and easily by UV and/or over buffing. I have a friend with a '96 HR and he has exactly the same problem you described.
About the only fix would be paint, as one cannot polish fiberglass that lacks in a layer of Gelcoat.

[TdogKing]

I've used Protectant 303 on my Motorhome since 2001. It's easy to apply and remove, leaves no swirls. Another plus is you can spray it on everything, fiberglas, glass,plastics , rubber roof etc. It doesn't dry to a haze. It's also has UV protection built in . Water beads up really well on the surface which indicates when it's time to apply again. It seems expensive @ $53 +- a gallon but I can do my coach complete twice at least with that amount.

[Pepper2]

Yea, a wife with experience!

[Harleycruise]

It's a 2003 Itasca, all fiberglass for some reason the white doesn't come out that good. I tried several brands still the white doesn't come out good.

[Harleycruise]

Originally Posted by TdogKing

I've used Protectant 303 on my Motorhome since 2001. It's easy to apply and remove, leaves no swirls. Another plus is you can spray it on everything, fiberglas, glass,plastics , rubber roof etc. It doesn't dry to a haze. It's also has UV protection built in . Water beads up really well on the surface which indicates when it's time to apply again. It seems expensive @ $53 +- a gallon but I can do my coach complete twice at least with that amount.

That really isn't a bad price considering, where can you buy Protectant 303?

[greezykid]

Try Collonite they have a fiberglass or auto wax.Ive used it on my boat for years,also use there auto wax on motorhome.Its hard to beat

[Muncie_6spd]

Originally Posted by Harleycruise

That really isn't a bad price considering, where can you buy Protectant 303?

The best price I've found is at Amazon; $55.75 per gallon. I also use it on the EPDM rubber roof after cleaning it.

Amazon.com: 303 Aerospace Protectant: Sports & Outdoors

[Whatnobeer]

Originally Posted by Harleycruise

Every time I wax the motorhome I have a hard time getting all the swirls out. It appears hazy, not a real good shine. Does anyone have any ideas on what I should use?

Hi Harley. You might want to try a multi-step process to get the swirls out. I've just gotten into the RV'ing scene so I'm not sure how they're painted or coated. On cars you can do the following and it works like a charm:

Wash with Dawn to remove old wax
Clay bar (not sure how long it would take with a RV)
A good paint polish with some bite to it to remove some of the swirls
A swirl remover to get the rest out
A good wax (carnauba, polymer or combo)
Then top it off with a good sealant.

I use mostly Meguiar's products plus the Collinite that someone above mentioned.

What ever route you go good luck and I hope it turns out like glass.

[Harleycruise]

Originally Posted by Whatnobeer

Hi Harley. You might want to try a multi-step process to get the swirls out. I've just gotten into the RV'ing scene so I'm not sure how they're painted or coated. On cars you can do the following and it works like a charm:

Wash with Dawn to remove old wax
Clay bar (not sure how long it would take with a RV)
A good paint polish with some bite to it to remove some of the swirls
A swirl remover to get the rest out
A good wax (carnauba, polymer or combo)
Then top it off with a good sealant.

I use mostly Meguiar's products plus the Collinite that someone above mentioned.

What ever route you go good luck and I hope it turns out like glass.

Thanks I will give it a try.

[lms1943]

I just waxed our 36' Airstream, it is fiberglass with Meguiar's fiberglass boat cleaner/wax. I would reccomend using an orbital polisher, it does a much better job than you could ever do by hand. Mine is air driven, but a good electric one can be bought at Harbor Freight for a decent price, I also use 6" foam pad applicators. I changed them often as to they cleaned and became dirty
It's like eating an elephant, one bite at a time

[Zoafan]

I waxed our 98 Discovery and wasn't happy with it so I did the Zep floor waxing job and it is 100x better than the wax job.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/did-...ml#post1459556

[Deucenut]

You can also buy 303 protectant at Camping World. If I recall correctly, it was a good price there too. I'm not sure you can put it over paint though. But it works great on fibreglass and rubbers and vinyls.

[Whatnobeer]

Originally Posted by lms1943

I just waxed our 36' Airstream, it is fiberglass with Meguiar's fiberglass boat cleaner/wax. I would reccomend using an orbital polisher, it does a much better job than you could ever do by hand. Mine is air driven, but a good electric one can be bought at Harbor Freight for a decent price, I also use 6" foam pad applicators. I changed them often as to they cleaned and became dirty
It's like eating an elephant, one bite at a time

I hope you meant random orbital. A true orbital in the wrong hands and your paint is toast. It took me almost a year to learn what an orbital can do when properly used. I had an old 92 Saturn that I practiced on and my buddy said take a stab at his Caprice Classic. With practice you learn pressure, speed and angles that can leave beautiful results.

For your everyday waxer a random orbital is great for anyone, novice to expert. If you get good machine quality cleaners, polishes and waxes you can bring many things back to life. The best random orbitals out there are made by Porter Cable. Both Meguiar's and Griot's Garage have knock off's that are excellent also. I believe Meguiar's also makes a cordless polisher now also. There are quite a few websites to buy things from so do some wandering in the internet wilderness and you will find your way.