Removing Tree Branch Marks

Chickadee · 10-02-2011, 06:00 AM

G'morning:

Say, from time to time some of us get those dang rub marks on the outside of our rigs from tree branches. The ones I'm talking about are NOT scratches or gouges, but those rub marks in our gel coat finish, etc.

Has anyone found a good way to remove such rub marks without permanently leaving a very noticeable scrub mark along the length of where the branch left a mark???

I know it probably depends on the type of finish we might have on our respective rigs, but there must be a way to remove these darned tree branch rub marks. Ya think???

Steve & Lynette

paz · 10-02-2011, 09:55 AM

Meguiar's fiberglass polish will work well to remove minor scuffs from gel coat. Order directly from Meguiar's or look in a marine supply. Automotive polishing compound will probably also work.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 10-02-2011, 03:41 PM

Any good grade of polish (not just a wax) should rub them out, with the addition of a fair amount of elbow grease, of course. If it is indeed gel coat and not painted, you want a fiberglass restoration polish. Boat stores often have some good ones, since oxidation of marine gel coat is a continual problems.

If it is painted (which includes clear coated fiberglass), you probably want an automotive type polishing compound, designed for paint rather than gel coat. I usually use Nu Finish to rub out spots on my painted rig - it has a bit more polishing action than my regular "shine" finish products. Anything labeled "finish restorer" or "brings back color" is probably a good polishing compound.

You may want to go over it with your regular "shine it up" wax product after using the restorative polish.

Chickadee · 10-03-2011, 06:03 AM

Say, Gary:

Yup, you're right, it is painted, not gel-coat, so I was hesitant to use some kind of rubbing compound. Was hoping to hear of some product that might sort of dissolve the the rub mark caused by the tips of branches without making the rubbed area stand out more. They're really not scratches as far as I can tell, but that mark left by residue from budd tips of branches, leaf stems or other soft branch material. Guess I'll try that "finish restorer" type of stuff on a small hidden spot first.

Thanks for your help.

Steve

OldChief7155 · 10-04-2011, 05:55 AM

Use polish, not rubbing compound. As Gary said, polish and elbow grease will do it.

az bound · 10-04-2011, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldChief7155

Use polish, not rubbing compound. As Gary said, polish and elbow grease will do it.

X2 for polishing compound. Rubbing compound is too coarse. A random orbital buffer makes it much easier.

stearn · 10-04-2011, 06:52 AM

I just got a nasty tree rub while in an older park that wasn't favorable to our rig size.It looked terrible! That said I used Mothers scratch remover. Took some rubbing but removed easier than I first thought. I waxed where I rubbed, and looks great.