Community Forums

FIRE UP · 10-16-2013, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pddgm

Thanks for all the tips. Am going down to the local hardware store and see if they have TCP, if not there is a Home Depot close. Also the buffer I am using is one of those little cheap round ones that Wally World and elsewhere sell for 29.95. It don't spin fast enough or is heavy enough to burn the wax off or hurt the paint. I have used one of these on other RV's and vehicles and never had a problem. I think the white area had never been waxed before and had oxidized badly. Again thanks for the tip..

Exactly!!!
The random orbital "BUFFERS", couldn't damage paint if you stood on them. Yes, the pro ones, like Dewalt, Sioux, Porter Cable, and others that are the ones that actually SPIN, at a lot higher RPM and are designed for the "Cut and buff" type work, and with the use of cutting compounds, WILL DAMAGE PAINT AND CLEAR COAT, IF, held in one place for too long, but a random orbital,

If your coach does just have standard fiberglass gel coat on the bottom, like many do, yep, it's most likely just seriously oxidized. Trying to bring back oxidized gel coat is tough. It's really does not have the design to be able to do that. Many guys on here have taken the time to sand and shoot it with a white top coat and clear coat. The results are phenomenal. But, it takes a lot of work and, you've got to
1. Have the place to do the work
2. Have the tools, air compressor, paint guns etc. for that type of work
3. Have no nosey neighbors that will complain to the county/city that you're painting and it bothers them

Most guys just throw ZEP or Red Max Pro at it and walk away. It's your choice.
Scott

pddgm · 10-16-2013, 02:01 PM

I remember seeing a product call gelcoat restorer somewhere. Thinking maybe in a boat dealership somewhere. Will check Wally World or one of the local boat shops, after all I am in Florida and everyone has a boat...LOL...Again, thanks for all the help and advise. Gonna rest a day or so and then give it a go to see if I can get the old wax off. Might try some extra fine rubbing compound.

Don and Barb · 10-16-2013, 03:55 PM

Make sure if you use TSP that you wear gloves. I used to be a janitor and used it to clean some plastic chairs. Chairs were very clean but it shrinks your skin, I had wrinkles on my fingers for years after that.

doc · 10-16-2013, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don and Barb

Make sure if you use TSP that you wear gloves. I used to be a janitor and used it to clean some plastic chairs. Chairs were very clean but it shrinks your skin, I had wrinkles on my fingers for years after that.

NOW I know what happened to my face!

Maybe that was not soap I used !

Cooperhawk · 10-16-2013, 04:21 PM

A previous owner had let some sort of stain run down the side and get into the gel coat on our Journey. I used a product from 3M called "Fill and Glaze" to rub it out. I had an old bottle of this and am not sure if they still produce it, but it works very well on gel coat. You may have to go to a body shop supply store to obtain it.

I first got it when my old 74 Corvette that I bought had turned orange from red. I just wiped this stuff on and was amazed at the effect.

Tim&Paula · 10-18-2013, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

You should check out the threads on Red Max #3 or Zep High Traffic Floor Coating. It works and lasts longer than auto wax. Many boat owners also do it on their chalking fiberglass hulls. Read the prep details using TSP and Bar Keepers Friend to prepare gel coat.

I use red max. Once you use it you won't use anything else. First time application is a lot of work. Each time after is easy. Looks fantastic and lasts longer than any automotive wax

Pirate · 10-18-2013, 05:18 PM

Fiberglass Restorer and Wax :3M US

Steverino · 10-18-2013, 05:56 PM

Another option for fiberglass is Poli-Glow. I used it on our 2000 this summer and have been pleased so far with the results.

Brockx · 10-19-2013, 04:19 AM

Just for info, Red Max is no longer available. ZEP has replaced it, there is a High Gloss and High Traffic, I used the latter, only because it was the all the local Lowes had in stock.

Air Baron · 10-22-2013, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steverino

Another option for fiberglass is Poli-Glow. I used it on our 2000 this summer and have been pleased so far with the results.

My former neighbor in Miami used it a number of times on older white fiberglass boats that he bought, fixed up and flipped. The results were amazing and supposedly last for at least a year. I have no idea how it is removed...so once started you are probably hooked on doing it every so often.

Steverino · 10-22-2013, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air Baron

My former neighbor in Miami used it a number of times on older white fiberglass boats that he bought, fixed up and flipped. The results were amazing and supposedly last for at least a year. I have no idea how it is removed...so once started you are probably hooked on doing it every so often.

I understand that Poli-Prep, which comes with the kit, will take off the PoliGlow. Have not had a reason to try it yet...