Community Forums

hikerjohn66 · 12-22-2021, 01:40 PM

After it rains, my class A gets vertical streaks of what appears to be a white film or residue coming from the fiberglass roof. Is this normal for a six year old RV that has been stored outside in the Florida sun?

Spk64 · 12-22-2021, 01:45 PM

Yes, it’s normal. There are some options to reduce the chalking.
Wash regularly helps but last the shortest amount of time.
303 will extend it a little longer.
Waxing will extend Ben longer.
Painting has also been used to help reduce the chalking.
The older the coach gets the chalking can get worse.

Gary RVRoamer · 12-23-2021, 07:10 PM

The chalking is oxidized fiberglass washing off and running down the sides. You can clean it well and wax it (a heavy duty floor wax works ok), but the oxidation will soon return. The longer term solution is to clean off the loose oxidation powder and re-paint it. Dicor makes a Fiberglass Roof Coat paint but a quality marine deck paint works well too, e.g. Rustoleum Topside.

I washed mine with a strong detergent and then wiped it down with liquid sandpaper. Then masked off the edges and whatever I didn't want painted and brushed on two coats of the Dicor product. I brushed rather than rolled because there were a lot of things to work around on that roof, no not much open area where a roller would be effective.

The whole job took only about 7 hours, including dry time between coats.

HenryH001 · 12-23-2021, 07:25 PM

I was about to ask the same question. Thanks for the answers. You have not only helped the OP but me too.

hikerjohn66 · 12-24-2021, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

The chalking is oxidized fiberglass washing off and running down the sides. You can clean it well and wax it (a heavy duty floor wax works ok), but the oxidation will soon return. The longer term solution is to clean off the loose oxidation powder and re-paint it. Dicor makes a Fiberglass Roof Coat paint but a quality marine deck paint works well too, e.g. Rustoleum Topside.

I washed mine with a strong detergent and then wiped it down with liquid sandpaper. Then masked off the edges and whatever I didn't want painted and brushed on two coats of the Dicor product. I brushed rather than rolled because there were a lot of things to work around on that roof, no not much open area where a roller would be effective.

The whole job took only about 7 hours, including dry time between coats.

Have you seen any estimates as to how long the Dicor roof paint will hold up before it has to be reapplied?

Gary RVRoamer · 12-24-2021, 11:58 AM

No, but mine was in place for 3 years when I sold the coach. And still looked good.

EyezOpen · 12-24-2021, 06:09 PM

While I do not know the cost of Dicorthe below paint will seal well and last for many years.Not glamorous, just a solid paint.

ABOUT TOPSIDE PAINT
Rust-Oleum® Marine Coatings Topside Paint provides gloss retention and UV resistance in extreme weather conditions. Apply to fiberglass, wood or metal surfaces above the waterline. Flexible formula is easy to apply.

UV resistance
Durability in extreme weather conditions
Gloss retention
FOR BEST RESULTS
Applying two or more coats in one day or applying excessively heavy films will lead to insufficient drying of paint.

AVAILABLE SIZES
Quart

https://www.rustoleum.com/en/product.../topside-paint

Jake21 · 12-25-2021, 07:44 AM

I put three coats of Buskote on my roof in July. No more streaks.

cadillac_al · 12-26-2021, 06:59 AM

I don't see how a fiberglass roof is any different than a Corvette. I would think any automotive paint would work just fine. I haven't researched that Dicor but if it has extra sealing abilities for the roof openings that could be a bonus over auto paint.

Gary RVRoamer · 12-26-2021, 08:58 AM

The Dicor product is just a paint, not a leak sealer or an elastomeric coating like the Bus Kote. It's formulated for use on fiberglass roofing, but otherwise nothing special.

The question is whether there is any extra value in using an epoxy-type paint or an elastomeric that maybe seals and/or adds some insulating. The only negative I can see to using those types is some extra labor and maybe cost for the epoxy, so suit yourself.