Oxidizing Gel/Wax

[Tigger1]

Has anyone had experience with an oxidizing gel for a fiberglass motorhome. We want to wax an older model to restore paint and are wondering how we should go about this??

[Tha_Rooster]

I've tried some boat wax for oxidation on a 1995 MH and it did nothing.

[znt1186]

Amazon.com: Meguiar's M4965 Marine/RV Fiberglass Restoration System: Automotive

[Dutch Star Don]

I had a Class C motor home that got a lot of sun on one side. As the years went past, it got harder to wax. I found a shortcut. I sprayed Pledge on a 2' x 2' area and then waxed it with a paste wax. This helped the paste wax to glide over the oxidation. No matter what you do, you can make it look nice, but it won't last for long.


Your best bet may be to do the ZEP floor wax treatment that many do to old fiberglass.

[BeachDude]

The Meguiar's M4965 stuff works, but it's a multi-step process. Essentially, you will need to go over your oxidized coach three times.

If you just want to do it once, (with the help of a buffer), then Protect All Oxidation remover is really good.


If your coach is over 10 years old, and the gelcote is already powdery, you might want to consider the floorwax, (Zep mentioned above), option. It does look nice, but it will eventually turn yellow if not carefully maintained.

[Robby W.]

I use 2 3M marine compound products. First the heavier cut and then the Fitness-it followed by polymer marine wax. I do one area about 4x4 each time I get the motorhome out, each area takes me about 1.5 hours so it's a huge job. I've been at it for over a year and it's almost done, looks brand spank'en new again. I do use a wheel buffer on the first step but it can all be done by hand to. I'd recommend a obsoleting buffer if you've never used one before, less chance of buffing through your gel coat. There are a few ways to do this job, this is just the way I chose to do it.


Good Luck,


Robby

[Skeetobite]

Originally Posted by Robby W.

I use 2 3M marine compound products. First the heavier cut and then the Fitness-it followed by polymer marine wax. I do one area about 4x4 each time I get the motorhome out, each area takes me about 1.5 hours so it's a huge job. I've been at it for over a year and it's almost done, looks brand spank'en new again. I do use a wheel buffer on the first step but it can all be done by hand to. I'd recommend a obsoleting buffer if you've never used one before, less chance of buffing through your gel coat. There are a few ways to do this job, this is just the way I chose to do it.


Good Luck,


Robby

This is very close to what I have done... on my boat. At 42', it was a major chore that took me the better part of 3 days. The result is an incredible glossy finish that lasts a long time when the right wax is applied.

Over the years, I have found the best results and quickest work by using a Porter Cable 7424 buffer with foam cutting and polishing pads. The combination of this buffer and the foam pads eliminates the risk of burning your gel coat.

I get a full year out of my wax job in the central Florida sun and salt. By using Collinite wax, the sun and salt are held at bay for a full year! Diesel dust from the exhaust just rinses right off. I use their liquid wax (No. 925) for the large areas and hand apply their paste wax (No. 885) in smaller areas.

I've done this to the boat a few times over the past 10 years. PM me for any additional steps or questions.

No, I don't work for Porter Cable or Collinite.

[Robby W.]

Yes, Collinite wax is what I use. Couldn't remember the name.


Robby