Restoring finish on Gel Coat RV

[Takereasy]

Hello to all. I surely haven't done much of this so I'm seeking advice on which product to use as well as the items I'll need to get the job done.

I have a 1998 Motorhome 35' long. It is all fiberglass, white a white gel coat finish. The previous owner had it parked so that one side was always in the shade and the other was in direct sunlight.

The shady side, cleaned up very easy and has an excellent shine. The other side, waxing it leaves a blotchy look. Some areas shinny and some dull. The wax is a bear to remove as well leaving streaks.

I imagine, the side I'm having a problem with has oxidation which is causing the ill affects.

I have a cheap orbital polisher but it appears to be a waste of time, or, that I'm basically using it wrong. So it most likely will be done by hand.

Which is the best product(s) to address this problem?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Restoring finish on Gel Coat RV

Originally posted by Takereasy
Hello to all. I surely haven't done much of this so I'm seeking advice on which product to use as well as the items I'll need to get the job done.

I have a 1998 Motorhome 35' long. It is all fiberglass, white a white gel coat finish. The previous owner had it parked so that one side was always in the shade and the other was in direct sunlight.

The shady side, cleaned up very easy and has an excellent shine. The other side, waxing it leaves a blotchy look. Some areas shinny and some dull. The wax is a bear to remove as well leaving streaks.

I imagine, the side I'm having a problem with has oxidation which is causing the ill affects.

I have a cheap orbital polisher but it appears to be a waste of time, or, that I'm basically using it wrong. So it most likely will be done by hand.

Which is the best product(s) to address this problem?

Hi Takereasy,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online !

You should check out and read most of the thread I just posted in this thread to start with to get up to speed with the Meguiar's products and processes...

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10411

Here's another one for you...

Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer


If you want to continue doing this by hand, then you'll need to tell me if you are willing to apply two products, or just one. If your willing to apply two products, then I can recommend a dedicated cleaner that will remove the oxidation but you have to follow up with a wax as a cleaner type product will not leave the surface protected.

By hand you could go with one of these pre-cleaners,

http://meguiars.com/?boat-cleaners-compounds/Color-Restorer

http://meguiars.com/?boat-cleaners-compounds/Heavy-Duty-Oxidation-Remover

http://meguiars.com/?boat-cleaners-compounds/One-Step-Compound

And then follow this up with a quality wax. If you only want to do one thing then you'll want to get a strong/cleaner wax like this,

http://meguiars.com/?boat-liquid-waxes/One-Step-Cleaner-Wax

If I were in your shoes I would invest in a dual action polisher and apply all my products by machine, you'll get better results and save your arms and shoulders, plus you can use it on all your other rigs.

Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line

[Takereasy]

Thanks for the reply Mike. Sure, I'll purchase a G100 if it makes life easier. This 10" Orbital the dear wife bought me is junk, so I was hesitant to buy another.

I would prefer to go with individual chemicals for cleaning and waxing. I may be wrong, but I feel using dedicated chemicals would most likely have a better overall finish.

Since I would like to place one order and get started, I'd like to make sure I get everything I need at once.

Order a G100
Oxidation Remover/Cleaner
Fiberglass Wax

Which Pads do I need to order for the G100 for this Oxidation removal / waxing process?

Any other pad cleaners or anything?

Thanks.

[Pete-FWA]

On the 10" orbital....

Some of them are good for applying wax/sealant at your very last step in the process, if you have the right bonnet...they just don't have the power to do any cutting worth a mention

[Takereasy]

Originally posted by Takereasy
Thanks for the reply Mike. Sure, I'll purchase a G100 if it makes life easier.

Order a G100
Oxidation Remover/Cleaner
Fiberglass Wax

Which Pads do I need to order for the G100 for this Oxidation removal / waxing process?

Any other pad cleaners or anything?

Thanks.

Mike, I sure would like to get this stuff ordered but I'm still waiting on a reply on which Pads I need for the G100.

Fiberglass Gel Coat Using the Oxidation Remover
then applying the wax.

[Takereasy]

Going with a different Product

Originally posted by Takereasy
Mike, I sure would like to get this stuff ordered but I'm still waiting on a reply on which Pads I need for the G100.

Fiberglass Gel Coat Using the Oxidation Remover
then applying the wax.

I could not wait for a response any longer. I decided to go ahead and purchase a DA Polisher and Cleaner, and wax from a different vendor. Sure wasn't Meguiars.

Good luck,
Richard