Anything new eventually becomes outdated, but not always because some things can still look brand-new depending on the maintenance culture. However, some RVers struggle to maintain their vehicles, which leads them to sell for lesser money and purchase new ones, only to experience the same problems later on. This is especially true when it comes to shining a fiber-glass RV because the general perception is that doing so is expensive.
This article will educate you on how to maintain your fiberglass recreational vehicle at a minimal cost by self-polishing your fiberglass to look vibrant and identifying the root of the issue you constantly run into
How Do You Shine A Fiberglass RV?
Before you can determine how to shine your fiberglass or what you will use for your fiberglass, you need to know what exactly you are fixing as fiberglass deteriorates due to different factors such as scratch, sun exposure, and stain, humidity terrain but mostly oxidation.
Method 1: Using Oxidation
Your RV fiberglass is either exposed to little, moderate, or high levels of oxidation. Fiberglass exposed to little or moderate oxidation can be polished using a vehicle wax though this method is short-term as it wears down within one to two months.
Failure to attend to little or moderate oxidation will result in the fiberglass being exposed to a high level of oxidation which can be attended to in a step-wise process using abrasive polish or the wet sanding method.
- Sweep the RV rooftop and wash the Rv thoroughly
- Soak 1200 to 1500 ranging grits sandpaper into the water and add in some automotive soap which helps in preventing the sandpaper from damaging the surface.
- Place the sandpaper on a foaming block or handle it with a glove.
- Scrub the glass with the sandpaper gradually and stepwise to make sure you do not miss any part on the surface. Use lighter sandpaper of 2500 grits to scrub to correct any effect that might have been caused by the previous one.
- Stop sanding once the surface is smooth to touch and rinse the Rv thoroughly as it helps in the removal of unwanted elements from the surface. Dry the surface with a dry cloth to help prepare it for the coating process.
- Apply polish in a circular motion on the outer surface using a reliable product. You can either apply with a dry microfiber or with an electric buffer. Repeat this process to get the desired result.
- Wipe off any excess polish with a dry microfiber.
However, if you notice pieces of fiberglass dropping while you are scrubbing, confirm by using a pair of tweezers to pull the fiberglass, if you can get one to two strands, then you need to re-coat paint your fiberglass or visit a professional for further solution
Method 2: Stain
The steps required to shine an Rv fiberglass due to stain are quite different from that of oxidation
- Close all the windows and doors leading to the Rv.
- Spray the Rv with water using a garden hose.
- Scrub with hot water and dish soap using a sponge or microfiber to remove the specks of dirt.
- Rinse thoroughly by spraying water using the hose
- If stains persist, use diluted bleach, scrub the surface with either brush or cloth, and rinse thoroughly.
- Leave the Rv in the sun for it to dry completely. Open the windows and doors for the inside to dry peradventure water might have dripped inside.
Use the bug and tar remover if the preceding step proves to be too distressing for you. It’s crucial to utilize bug and tar removers since they may take care of stains and discoloration while also making it simpler to wipe up any leftover tree sap or dead bug residue.
Why Do I Need to Shine My Fiberglass Rv?
To boost the RV’s market value and restore its beauty and sheen, your fiberglass has to be shined.
What Causes Oxidation on Fiberglass
When oxygen in the air reacts with the gel coat layer on your fiberglass, it begins to oxidize, exposing the raw fiberglass to the element and causing the gel coat to start to wear off.
A few factors that hasten the oxidation process include high temperatures, humidity, air pollution, direct sunlight, and rain.
How To Spot Oxidation On Your Fiberglass RV
When your RV surface starts looking yellowish, cloudy, foggy, or dull, then oxidation is at work.
What Are The Tools Needed to Remove oxidation?
Different tools will be needed depending on the level of oxidation and the size of your Rv. being dealt with. For little, moderate, and high levels of oxidation, the following tools will be needed.
- Gloves
- Ladder
- Broom
- Sponge or a microfiber
- Mild dish soap or auto soap
- Hose
- Fiberglass polish or car wax
- A Pair of Tweezer
- 1200–2500 grit Sandpaper
- An Electric buffer
Contacting a professional is essential when you have used the tools to remove oxidation and your RV remains dull.
How Can I Prevent RV Oxidation?
If you adhere to a consistent cleaning and polishing routine, your RV won’t ever come to this condition.
Ideally, a wash with a wash and wax solution will wash and act as a source of protection by preventing filth from remaining on any surface. A monthly wash of the RV using mild dish soap and a sponge can also be used.
How Do I Maintain My RV Fiberglass Shine?
The easiest approach to keep the fiberglass on an RV shiny is to wax it once a year because this will stop oxidation from accumulating.
RVs shouldn’t be left to sit idle when not in use. If you’re concerned about the beauty of your Rv, keep it away from direct sunlight, high levels of humidity, and polluted areas when not in use. Keep it in a garage if at all possible, or use an RV cover to protect it.
This prevents the gel coat from oxidizing as a result of the damaging UV rays, dust, scratches, and other surface flaws as a result of this. Cover any little, insignificant fiberglass damage with duct tape to avoid things from becoming worse.
Use an Rv maintenance online tool or hire a professional to serve as a reminder when maintenance is necessary if you have trouble keeping track of the time. This will help you avoid expensive RV damage.
Conclusion
Shinning your RV might appear like a big deal though in the actual sense it is simple especially when you behold the beauty of your Rv after shinning it. However, it might take several days depending on the size of your Rv and the level of oxidation or stain you are dealing with.
Following the steps in this article, you are sure to have a vibrant-looking RV unlike the dilapidated-looking one using a high-quality product.
