Fiberglass

[Fedexjettech]

My 2003 Journey fiberglass is chalky.No matter how many times its washed it stays chalky,no shine.Any suggestions.I can have it repainted but looking for a cheaper fix.

[arcaguy]

Originally Posted by Fedexjettech

My 2003 Journey fiberglass is chalky.No matter how many times its washed it stays chalky,no shine.Any suggestions.I can have it repainted but looking for a cheaper fix.

You probably need to wheel the coach with rubbing compound and a buffing wheel to remove the oxidization. Not a fun job but as far as I know that's the only way to get down to good gelcoat. When that's done you need to keep it waxed really well. Getting the coach painted is likely a $10,000 to $20,000 proposition unless you go to Mexico and get it done. Good luck.

[jllarson3]

Originally Posted by Fedexjettech

My 2003 Journey fiberglass is chalky. No matter how many times its washed it stays chalky,no shine. Any suggestions. I can have it repainted but looking for a cheaper fix.

Coincidentally, on the forum page for your question is an ad for "Poli Glow" a fiberglass rejuvenation product. (Hmmm... How did it know????)

I've never used it, but it might be just the ticket for getting your rig bright and shiny again.

https://www.doityourselfrv.com/rv-oxidation-poli-glow/

John Bop

[vseasport]

Originally Posted by Fedexjettech

My 2003 Journey fiberglass is chalky.No matter how many times its washed it stays chalky,no shine.Any suggestions.I can have it repainted but looking for a cheaper fix.

3000 grit sanding disks and orbital sander. Use a spray bottle with water and keep the area being sanded wet. It is a lot of work but the rig will look like a million bucks when finished.

[jerrybb]

I used Zep (a floor polish) on my previous '02 coach, the fiberglass was chalky and dead. A few coats of Zep really brought it back with little effort. Look it up on the forums, it's like Poli Glow, about $25/gal at Home Depot. Clean it thoroughly first then wipe it on and let it dry. Follow with another coat.

[PoliGlow]

The key to getting that rig shiny is to completely remove the oxidative layer of fiberglass. We recommend using an oxalic acid-based powder cleanser along with a 3M ultra-fine sanding pad (similar to wet sanding) to completely remove the white chalkiness. No matter what you put on the rig, if you still have oxidation, you will be masking that oxidation. The product will be applied to the oxidative layer and break down quickly. Unfortunately, as another person posted, there is no quick and easy fix to oxidation. Be careful of using Zep floor finish as it is made for floors, not gelcoat specifically used on motorhomes, and does not have any UV protection. The sun is what ultimately breaks down fiberglass and while Zep will make the surface shiny you are not protecting the fiberglass from further oxidation, only masking the problem.