Community Forums

deepfish · 04-07-2013, 09:25 AM

I just purchase an 05 Itasca Meridian 39'. It has the silver/sand/burgundy full body paint graphics. It is still very shiny but had been left out in the sun and one side has both some clear coat flaking in 3 areas (all on the dark red/burgundy color) and on the majority of the rest of this side even though still nice and shinny you can see thousands of small fibers about 1/4" long that look to be under the paint but have migrated to the top and causes these tiny outlines of themselves. I would like to hear if someone else has seen this, what it is, if its going to get worse or if a good sealer and keeping it out of the sun at least when stored might keep it as is. I don't really mind the look as like I said still shiny and you have to look close to see them but I do want to keep them in check if they are moving towards the surface.

docj · 04-07-2013, 10:59 AM

What you describe is not that unusual on the darker colors of many coaches with full body paint. I have been told different stories as to what it is caused by. Some say that it is an interaction between the fiberglass and the paint itself. Others say that it is simply the result of heat on the paint. Some think that it has something to do with the change to low VOC paints.

As far as I know there is nothing you can do to stop it from slowly progressing. Some have told me that even if I repainted the problem would begin again. We also have it on the darker colored portions of our coach.

TRAILERKING · 04-07-2013, 11:12 AM

yes my '99 Fleetwood is the same on the darker colors. It's all real shiny but you see all the flecks in the paint, looks like a dirty paint job but it's not.

deepfish · 04-07-2013, 11:26 AM

Hi, Thanks fro responses so far. I have been reading a lot about people using the ZEP or other high gloss floor finish on their coaches. Most of those are using it to restore badly damaged surfaces. I didn't see much about using it on an already shiny surface like I have but it sounds tempting. You guys have any thoughts on using this product or suggestions ?

TRAILERKING · 04-07-2013, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepfish

Hi, Thanks fro responses so far. I have been reading a lot about people using the ZEP or other high gloss floor finish on their coaches. Most of those are using it to restore badly damaged surfaces. I didn't see much about using it on an already shiny surface like I have but it sounds tempting. You guys have any thoughts on using this product or suggestions ?

That is not going to change anything with the "Appearing Fibres" though.

Wizard · 04-07-2013, 02:19 PM

I used Poli-Glow on mine, some use ZEP floor wax, due to dull and faded white. Brought the shine back and supposedly filled the pores in the fiberglass. I will say that it is clear and any blemishes in the paint will show right through.

deepfish · 04-07-2013, 03:31 PM

Hi, Yes, I am going to sand down and repaint the few areas where the clear coat flaked off and also re-clear coat. Then once cured and a few minor touch ups and over all cleaning I want to coat everything with a good sealer. I just havenet heard of too many people of these forums using the ZEP or other on a shiny surface so hoping that's a good idea. Any other suggestions out there im all ears ?

ronspradley · 04-07-2013, 05:08 PM

Everything I have read says ZEP or RMP3 is for old faded fiberglass or paint. Not shiny paint..

ronspradley

MarkofSJC · 04-07-2013, 07:27 PM

If it's what I think it is...bad news, sort of. While the clear coat can be repaired, if the fibers your seeing under the dark colors look like 1/4" pick-up sticks going in all directions it's not a paint problem but rather a fiberglass problem.

There was a period that almost all manufacturers had issues. My understanding is that the composition of the fiberglass was altered (EPA requirement?) which should have required more time to cure before painting. But the cure time was never adjusted so the fiberglass particles closest to the surface were in a semi-permanent state, even after being sanded smooth...heat on dark panels allowed them to "float" to the surface just under the paint.

If your near any recreational water location that has a boat manufacturer nearby, I'd recommend having a chat with them. The good news is that I'm told it's only an appearance thing - no structural or water-proofing detriment. The bad news - to really "fix" the problem is not only a full repaint on at least the side affected, but steps need to be taken with the fiberglass itself before new paint is applied. Not cheap, I'm told (aka the cost of a small new car).

Someone that works with fiberglass extensively would be best able to provide you with better insight.

Sorry to be the bearer of costly, but not fatal news!

Mark

deepfish · 04-07-2013, 07:46 PM

Hi, Thanks for the detailed response. I agree with your assessment that the fibers are "floating or have floated" upward causing them to become visible imprints under the paint film. They are not protruding and are really hard to even feel them with the hand and the shine is still there as well. I don't mind that they are visible as you do have to look close to see them and they are under the paint. I am thinking that this happened as a result of being sun exposed in a hot area over a long period of time and now that I own the unit I will be storing in shaded or indoors and will have a good wax or sealer applied regularily to keep the surface as protected as I can. Do you have any suggestions for a sealer type of product to help reflect heat and UV and to keep those fibers from getting any worse ? Murray

Gary RVRoamer · 04-08-2013, 10:58 AM

The flaking can be sanded and repainted, but the "hairs" are a cosmetic defect in the fiberglass skin. My 2004 has them too, in the black painted portions, as do many dark-painted coaches from that timeframe. Several RV manufacturers sued the fiberglass supplier (Crane Composites) and won but did not pass on the benefits to owners unless they were still under factory warranty.

You can't polish out the hairs - it has to be ground down to eliminate them (they are surface flaws) and then repaint. And it will probably return in a 4-5 years in the sun anyway. The best solution is replace the entire sidewall, but that is much dinaro. That's what American Coach was doing for their out-of-warranty owners who were willing to share in the cost. I think Newmar did as well.

becks · 04-08-2013, 11:57 AM

A friend has the problem on his 2006 Holiday Rambler. He uses the ten foot rule, can't be seen from ten ft away. The idea being that it is best just to learn to live with it, and enjoy the coach.

Mr_D · 04-08-2013, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

That's what American Coach was doing for their out-of-warranty owners who were willing to share in the cost. I think Newmar did as well.

Yes, Newmar did, but on our 2002 MH the cost is $18,000 per side. Not worth it now.

deepfish · 04-08-2013, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by becks

A friend has the problem on his 2006 Holiday Rambler. He uses the ten foot rule, can't be seen from ten ft away. The idea being that it is best just to learn to live with it, and enjoy the coach.

Hi, Yes I agree, I am not at this point looking for a solution to somehow make them disappear rather on a program such as a sealer to treat the surface to add a good layer of protection in hopes of minimizing further degradation. Anyone with a suggestion on a wax or sealer to use on this nice shiny surface to help keep it that way would be much appreciated.