Dyed Fiberglass vs white fiberglass

[Unicorn Driver]

I see Winnebago and others sell a lot of Dyed Fiberglass coaches.

Does the Dyed Fiberglass have any advantages over plain white fiberglass?

Does it still use a gel coat?

[Scarab0088]

The color is in the gel coat. So like a sold surface countertop, a small scratch will be less visible.

The obvious advantage is over over decals - usually used on all-white body RV's. But dyed fiberglass should out perform a painted surface to remain colorfast in the long run.

Safe travels

[Unicorn Driver]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

The color is in the gel coat. So like a sold surface countertop, a small scratch will be less visible.

The obvious advantage is over over decals - usually used on all-white body RV's. But dyed fiberglass should out perform a painted surface to remain colorfast in the long run.

Safe travels

Thanks,

So they do not have decals at all?

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by 1stMH

Thanks,

So they do not have decals at all?

Different makers are doing different things.

The most common is like a tan gelcoat with decals. But some, like TMC's HDMax, is reportedly stripes of color in the gelcoat.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Probably still has decals, e.g. for logos and such.

Fiberglass is colored, whether it be white or some other color. The color is mixed in with the resin that forms the surface. A glossy surface is gel coat, which is simply a shiny resin compound.

Dyed fiberglass has been around a long time - you may remember the tan or cream colored RVs of the mid 90's. Nowadays it is offered as a low cost alternative to full body paint. Usually the color scheme is more basic than the swirly painted ones, more like a two-tone car paint job.

here's a View with the dyed finish.
http://www.lichtsinn.com/blog/wp-con...6/IMG_0496.jpg

[Unicorn Driver]

Thanks both,

So it's really not an alternative to full body paint.

[belanga]

We purchased our 2004 Gulfstream Sun Voyager new. After 3 years the base coat we though was paint was dyed Fiberglas. It was fading so bad that the MH looked bad. We were at the Gulfstream rally in 2008 and the company that painted their MH's was there. I complained to the them about the paint fading. He informed me it was not paint but dyed Fiberglas. After several meeting with Gulfstream they agreed to repaint the coach. I cost me $1500.00 and Gulfstream picked up the rest of the cost. The entire coach was repainted and now in 2017 I still get good comments from people about how it looks. I have saw other coaches the same year that didn't get repainted and they don't look good anymore. We ended up with a FULL body paint job and it still looks great.

[89sandman]

There is no substitute for full body paint. Gelcoat is a horrible alternative. Have spent way too many hours bringing dull and faded units back to life. Then it's a constant struggle to keep the gelcoat looking good.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by 1stMH

Thanks both,

So it's really not an alternative to full body paint.

Actually, some makers are selling RV's with BOTH exteriors - Full/Partial body paint AND Colored Gelcoat in the same lines.

Like, we saw two of 1 line (Windsport, I think) at a show side-by-side. The painted RV listed the paint as a $8,500 option.

The stripes/swirls on the one with the colored gelcoat were slightly raised but did not have the obvious edge of traditional decals. The sales staff said the graphics were part of the gelcoat.

Surely - stay away from decals...but if colored gelcoat, maybe worth looking into(?)
Unlike what was said above, gelcoat is MUCH more resistant to UV and Sun damage over paint. Problem is that owner's typically neglect gelcoat while waxing painted surfaces. With annual treatment using a poly-sealer, gelcoat can last indefinitely.

Best luck

[4Daughters]

Can you please give a good recommendation of a poly sealer? Thanks!!

[Scarab0088]

We recommend:
Wipe New® Marine | Official Site

This stuff was originally sold by the maker thru "As-Seen-On-TV" mail-order. Rust-Oleum (like the paint) bought the whole company and have grown it, just that good.

We are not affiliated.

Best luck