How to fix and maintain outer finish?

[Time2roll]

Last year we purchased our '03 Class A. Spent early months renovating the interior. For as old as it is, I don't think the outside looks too bad... from a distance. Pics attached.

However, with one year sitting in the AZ (Phoenix area) sun, it has taken a beating. We haven't done anything to the exterior. The full driver side faces south. There is a photo that shows that the the white-ish side is now chalky. Touch it and the white comes off on my hand.

Other photos show other issues.

Where do we begin?? What do we use on it?

[Time2roll]

Here are two products I've looked at but would prefer recommendations from those who have tackled this kind of issue.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00409S8AG...v_ov_lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AY50X...v_ov_lig_dp_it

I'm thinking that we need to do some measure of prep work first before slapping a polish on. I just don't know what to do or how to address the issues.

[mr.tommy]

"the white-ish side is now chalky. Touch it and the white comes off on my hand."

The two products you provided with links.....forget it.
There are no easy products or steps you can do to fix your situation, just like there's no free lunch.

Just by your description above, that condition on your coach is called "Oxidation" and IT HAS TO BE compounded and then polished first to restore the shine and then protect it with a final coat. I personally don't use wax anymore for protection. UV rays are brutal to RV's—especially AZ sun...are you kidding me—so you have to use a product for your final coat to protect it from those damaging UV rays. I use RejeX.

Compounding, polishing and protecting is a DYI job but takes time, patience and the right products with a Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher. It took me 3wks. to do my coach when we first bought ours.

If you want more info on this PM me.

[rffowler55]

We have used Poli-glow on our 1998 Born Free, where there was a major oxidation issue, and our current 2007 Bay Star and have been very impressed with the results. If you decide to use Poli-glow, there are multiple videos available that show the entire process you need to follow. The final product results in a very hard shell that has a fantastic shine that holds up well to UV and other environmental factors. Poli-glow is only one of many great products that will work to address your issues and I am sure other recommendations will be forth coming.

[CADILLACXTS]

No easy way to restore that other than elbow grease.
Have done 2 RVS in your shape and come out like new.
Below is what I use and worked great but takes time. Just coat it with a quality wax when you are done restoring.




https://www.dewalt.com/product/dwp84...her-soft-start

https://www.amazon.com/3M-05719-Perf...20094706&psc=1

[CADILLACXTS]

And This:

https://csishine.com/products/csi-62...rip-cut-gallon

[bentjm]

Whatever you decide to use, pressure wash it first. That will get rid of a lot of the oxidation.

[CADILLACXTS]

Originally Posted by Time2roll

Here are two products I've looked at but would prefer recommendations from those who have tackled this kind of issue.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00409S8AG...v_ov_lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AY50X...v_ov_lig_dp_it

I'm thinking that we need to do some measure of prep work first before slapping a polish on. I just don't know what to do or how to address the issues.

Tried the Poliglow and looks great for couple years then turns yellow. Had to sand rv down and restore it properly.

[CLKimmel]

Originally Posted by bentjm

Whatever you decide to use, pressure wash it first. That will get rid of a lot of the oxidation.

Do you worry about water intrusion when using a pressure washer?

[BCam]

I found that Zep All-in 1 Pressure Wash does a great job in removing the chalky residue when used with a brush. I first tried it with my pressure washer but noticed that the areas where I used a brush were shiny. It's not a wax, just a cleaner.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ZEP-172-...C160/202056508

[Alpine36]

There's no free lunch when it comes to Fiberglas oxidation.
Purchase a good buffer, plenty of refreshments some good marine polish such as StarBrite or Meguires. I use StarBrite only because I have a bunch from my Fiberglas boating days. Once you cut thru the oxidation and achieve the level of polishing that makes you happy then you can enjoy the fruits of your labor and follow up with maintenance treatments of Wash N Wax All, NuFinish, spray wax or whatever floats your boat.
A big no to any high powered pressure washer.

[bigb56]

OK here goes, the sides of my RV had been gone over by "professionals" before I bought it but they did a lousy job and there was still swirls and oxidation beneath the wax they applied. First I bought a random orbit polisher and used Mequiar's Ultimate Compound, two passes, then Meguiar's Ultimate Polish, one pass then Meguiar's Flagship RV and Marine Wax. For the fiberglass roof, which was badly oxidized and chalky, I did two passes with the Meguiar's #50 followed by the Flagship Wax. I did everything in small sections and taped off the decals. My rig now looks like new. (Note that the roof radius edges I re-painted, but everything else is original)

I pondered a long time over the "miracle" products and just decided to try the old fashioned proven way first, and it worked for me.

[rffowler55]

Originally Posted by CADILLACXTS

Tried the Poliglow and looks great for couple years then turns yellow. Had to sand rv down and restore it properly.

Not doubting your experience but, we have had Poli-glow on our coaches for years with absolutely no yellowing. Even with Poli-glow, getting the coach ready to apply the final application is a labor intensive process but, well worth the effort.

[Time2roll]

Looks like I'll have my work cut out! Unfortunately, to use any of those products, I'll have to wait until late Sept. when the temps finally drop to the low 90's. --just more time for the sun to do its damage.

How do I handle the decals? The 3rd photo shows the condition they are in. I fear that if I tape them off (as one suggested) that they'll come right off with the tape. Is there anything that can be done? Some seem ok.

Thanks to all replies thus far! Looks like I've got a few options for products, and the ones I had found have been used with success by some of you.
The polisher and pad recommendation is appreciated as well.