sarman
Richmond, VA
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Joined: 10/22/2009
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I use a buffer and Maguire's polishing compound. 10 year old Corvette looks better than showroom.
* This post was
edited 11/07/09 04:23am by sarman *
'04 Cardinal 33TS LX
'07 Silverado 3500HD Duramax 4x4 (Daily driver)
Michelin XLT2 LT265/75 R16 LRE
Husky 16K Dual Pivot
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TDW
Fort Wayne, IN
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Joined: 09/15/2009
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Consider one of the new orbital polishers, not the rotary type. It is much easier to do damage with rotary versus orbital. I bought a Porter Cable 7424XP which uses different coarseness sponges to do the work. The sponges are available in different sizes from 4" to 7" and attach to the pad via a velcro approach. I used it on my 26 ft boat for the first time this year and the time was cut down from 4-5 hours down to just over an hour with my arms feeling a lot better than doing it by hand. It did a beautiful job. The other benefit is the orbital applies and spreads the cleaner wax better leaving a much thinner haze than by hand which is much easier to wipe off. I got mine at autogeek.net.
I had bought an older boat that oxidized badly from sitting directly in the sun for years with no waxing maintenance. The top of the boat which got the direct sun could not be saved. I tried one of the "coating products" and it added some shine but overall didn't measure up in my opinion. I removed it - be careful with this stuff. The sides of the boat that did not take the direct sun cleaned up nicely. I would think the sides of your RV would be the same - a 2003 is not that old.
dfb - I looked at your pictures and can see you like to keep your equipment clean and shining. Everyone has different standards on what looks good so be careful about the coating products to something as large as your RV. You might try Meguiar's Color Restorer and then wax. Try a small area - highly recommend the orbital polisher to help you. Good luck.
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Veebyes
Bermuda
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Joined: 11/24/2003
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If the gelcoat has some life left in there are many products that will TEMPORARILY restore it to a degree.
The problem is finding a product that will keep the shine for more than a couple of months. Washing, compounding then multi coat waxing/sealing is no easy task. There are many products on shelves that make all kinds of claims for easy application & buffing along with longevity.
Go into a marine store & get the best you can find. The difference in price between a cheap product is far less than what your time is worth.
As thomasmnile has discovered, Ya just gotta get a good buffer. $200 well spent.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter
RV: slightly pre enjoyed 2006 Alpenlite 34RLR LTD
2006 Chevy 3500 crew cab LT 6.6L Diesel
Ham Radio: VP9KL, IRLP node 7995
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dfb
gardnerville
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Joined: 09/29/2005
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Thanks for the replies and the understanding gang.. I have spent about 800 in the past year and the job looks good but NOT as good as new...Thanks again, you guys are great!
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