Removing Wax

[Fleetwood13]

Hello Folks I have read countless posts about waxing and waxes. I have a newly acquired 2013 Fleetwood Storm with full body paint. Fleetwood told me I can wax the whole thing except the logo decals. I plan to wash it with a car wash soap like Blue Coral or similar using my microfiber on a pole. I will dry it with other microfiber cloths. Then I plan to wax with Meguirs, Rejex, Nu-finish, or Star Brite RV wax using an orbital polisher with microfiber polishing pad. All this I have learned from all of you.

Now finally my question- is there a special step to remove any wax that may be on the coach now or is that addressed when I wash it?

Thank you for helping the new kid.

[A32Deuce]

You could use a cleaner wax.

[450Donn]

Dawn dish soap will easily strip all old wax.
As a side note, I really like Colonite Fleet wax. It goes on easily and leaves a long lasting shine.

[tbos1958]

Originally Posted by Fleetwood13

Hello Folks I have read countless posts about waxing and waxes. I have a newly acquired 2013 Fleetwood Storm with full body paint. Fleetwood told me I can wax the whole thing except the logo decals. I plan to wash it with a car wash soap like Blue Coral or similar using my microfiber on a pole. I will dry it with other microfiber cloths. Then I plan to wax with Meguirs, Rejex, Nu-finish, or Star Brite RV wax using an orbital polisher with microfiber polishing pad. All this I have learned from all of you.



Now finally my question- is there a special step to remove any wax that may be on the coach now or is that addressed when I wash it?



Thank you for helping the new kid.

I have been told Dawn dish washing liquid removes wax.

[lass]

Dawn will definitely remove wax but be certain to completely wash it all off. Dawn will leave streaks which may need to be removed with compound.

I know. Had to use the buffer last week.

[wildtoad]

As above, Dawn will strip most waxes. Then the question is what next. If you really want a good shine, then clay the whole thing with a clay mitt and appropriate lubricant to get rid of all the particulates and water spots that have adhered to the paint. Then apply a wax or spray on polymer to give it some UV protection. I just did all of this to my 31 ft Newmar. No buffer required. Looks good but it’s 3 days I’ll not want to repeat soon./ wipe off

[Fleetwood13]

Okay thank you this is the first time I read anything about using Dawn.

Just so I understand is it necessary for me to wash the rig with Dawn before waxing?

I should have noted that there isn’t a single swirl mark or light scratches anywhere. The rig looks near perfect now but for one or two scratches up high likely from trees.

I don’t want to mess this up. Thank you again.

[tbos1958]

In all the years I’ve waxed cars I’ve never stripped it before I rewaxed. Your full body paint is supposedly automotive paint. I’d do whatever you do for your cars. Try a small inconspicuous area first. Then you can change methods if needed. If you really want it to be a spectacular job the clay bar and all mentioned above is the way to make it look showroom new.

[keymastr]

And to be clear, no one uses wax if they want it to last a long time. All the good finishes are polymer sealants and will last a year between applications in most cases as long as you are careful what you wash it with.

[F4Gary]

Wash it with Dawn, clay bar it if necessary, polish it (not wax), and then seal it.

Easy, right?

[Ray,IN]

FWIW, some MH mfgrs(Tiffin is one) state not to use micro-fiber cloths on the paint,as it scratches the paint. Micro-fiber cloths are made using some plastic fibers, or so I have read here a few days ago.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I see no need to strip previous wax - the process of applying the new finish will do that well enough. The paint on the coach is the same type as on your car and can be treated the same. If it is not oxidized or covered with road grime, you can apply a "wax" only product (actually a synthetic polymer sealant these days), but I would recommend a light duty cleaner/wax that will polish off road grime as well as any previous "wax" layers and leave a fresh polymer coating (sealant) for a nice shine. Probably don't need a buffer for that either, but that's up to you. A light duty cleaner wax should be easy to wipe on and off by hand. Meguiars, Nu Finish , etc. all have quality, easy to use products like that [my personal favorite for the RV was Protect-All].


If there is oxidation of the paint, you will need a product that has more "polish" in it, i.e. more gritty to get the oxidized layer off. A buffer can help there.

[egwilly]

Pick up phone an hire a detailer.

I've done this too many times.....done with it. Worth the $400 to me. I don't belong on ladders!

[Fleetwood13]

Thank you all for the input. I will give my rig a wash and put on a mild polymer sealant by hand with a soft sponge pad and wipe it off with soft towel.