Community Forums

Flick · 07-31-2013, 08:35 AM

Put 6 coats on about 14 months ago and still looks great other than one 4'x4' area that has started to flake. Followed everyone advice for prep to the "T" so I'm not sure what happened to this area. Any rate will ammonia and water strip it off or do I need to go to H.D. and buy wax stripper?
Thanks!

clyon51 · 08-01-2013, 04:04 AM

A stripper would probably be the way to go as I doubt ammonia would do it. I had a gallon of acetone lying around when I did mine. It worked great the few times I messed up.

bruceisla · 08-01-2013, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flick

Put 6 coats on about 14 months ago and still looks great other than one 4'x4' area that has started to flake. Followed everyone advice for prep to the "T" so I'm not sure what happened to this area. Any rate will ammonia and water strip it off or do I need to go to H.D. and buy wax stripper?
Thanks!

I would use the ZEP Stripper ... it's only about $10.

Sweetbriar · 08-02-2013, 05:30 PM

I had a small area flake also. Scrubbed with Bar Keeper's Friend which more or less feathered the original wax and then a couple of coats of liquid wax and you can't tell.

Flick · 08-03-2013, 04:55 AM

Yep, that's what I finally tried. A little Bar Keepers then more wax. Looks perfect. Thanks!

ALFAMAN · 08-29-2013, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flick

Put 6 coats on about 14 months ago and still looks great other than one 4'x4' area that has started to flake. Followed everyone advice for prep to the "T" so I'm not sure what happened to this area. Any rate will ammonia and water strip it off or do I need to go to H.D. and buy wax stripper?
Thanks!

Can you tell me something with putting 6 coats on your RV, How much did you use?? I have a 40ft how many gal do I need? Thanks

logansrun · 08-29-2013, 01:06 PM

Alfaman....if you don't spill any on the ground...one gallon should give you 6-8 coats and still have some left over....when applying remember less is better and no runs whatsoever!!!!!

Razzman · 08-30-2013, 08:53 AM

So just out of curiosity would someone explain to me the rational of using an indoor floor polish on a fiberglass exterior'd RV? Not slamming anyone at all, just don't get it. Having had boats for years I understand the importance of using a specialized UV stable product for gelcoat in the harsh outdoor environment and indoor floor polish made for the likes of linoleum isn't it. Especially when there are plenty of products made to do so. Again just asking.

CampDaven · 08-30-2013, 09:03 AM

And please tell how much effort and elbow grease and time per coat is required.

I want to gauge my capability against the challenge.

Romer1 · 08-30-2013, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CampDaven

And please tell how much effort and elbow grease and time per coat is required.

I want to gauge my capability against the challenge.

Having put 4 coats on my 34 ft Adventurer, I can tell you much less effort than 1 coat of wax. Wash with Dawn and Barkeepers Friend, rinse thoroughly, wipe on Red Max or Zep. No rubbing, buffing, etc.

clyon51 · 08-30-2013, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razzman

So just out of curiosity would someone explain to me the rational of using an indoor floor polish on a fiberglass exterior'd RV? Not slamming anyone at all, just don't get it. Having had boats for years I understand the importance of using a specialized UV stable product for gelcoat in the harsh outdoor environment and indoor floor polish made for the likes of linoleum isn't it. Especially when there are plenty of products made to do so. Again just asking.

This stuff is acrylic and I liken it to clear coating. I faught the chaulking for several years before I gave up. I've had mine on for 18 months and I'm super happy. It doesn't yellow and keeps a like new shine. I used the Zep HTFF (High Traffic Floor Finish) which is used commerially in high traffic areas. Since no one is walking on my MH, I figure the 5 coats I put on will outlast me.

BFlinn181 · 08-30-2013, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razzman

So just out of curiosity would someone explain to me the rational of using an indoor floor polish on a fiberglass exterior'd RV? Not slamming anyone at all, just don't get it. Having had boats for years I understand the importance of using a specialized UV stable product for gelcoat in the harsh outdoor environment and indoor floor polish made for the likes of linoleum isn't it. Especially when there are plenty of products made to do so. Again just asking.

Two rationals: Cost and effort. A gallon of Zep will coat an RV many, many times over. A gallon of Zep is well under $20. How much does "a specialized UV stable product for gelcoat" cost and how long before you have to apply again?
Once the surface is prepped with TSP and barkeeper's friend, the effort applying the finish is equivalent to wiping it down with a damp cloth. It takes more effort moving the ladder and repeatedly climbing and descending than applying the finish. For this effort, I get a finish that looks great and makes washing much easier for YEARS! Once a year I apply a new top coat and still on the original gallon.

I use the Zep High Traffic Floor Polish, I've been told it has more acrylic in it than the Wet Look.

chief02 · 08-30-2013, 10:10 AM

Its used on FB that is beyond wax and chaulking up rapidly. Its cheap and easy to apply and brings back a shine to old FG. No real UV protection but when you get to this point the damage is done. However, I have used it in my end caps and the waxed over it. Looks great and im not waxing the end caps so often.

RanCarr · 08-31-2013, 01:21 PM

Where are you people getting Zep and Red Max? I've seen it mentioned here before. We've been to Lowe's, Ace, Home Depot, WalMart, Camping World and K-Mart... no one carries these products.